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5 Best Ball Python Enclosures

 


Most recommended
Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
  • Brand Exo Terra
  • Material Glass
  • 24 x 18 x 12 inches
A good choice too
Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat
  • Brand Zilla
  • Material Glass
  • Item Weight 17 Pounds
A good choice too
Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium
  • Brand Exo Terra
  • Material Glass
  • Item Weight 33 Pounds
Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
  • Brand Zilla
  • Material Glass
  • Item Weight 16.75 Pounds
MABELER Magnetic Acrylic Reptile Cage
  • Magnetic closure for easy
  • 360 degree
  • Size: 4×3.3×2.5 inch

Choose the Best Ball Python Enclosure

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Ball Python Enclosures

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85.71% of users selected Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding, 14.29% selected Zoo Med Repti Bark Natural Reptile BedDig, 0.00% selected Fluker Labs Repta-Bark All Natural Bedding, 0.00% selected Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding and 0.00% selected Zilla Snake and Lizard Litter. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

There are many different types of ball python enclosures on the market today. A buyer’s guide can help you to figure out which one is best for your needs and budget. In this article, we will take a look at some of our favorite options and discuss their pros and cons so that it will be easier for you to make an informed decision about your purchase.

Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

The Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Reptile Kit is a European herpetologist-designed amphibian or reptile cage. The front doors of the reptile habitat allow for simple upkeep and feeding. A specially created lock will prevent escape, and the doors may be opened separately.

This screen cover’s top transparency allows UVB light and infrared penetration, as well as easy access while decorating or maintaining. Inside the terrarium, 5 closable wire or tube outlets on both sides allow you to install Heat Wave reptile rocks, waterfalls, sensors, and other accessories.

A substrate reptile heater is mounted to the bottom plate of the reptile tank to warm a portion of the expanded ground surface. The extra huge fixed front window is perfect for thick layers of reptile substrates or reptile bedding (burrowing reptiles), lizard aquarium components, or installing a reptile hide den. The natural background for reptiles is the same color as other Exo Terra reptile décor and includes a type of climbing décor aspect.

Reptile accessories, terrarium decor, and terrariums from Exo Terra are available in a range of sizes to fit a variety of reptiles and amphibian pets, such as bearded dragons, geckos, snakes, crested geckos, turtles, chameleons, leopard geckos, lizards, and frogs. Some of the things that you need for a reptile are heat lamps, heating pads, thermostats, humidifiers, misting sprayers. It would help if you also had fake plants in your tank and vines so the snake could climb on them. You will also need a heat mat and heat bulbs. You will also want to have a thermometer and tweezers.

You must feed your snake food like live mice or rats because they don’t eat vegetables or fruit as we do. We give them calcium because it helps their bones grow strong like ours do too! Reptile light fixtures are used to make the lights brighter for reptiles. Reptile basking lights are used to give lizards warmth under them so they can stay warm.

Reptile caves are small spaces where reptiles can hide from predators. Reptile feeding tongs are long sticks with handles on the end that you use to put food into a reptile’s mouth. Reptiles need food dishes, or bowls, to eat out of too! You might want a dropper which is a tool that lets you measure how much water you need to put in their bowl too. Starter kits have everything needed for your little friend, like new homes and cages with tunnels for them to explore!

Pros
  • The glass tank is very durable and will last for a long time.
  • The front doors can be opened separately, so each door may have its own lock to prevent the snake from escaping.
  • access for installing heating rock accessories inside

Cons
  • This screen cover doesn’t let UVB rays penetrate into the habitat much at all
  • This reptile tank is not as deep from front to back


Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat

This is a good starter kit for people who have reptiles. This kit has 2 light fixtures, an incandescent bulb at night and a spot bulb during the day. It also comes with a screen cover for your reptile to stay safe. There’s also a gauge to check the temperature and humidity in the room. The Brown Terrarium Liner is a carpet that cannot be digested.

It does not make bad smells, and it is safe for turtles. There is also an easy guide to help you build the terrarium with this liner. Zilla, Inc. makes products to create and maintain good homes for turtles.

They offer everything you’ll need to start a terrarium or vivarium, including aquatic turtle platforms, bark bedding for your frogs, and glass terrariums. Zilla items also include essentials such as reptile food, humidity and temperature gauges, heat sources, lighting equipment, accessories, and nutritional supplements.

It is simple for you to get your very first pet reptile, develop in the sport, and become a zealot. For seasoned reptile keepers, we are dedicated to innovation.

Pros
  • This kit includes a lot of useful equipment
  • It is easy to find the items you need in this box because it has pictures on top to show what’s inside.
  • The heat lamp may have to be replaced within six months or sooner, but that depends on how hot your room gets during the day.
  • The cage doesn’t come with bedding for reptiles so you will have to buy something else if needed.

Cons
  • There are no doors at all on the bottom part of the tank which makes cleaning harder than usual
  • terrarium does not have any lights on it


Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium, 18 by 18 by 12-Inch

The Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is good for a reptile or amphibian. The doors in the front can be opened to let people in. You can open one door at a time. This screen on top lets UVB and infrared get inside, so it’s safe for them to live here.

There are 5 holes on the back of the screen cover. You can install heat rocks, waterfalls, and other things in your terrarium. The bottom plate is raised to put a heat rock below it to make it warmer. You can put a layer of a substrate under the window for burrowing reptiles. Or you can put water in it and have a paludarium. Or you could hang an Exo Terra reptile den from the window.

Pros
  • This Exo Terra terrarium is good for small reptiles and amphibians.
  • It’s very easy to clean with a screen on top
  • The temperature can be easily checked by looking at the bottom of the tank

Cons
  • This glass terrarium does not come with any parts like heat rocks or waterfalls
  • The holes in back are too big
  • there isn’t enough ventilation inside


Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit with Mini Halogen Lighting

The Tropical Vertical Kit is a tiny tropical reptile’s dream come true. Arboreal animals, such as the kind of creatures that live in trees, are the intended audience for this cage. The textured background décor element, substrate, and feeding dish are also included in the bottom of the terrarium.

This vertical reptile habitat’s Mini Halogen Dome with a light bulb, which is also inside it, is ideal for small reptiles because it gives concentrated light and heat while being more energy-efficient than a regular incandescent light bulb.
The front door of the tank has a latch and a pin to keep your critter safe. The top is also hinged to get into the tank from the top or from the front. You can read how humid and warm it is inside because there is a gauge for that. The dimensions are 12″ x 12″ x 18″.

Pros
  • This terrarium is good for arboreal reptiles
  • It has a lot of places to put decorations inside it.
  • It comes with substrate and food dishes that are easy to clean up after your pet
  • There’s an indicator on the back so you can see what temperature it is at without having to open the lid

Cons
  • This tank does not have any doors or locks
  • The top part where you get in doesn’t stay shut very well


MABELER Magnetic Acrylic Reptile Cage

This is an excellent way to feed your pet. The magnet makes it hard for them to escape. This also helps with caring for your pets because you do not need to worry about the food spilling out of its bowl. The quality material will last longer and be sturdy enough so that it does not break easily. There are many holes in the front and back.

This provides enough air to circulate. You can see all sides of your pet so they do not get stuck in one place. This jar is 4×3.2×2.4 inches big, and it’s big enough to hold tarantulas, scorpions, crickets, snails, or other small reptiles. You can look at the size of this jar before you buy it.

Pros
  • The top of this jar has a strong magnet and the bottom part is made out of glass so you can see your pet inside it
  • You do not need to open up the lid or take off any parts because there’s a small feeding door on top
  • This little terrarium comes with substrate for burrowing reptiles

Cons
  • The size is too big for most people that buy these kinds of jars.
  • It does not come with heat rocks, waterfalls, or lights.
  • You cannot put decorations in here like plants or vines without taking them apart first. This jar will break if dropped from high places onto hard surfaces


Buyer’s Guide

What To Look For In Enclosures For Ball Pythons?

Many people do not know what to look for in ball python enclosures. However, there are many things you should consider when buying a tank or cage for your pet.

First, make sure it is big enough so that the snake has room to move around and slither without hitting their heads on anything inside of it. You also have to be aware of how high off the ground this terrarium will sit because snakes cannot climb up glass walls like they can with wooden ones. If there’s a window where you could hang an Exo Terra reptile den from the window, then keep this in mind as well.

Next, check if all four sides open up since this makes taking care of your pets much easier than having them trapped behind one door. If you are getting a glass tank, then make sure there is some kind of lock or latch on the top, so it doesn’t open up by accident.

Lastly, look at how much substrate and accessories come with this cage because all ball pythons need different things to stay happy and healthy. Some tanks have heat rocks included, while others allow people to hang fake plants from them without having to take anything apart. Your pet must have access to water if they can climb into their bowl either through a little tube or stairs made out of wood. Substrate comes in many different types: coconut husk, sand, dirt, peat moss, play sand, and paper towels!

Important things to look for in ball python enclosures

More height than width – ball pythons are arboreal and enjoy climbing, so they need enclosures which will allow them to do that. The enclosure should be taller than it is wide, otherwise the snake has no room to climb up and explore its surroundings.

A ball python with a lot of vertical space in their tank is far more likely to feel at home and not get stressed out as much as those kept in small enclosures without any way for them to climb or perch themselves on high spots above ground level (which would make them vulnerable).

Bigger is better – some ball pythons breed in very small enclosures with cramped, dark spaces. If you`re not planning to breed your snake and have no plans of ever breeding it either, there’s really no need for the enclosure to be so tiny. It will stress out your snake a lot more than having an oversized tank where they can roam around freely without feeling confined or trapped at all times.

Excellent ventilation – ball pythons are quite sensitive when it comes to proper airflow inside their tanks because being American natives living in tropical regions, they require high levels of humidity which should never get too low thanks to good air circulation through vents that allow fresh outside air into the terrarium while also releasing moist warm air from inside it.

Properly placed and fitted screen top – Ball pythons are great escape artists, so you need to be sure that the lid or mesh covering your tank is properly fixed in place all around and there’s no chance of a snake finding its way out because of loose parts and poorly designed enclosures.

Remember: good ventilation also means making sure the humidity level remains high enough for proper shedding without allowing mold growth within the enclosure which can prove fatal for these small constrictors since they breathe through their skin as well as orally.

As mentioned above, ball pythons thrive best when kept in spacious tanks with plenty of room to move about freely while still giving them access to various elements such as branches and other surfaces they can climb on to give them something to do.

There`s no such thing as the perfect size for a tank, but you should always go bigger than smaller which is why it’s best not to buy one that’s too small for your snake because it will be uncomfortable living there even if its cage was properly designed from all angles. At the same time though, going with an enclosure that’s way too big isn’t recommended either since this might stress out your pet in ways similar or worse compared to keeping it cramped up inside a tiny space with little room to move about freely.

Appropriate size

Even though the size of your enclosure is not a huge consideration for ball pythons, it’s still worth considering. For smaller individuals, an appropriately sized enclosure would be something around 20 gallons in volume. Larger snakes will require larger enclosures, but you should avoid getting anything too big to start with as they can get quite messy and smelly, which isn’t suitable for anyone involved!

Consider security

The best way to make sure that you are selecting an appropriately sized cage is by measuring your snake prior to purchasing one. Ensure that there are at least four inches between the top of their head and any part of the lid or mesh panels when they are resting on the flat ground inside their tank.

Correct dimensions

First, you need to know what dimensions are recommended for a ball python enclosure. The general rule is that the snake should have an area about its body length by width and height. So if your snake is four feet long, then it needs at least an eight-foot long enclosure with a floor space of one square foot. Remember that snakes are usually more comfortable when they can stretch out in their enclosures rather than being cooped up all day, so bigger is better!

Durable materials

The best ball python enclosures will be made of materials that are resistant to the snake’s sharp teeth and claws. If it is not, sooner or later, your pet will damage its home and escape. A good choice would be a metal cage with a lockable door as they can handle heavy scratches from even large snakes. Another great option for those who want to make sure their pets cannot harm is a Plexiglas enclosure that looks amazing but is also safe for your beloved pet.

Avoid plastic as it is easily damaged, and your snake could escape through those holes. That would be very dangerous for both of you, so better to go with a different material than plastic which does not provide enough safety at all.

Easy to clean

Since ball pythons are so small, they only need a bit of space. You can easily buy an enclosure that is basically just a plastic bin with some holes and ventilation to allow the proper snake circulation. The best thing about using such enclosures is how easy it will be for you to clean them out: simply pop off the top and dump everything into your garbage! No scrubbing or getting down on all fours is required here; these bins make cleaning as painless as possible.

Well, it’s not that simple. If you want your snake to be happy and healthy, then yes, cleaning the bin is needed every week or two weeks – depending on how many snakes are in there. You can use a small brush for this job, but if you don’t have one, just get some paper towels wet with hot water (not boiling) and pour over the enclosure’s floor once per month; let everything dry completely before putting it back together.

Top Design Tips

Keep it simple. Less is more when you’re trying to create a clean and uncluttered design that keeps the focus on your product or service.

Accessories/Add-Ons

Ball pythons are happy with just about any type of hiding box.

Don’t bother looking for a “water bowl” or dish in an enclosure. Ball pythons do not need them, and they make it more difficult to maintain the humidity level inside your home. The tank floor should be flat, so that uromastyx lizards can get proper footing.

There are a number of accessories and add-ons that can be included in your design.

Some common add-ons include:

  • Waterfalls
  • Basking rocks/branches
  • Lamps and lights (best ball python enclosures)

It is also best to avoid using real plants, sticks, vines, and other decorations.

There you have it! These are the top design tips to keep in mind when planning out your next reptile enclosure. With so many options available, be sure to shop around and find something that works for both of you! (good because we did not cover all possible accessories or add-ons). I hope this guide has been helpful and encourages everyone who reads it to get creative with their enclosures: don’t just settle on what is already out there – create a true home for your pets by customizing every aspect, including substrate, hides, lighting, etc.

Cost

The first consideration is cost. You will have to set a budget and stick with it- buying the cheapest possible enclosure, as tempting as that may be, probably won’t work out in your favor because you will need to replace it several times until you find one that fits your needs perfectly. However, if money isn’t an issue, then go ahead and purchase the most expensive snake tank there is!

If you are looking to spend a little bit less, then there is also the option of buying second-hand or refurbished. There will be some minor scratches and dents, but these won’t affect the functionality of your enclosure in any way whatsoever, so if this is something that doesn’t bother you, it might save a nice chunk off your budget.

Other Best Habitat For Ball Python Basics

Other important considerations are the size, weight, and dimensions. There is no point in buying an enclosure that you will quickly grow out of- it needs to be able to accommodate your snake for its entire life span.

It’s also very important that the tank has a secure fitting lid with latches or strong clips; if not, then there is a potential risk of escape (and nobody wants their pet ball python on the loose).

The last but equally as important consideration is where you will place your new habitat? Generally, they are placed inside another room; however, it doesn’t have to be this way, so think about where you would like it before making any rash decisions because once purchased, habitats aren’t exactly!

Temperature

The temperature of a ball python enclosure depends on the local climate, whether it is indoors or outdoors. In general, they need a basking spot that reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient air temperature around 80 degrees F. A heat lamp with a ceramic heater must be used for heating, along with a bulb for ambient lighting.

A thermostat is essential to help regulate the temperature and keep it at the correct levels. If not, your ball python will become overheated and get burnt or stressed out from too high temperatures. As well, if the temperature gets too low, they could develop hypothermia which can lead to health problems.

The best way to monitor the temps in an enclosure kept outside is through a thermometer that also displays humidity levels (hygrometer). Inside enclosures such as vivariums should have both types of meters built into them already; otherwise, you can place separate ones inside near where your ball python usually stays during its normal routine so it doesn’t come in direct contact with the heat lamp or anything else that would stress it out and cause health problems.

The best ball python enclosures should have a thermostat to regulate temperatures, so they stay at safe levels for your pet snake while also having them easy enough to read so you can monitor what is going on inside without too much hassle.

Humidity

The humidity levels of the enclosure you have for your ball python are just as important to monitor. If they get too low, this can lead to respiratory infections, which will only cause health problems down the line.

A hygrometer is needed inside vivariums or other enclosures that are kept indoors, so you know your humidity levels at all times. An external one placed near your snake typically stays in its habitat should work well enough if it’s outside since most snakes don’t stay in one place often and roam around during different parts of their daily routine. The best way to track these temperatures is through a thermometer with a built-in measuring device along with an infrared heat lamp for ambient lighting.

If your ball python enclosure gets too humid, then mold can begin to grow on the walls, floors, and substrate. Again, this is something that should be prevented because it will only lead to health problems down the line for your pet snake if it starts getting exposed to this humidity level all of the time.

The best ball python enclosures have both a thermostat and a hygrometer, so you don’t need any other devices or tools to monitor these two things with ease and know what kind of climate your pet snake is living in at all times. If there isn’t one built into such an enclosure already, look for ones that come with either separate meters or those that display both readings together on their screens.

UVB Lighting

Many ball python enclosures come with a light that emits UVB rays. In the wild, these snakes would get this kind of lighting from being out in the sun or using their heat lamps to bask for them under different weather conditions.

In captivity, though, you must provide your own form of artificial UVB lighting so they can absorb it through their skin and metabolize calcium properly, which is essential for healthy bone development over time. The best way to do this is by placing a special fluorescent bulb designed for reptiles inside the enclosure directly above where your snake will usually stay during its routines so it gets enough exposure while also not having any other types of lights around at all times since they could make absorbing such radiation difficult if there are too many different sources close by. UVB lighting emits the right amount of radiation that your ball python needs to stay healthy daily without causing any harm at all since it is designed for their specific species and natural conditions.

Furniture

Ball pythons are known to be more active at night, so adding some branches or logs of wood for them to curl up near their food source is a great idea. This will allow them to move around without having any restrictions and bask during the day while also hunting prey items that may drop down into your enclosure from above.

Plants

The best ball python enclosures come with live plants inside them, which your snake can use as food and shelter. These are easy to maintain since they don’t need much water or any special lighting but will also provide a more natural habitat for your pet snake to live in a while giving it extra places to explore during different times of the day.

People have used all kinds of things like vases, old boots without laces, tall glasses that curve inward at their midsection near where you place the substrate (bottom layer), rocks covered in mosses for humidity regulation purposes, among other items when trying to make these habitats look appealing on top of being functional enough so snakes can move around easily but won’t be able to escape from this enclosure.

FAQs

What is the best housing for a ball python?

The best way to house your ball python is with a 20-gallon tank. This fit will work well for most adults, but something even larger may be required if you have a huge snake.

What kind of enclosure do ball pythons need?

The best enclosure for ball pythons is a glass tank with a screen lid. This will allow your snake to easily see the outside world and stay warm in both winter and summer weather conditions when placed inside near its heat lamp or another source of warmth.

Do ball pythons like large enclosures?

Ball pythons like to explore and will feel more comfortable in an enclosure that is at least 40 gallons. So if you have a baby ball python, try using a 20-gallon tank for it, so it doesn’t get overwhelmed or stressed out when there isn’t enough room for it to move around freely.

Do I need a heat lamp for my ball python?

Yes, you need a heat lamp for your ball python. Your snake will not be able to properly digest its food without the warmth of certain lamps and heating pads that keep them at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

What humidity do snakes need?

Snakes need humidity that is between 40 and 60 percent on average. This can be measured with a hygrometer, which you should keep inside of the enclosure, so your ball python has access to it whenever necessary for an accurate reading.

Useful Video: Perfect Ball Python Enclosure! | PISCES PETS

Conclusion

There are many different types of enclosures for ball pythons to live in, but what matters most is that they have enough room and materials like branches or logs inside so it can get the exercise it needs while also having a place to curl up on to sleep.