Good side note: ball pythons are prone to uris. Not because humidity makes them sick, but because wet damp environments generate bacteria. The best way to generate humidity in the enclosure is through a large water bowl and mixing water into the substrate regularly. Misting an enclosure will lead to more bacteria growth, and thus, uris. Which is why I will never recommend a spray bottle or mister. Great video though!
Interesting. But when you make the substrate wet, it will vapor anyway? As well with a big waterbowl. A big waterbowl doesn’t work for me really. My room humidity is 30% and with a big bowl I get +10% max. But I agree that a mister isn’t very good. My ball python started to yawn a lot, which is a sign for a respiratory infection. So I made a Complete halt and spray the enclosure. I change substrate every once a month and so I think the bacteria growth is under control. My ball python needs a lot humidity, otherwise she sheds terrible (totally different to another ball python I had)
what means mister? I'm not sure if the water bowl is enough for my snake because the humidity level is still around 45%. In its natural habitat, in burrows, the humidity is between 60-80%.
Great video,nice channel 👍👍 My ball python is 35 yrs old. She's 5ft 3inch eating jumbo rats. I think alot of people forget how long these snakes can live. Record is 62 yrs so people need to take that into consideration as it can be a life long investment.
New subscriber here. I think you have the best information. I’m a new ball python owner and admit I got the starter kit with the glass enclosure and heat mat only. I just bought my 4x2x2 PVC enclosure and am soon going to be upgrading his enclosure with the heating and lighting that you recommended. Thank you!
A note on belly heat, some snakes do better with belly heat because that's what they've grown up with. I got my Nanners from a breeder so he was raised on belly heat in a rack. When I set up my first home for him (a jumbo sterilite tub) I continued with belly heat and added a ceramic bulb. When Nanners got bigger I got him a swanky new enclosure and a radiant heat panel as a lot of keepers raved about overhead heat. It was not enough and my power house eater, stopped eating. I adjusted the heat panel several times but was afraid I was either cooking or freezing my snake because I could not get one side hot enough without heating up the cool side too much. I reluctantly put his heating pad back on the warm side and reduced the temp on the panel and he's been eating great ever since. For Nanners, happiness is a warm belly.
I got my first ball python for my 14th birthday, I'm 35 this year and still have her. But I'm always trying to learn more and improve my care for her...
My ball absolutely hates big tanks. I got a 50gal pvc front open tank and fill it up really nice and full with 3 good hides and all. She hated it and never wanted to be inside. She has a little 2.5ft x1.5ft x8in tub that she loves with all her little heart.
Just recently got one at a Reptile Show ( Enchi Spider- hatch date 12/18/ 2023…..have it on paper towels for now, with 2 hides & ceramic water bowl. Will only feed f/t😬. NEW SUBSCRIBER.
Finally! After so many UA-cam videos from breeders who want pretrend science based husbandry doesn't exist, a good and factual video for KEEPING and Ball Python. So refreshing to see this.
Awesome video! I don't keep ball pythons myself, but they are an amazing species that I think often get the short end of the stick because people consider them a "beginner" pet. I'm curious what future videos will be about, what other animals do you keep?
Are those the NewAgePet ECOFLEX enclosures behind you?! How are those working out? I bought one and I am going to be using it for a new baby girl ball python in a couple days! Just curious how well they maintain humidity, if that is what you have! Awesome video. Great info! Keep it up!😃
@@donaldwhite5361 I took aluminum foil and cover 80% of the top with it, then used foil tape on top of that. It is holding humidity wonderfully. It's only temporary until I buy a PVC 4x2x2 and make a sick bio-active setup. Great enclosure for only $150.
@@donaldwhite5361 Haha I get it. Only reason I did such a rigged up job is because its a temporary enclosure, maybe 2 months at most, then I'll have the nice fancy enclosure! I just needed something to get it in quickly because these babies were born and not in a good environment.. So I took one to save it. I'd have taken them all if I could. But I'm incredibly lucky. She is a very sweet baby. No fear towards me at all.
Thank you so much for the content you share. I'm getting ready for my first ball python. I got a 4x2x2' enclosure, I'm currently working on a custom background (it couldn't be different... after all, I'm an artist) ; ). I have a quick question if you don't mind: I've been doing A LOT of research on lighting and heating. I came across a channel on UA-cam (Reptiles and Research) where he talks about those conditions in a very scientific and detailed manner. Being a former veterinarian, it made total sense to me. I'd like to ask your opinion on infrared and UVA and also, the issue of air temperature x surface temperature. Thank you in advance. My best regards!
Congrats on getting your first ball python! They are the best! It looks like you found my heating and lighting video too. Excellent job doing all the research before getting your animal! Give yourself a pat on the back, you are clearly on the way to being an amazing snake owner :)
just wondering know several bp owners that use only a heat mat n bp.do fine...as i know they need belly heat to digest..know you recommend over head heat.but know some bp done fine just with the mat..😘🐍
I have a bp and I use a heat mat. She stays majority of the time in her warm hide during brumation. During warmer seasons he then moves to the cool hide unless she eats. I got a heat panel but it doesn't heat up inside the hide and she's not one to come out and bask. How do you provide a warm hide with over head heating if it doesn't heat inside the hide?
I had the same issue. I gave my Nanners back his belly heat and he's been so much happier. Just use the panel as added amiant heat and the pad for the warm side.
so you tell the complete different enclosure sizes as other pet tubers. Whats the argument that you are so sure that your enclosures are the best? and not the rack enclosures which a lot of breeders use?
Breeder use rack because it is easy and convenient for them n doesn’t take much space. They can live in it but do they thrive? No. Imagine yourself in a room with water and get food daily, do you survive? Yes. Are you happy? Obviously not. There is a thing called enrichments. Ball python can survive living their whole in life a small shoe box but they wouldn’t be happy. Just like keeping a dog in a cage their whole life, they wouldn’t be starve to death, they will eat but they wouldn’t be happy. People only come up with excuses to get a snake for their collections like they are toys and not animals with soul. In the wild bp would climb trees not just laying and sleeping on the ground
Great overall care advice. Please note that Ceramic elements only heat ambient air but do not penetrate the snake's body beyond the very superficial epidermis portions. Also, sorry to pick but, I was curious about what you meant when you said you were "certified" as a herpetologist. Herpetologists become so through degrees from accredited universities; academic institutions. At least a Master's but more often a PhD. Those are degrees, not certificates. Anyone who has dealt with the rigors of earning those degrees, will not refer to themselves as certified. It doesn't do them justice. Universities do offer certificate programs in lots of fields, but that doesn't earn the 'ologist portion. It would be more accurate to say you earned a certificate in herpetology. That would translate to a person who took a few courses in the subject; not someone who conducted field or lab studies, or or in-depth academic research up to a larger number of credits with a dissertation, etc. Or was it a certificate in herpetoCULTURE? That is something else again.
I worked EXTREMELY hard to earn my certification and took rigorous courses, testing and studied my ass off. I earned my certification through a very amazing program via The Amphibian Foundation. The certification is straight up called “Certified Master Herpetologist”. If you don’t like it, talk to them. But, those who passed the course like myself earned that title. I’m very proud of all the hard work I put in and everything I learned. If you are offended by my certificate name then I’m sorry I offended you. But there are many people like me who have worked hard, studied and took very difficult tests to earn it. Please don’t come here and belittle what I worked very hard for.
Good side note: ball pythons are prone to uris. Not because humidity makes them sick, but because wet damp environments generate bacteria. The best way to generate humidity in the enclosure is through a large water bowl and mixing water into the substrate regularly. Misting an enclosure will lead to more bacteria growth, and thus, uris. Which is why I will never recommend a spray bottle or mister. Great video though!
Interesting. But when you make the substrate wet, it will vapor anyway? As well with a big waterbowl. A big waterbowl doesn’t work for me really. My room humidity is 30% and with a big bowl I get +10% max. But I agree that a mister isn’t very good. My ball python started to yawn a lot, which is a sign for a respiratory infection. So I made a Complete halt and spray the enclosure. I change substrate every once a month and so I think the bacteria growth is under control. My ball python needs a lot humidity, otherwise she sheds terrible (totally different to another ball python I had)
what means mister? I'm not sure if the water bowl is enough for my snake because the humidity level is still around 45%. In its natural habitat, in burrows, the humidity is between 60-80%.
@@ThomasMuller-fg9yo what kind of enclosure do you have? plays a huge role in keeping humidity
@@Sammiwuzhere plastic box. Now humidity is ok, i fixed it
Kudos for mentioning the relatively long lifespan and resultant commitment, as many vids do not discuss that at all.
Thank you so much for the kind comment!! I have a lot in the works and keep many species. Thanks so much for watching ❤
do you keep blood pythons?
Great video,nice channel 👍👍 My ball python is 35 yrs old. She's 5ft 3inch eating jumbo rats. I think alot of people forget how long these snakes can live. Record is 62 yrs so people need to take that into consideration as it can be a life long investment.
Wow! That is amazing!! They do live quite a long time indeed!
New subscriber here. I think you have the best information. I’m a new ball python owner and admit I got the starter kit with the glass enclosure and heat mat only. I just bought my 4x2x2 PVC enclosure and am soon going to be upgrading his enclosure with the heating and lighting that you recommended. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the kind words and congratulations on your new baby! Glad to hear this information is helpful! 😊
Not even the snake channels are safe from the "content creator intro music" 😹
Great video
LOL 😂 Thank you so much
A note on belly heat, some snakes do better with belly heat because that's what they've grown up with. I got my Nanners from a breeder so he was raised on belly heat in a rack. When I set up my first home for him (a jumbo sterilite tub) I continued with belly heat and added a ceramic bulb. When Nanners got bigger I got him a swanky new enclosure and a radiant heat panel as a lot of keepers raved about overhead heat. It was not enough and my power house eater, stopped eating.
I adjusted the heat panel several times but was afraid I was either cooking or freezing my snake because I could not get one side hot enough without heating up the cool side too much. I reluctantly put his heating pad back on the warm side and reduced the temp on the panel and he's been eating great ever since.
For Nanners, happiness is a warm belly.
I got my first ball python for my 14th birthday, I'm 35 this year and still have her. But I'm always trying to learn more and improve my care for her...
That is amazing!!!! I love hearing this ☺️
I love the idea of a rescue. maynard is just a gem !!!I should be so lucky
My ball absolutely hates big tanks. I got a 50gal pvc front open tank and fill it up really nice and full with 3 good hides and all. She hated it and never wanted to be inside. She has a little 2.5ft x1.5ft x8in tub that she loves with all her little heart.
I am obsessed with this video thank you so so much
مقطع جميل جداً . اشكرك لمعلوماتك القيمة 🖤🙏
I love your channel xxx
Thank you so much!! 🤍🤍🤍
Just recently got one at a Reptile Show ( Enchi Spider- hatch date 12/18/ 2023…..have it on paper towels for now, with 2 hides & ceramic water bowl. Will only feed f/t😬. NEW SUBSCRIBER.
Finally! After so many UA-cam videos from breeders who want pretrend science based husbandry doesn't exist, a good and factual video for KEEPING and Ball Python. So refreshing to see this.
Awesome video! I don't keep ball pythons myself, but they are an amazing species that I think often get the short end of the stick because people consider them a "beginner" pet. I'm curious what future videos will be about, what other animals do you keep?
I'm obsessed with maynard .just love him ❤
Are those the NewAgePet ECOFLEX enclosures behind you?! How are those working out? I bought one and I am going to be using it for a new baby girl ball python in a couple days! Just curious how well they maintain humidity, if that is what you have! Awesome video. Great info! Keep it up!😃
There good I cut a piece of plexiglass to go over the screen couple inches away from the light fixture
@@donaldwhite5361 I took aluminum foil and cover 80% of the top with it, then used foil tape on top of that. It is holding humidity wonderfully. It's only temporary until I buy a PVC 4x2x2 and make a sick bio-active setup. Great enclosure for only $150.
@@Lovell93 I’m too ocd for that lol plexiglass with some handles to pick up and move it cost 20 bucks
@@donaldwhite5361 Haha I get it. Only reason I did such a rigged up job is because its a temporary enclosure, maybe 2 months at most, then I'll have the nice fancy enclosure! I just needed something to get it in quickly because these babies were born and not in a good environment.. So I took one to save it. I'd have taken them all if I could. But I'm incredibly lucky. She is a very sweet baby. No fear towards me at all.
I'm doing the overhead heating .as you have suggested !❤. do you put your lamp on timer or just turn off manually? 🐍💚
What brand mister is this in the video?
Thank you so much for the content you share. I'm getting ready for my first ball python. I got a 4x2x2' enclosure, I'm currently working on a custom background (it couldn't be different... after all, I'm an artist) ; ). I have a quick question if you don't mind: I've been doing A LOT of research on lighting and heating. I came across a channel on UA-cam (Reptiles and Research) where he talks about those conditions in a very scientific and detailed manner. Being a former veterinarian, it made total sense to me. I'd like to ask your opinion on infrared and UVA and also, the issue of air temperature x surface temperature. Thank you in advance. My best regards!
Congrats on getting your first ball python! They are the best! It looks like you found my heating and lighting video too. Excellent job doing all the research before getting your animal! Give yourself a pat on the back, you are clearly on the way to being an amazing snake owner :)
What happens when is a black out
just wondering know several bp owners that use only a heat mat n bp.do fine...as i know they need belly heat to digest..know you recommend over head heat.but know some bp done fine just with the mat..😘🐍
I have a bp and I use a heat mat. She stays majority of the time in her warm hide during brumation. During warmer seasons he then moves to the cool hide unless she eats. I got a heat panel but it doesn't heat up inside the hide and she's not one to come out and bask. How do you provide a warm hide with over head heating if it doesn't heat inside the hide?
I had the same issue. I gave my Nanners back his belly heat and he's been so much happier. Just use the panel as added amiant heat and the pad for the warm side.
Dang I was going to name my snake Maynard I feel like I can’t now haha . She must be a tool fan as well ?
I’m a die hard tool fan! But I won’t mind if you name your snake Maynard! It’s a great name! Go for it! You have my blessing 😂😂😂
wait so when n how long do i turn my light off
love ball python slow chill snake n beautiful ❤
He looks JUST like my Ball Python Batista 😊
so you tell the complete different enclosure sizes as other pet tubers. Whats the argument that you are so sure that your enclosures are the best? and not the rack enclosures which a lot of breeders use?
Breeder use rack because it is easy and convenient for them n doesn’t take much space. They can live in it but do they thrive? No. Imagine yourself in a room with water and get food daily, do you survive? Yes. Are you happy? Obviously not. There is a thing called enrichments. Ball python can survive living their whole in life a small shoe box but they wouldn’t be happy. Just like keeping a dog in a cage their whole life, they wouldn’t be starve to death, they will eat but they wouldn’t be happy. People only come up with excuses to get a snake for their collections like they are toys and not animals with soul. In the wild bp would climb trees not just laying and sleeping on the ground
Great overall care advice. Please note that Ceramic elements only heat ambient air but do not penetrate the snake's body beyond the very superficial epidermis portions.
Also, sorry to pick but, I was curious about what you meant when you said you were "certified" as a herpetologist.
Herpetologists become so through degrees from accredited universities; academic institutions. At least a Master's but more often a PhD. Those are degrees, not certificates. Anyone who has dealt with the rigors of earning those degrees, will not refer to themselves as certified. It doesn't do them justice.
Universities do offer certificate programs in lots of fields, but that doesn't earn the 'ologist portion. It would be more accurate to say you earned a certificate in herpetology. That would translate to a person who took a few courses in the subject; not someone who conducted field or lab studies, or or in-depth academic research up to a larger number of credits with a dissertation, etc. Or was it a certificate in herpetoCULTURE? That is something else again.
I worked EXTREMELY hard to earn my certification and took rigorous courses, testing and studied my ass off. I earned my certification through a very amazing program via The Amphibian Foundation. The certification is straight up called “Certified Master Herpetologist”. If you don’t like it, talk to them. But, those who passed the course like myself earned that title. I’m very proud of all the hard work I put in and everything I learned. If you are offended by my certificate name then I’m sorry I offended you. But there are many people like me who have worked hard, studied and took very difficult tests to earn it. Please don’t come here and belittle what I worked very hard for.
Aren’t you afraid it’s going to bite your face?