The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is a terrestrial snake species native to western and central Africa. These species are considered to be ideal for beginners because of their hardy nature, low maintenance, and calm temperament. That being said, these snakes require specific environmental conditions to remain healthy.
Before bringing a ball python into your home as a pet, you must do your homework. After all, reptiles require a specially adapted environment with lights and heaters, so you can’t just dump your new family member into any old terrarium and call it a day.
But don’t worry—caring for a ball python is easier than you might expect with careful setup and monitoring. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything from optimum temperature conditions for your new python to humidity levels that make your pet feel comfortable.
Importance of Keeping Proper Temperature and Humidity Levels
Since reptiles are cold-blooded, they rely on their external environment to regulate their body temperature; you must create a thermal gradient in your ball python’s terrarium. This way, your python can warm or cool down as needed. The right temperature is essential to your reptile’s metabolism and overall health.
Humidity is also important for your ball python’s well-being. When the humidity levels in its environment are too low, it can cause your pet to suffer from dehydration and become stuck during shedding. It can also make your python more prone to respiratory infections.
In the enclosure, we are attempting to mimic the natural environment of our ball pythons while minimizing elements that could lead to illness in the wild. Two of the key features of every climate are temperature and humidity levels. You could endanger the health of your python if you don’t keep these under close monitoring.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Ball Pythons?
The ball python is native to western and central Africa, which experiences a tropical climate. Your goal will be to come as close as possible to recreating the temperature and humidity levels of its natural environment in your terrarium—with some variations, of course.
When setting up the temperature, you first need to understand that the thermal gradient is divided into zones: the basking area, hide temperatures, ambient temperature, and the cool side.
A ball python’s ideal basking surface temperature should be between 90-95°F. Providing a warm and cool hide in your ball python’s enclosure is also important. The warm hide temperature should be around 90°F, while the cool hide temperature should be around 78-80°F. At nighttime, the temperature in the enclosure should drop to between 75-78°F.
The terrarium’s ambient temperature should ideally be 82°F. However, a degree or two above or below this is okay. Most importantly, this temperature must remain above 75°F and always be lower than your hotspot.
| Ideal Basking Spot Temperature | Warm Hide Temperature | Cool Hide Temperature | Ambient Temperature |
| 90-95°F | 90°F | 78-80°F | 82°F |
| 75-78°F (Nighttime) |
Heating Setup for Ball Pythons
Heat lamps, ceramic heaters, mats and pads, and radiant heat panels are appropriate heat sources for your python’s enclosure. These can be used together or separately, depending on the room temperature where you keep your snake’s terrarium and how much heat you need to give it. You will need to use an additional light source throughout the day, such as a low-level UV bulb, if you use heat sources that don’t emit light.
If you must use a heat mat or similar item, it is best to put it on the back of your enclosure rather than beneath because it is preferable to have heat emanating from above, as in nature. As most snakes prefer to hide underground to avoid the day’s heat, it is not natural for the ground to get warmer as you dig deeper. A heat mat positioned underneath the enclosure further increases the chance of burns.
To appropriately control the temperature inside the vivarium of your ball python, heat sources should also be connected to a thermostat. Also, so that you can manually check the temperature gradient, we advise positioning thermometers at both the warm and cold ends of the enclosure.
What Is the Ideal Humidity for Ball Pythons?
As previously stated, the right humidity is essential to your python’s respiratory health and shedding process. The ball python is native to regions where humidity levels range from 60 to 80 percent during the day and up to 100 percent at night.
In captivity, ball pythons generally thrive at a relative humidity of between 50% and 60%. While you don’t need to recreate their natural environment exactly, your goal should be to maintain the humidity level in the enclosure as close to that range as possible.
You can temporarily raise the humidity to 80% when your snake is shedding. However, this must be done properly since insufficient ventilation can lead to bacteria and fungi growing.
How to Adjust Humidity in a Ball Python Tank
To accurately measure the humidity in your terrarium, you will need to use a digital hygrometer. This device will tell you if the humidity levels are adequate or need adjustment. To increase it, you can mist once or twice a day with warm water, but only if the temperature is right; otherwise, your pet could get sick due to temperature fluctuations.
If the humidity inside your enclosure becomes too high, you may need to replace the substrate, reduce the size of the water bowl, or increase the ventilation. These are all important steps in creating a healthy environment for your ball python.
Finally, remember that the humidity will vary depending on seasons and other factors, so you should check it regularly to ensure that your pet has a safe and healthy terrarium. With proper monitoring, you can provide the perfect environment for your ball python to thrive and live a long, healthy life.
Find Everything You Need for Your Python
At Jabberwock Reptiles, we have all the products you need to create a safe and comfortable environment for your ball python. From heating and lighting equipment to tanks, substrates, and humidity monitors, we’ve got everything to ensure your pet has an enjoyable home.
Stop by today and speak with our knowledgeable staff about creating the perfect habitat for your ball python! We look forward to helping you make sure that your pet is happy and healthy. Visit us in Stoneham, Massachusetts, or shop online at our site!
