Animal Care

Animal Type:
Snake
Animal Breed:

Snake Habitats - Our Adoption Requirements



Reptile Housing Requirements

Most all reptiles require a variation of the same basic components to be healthy; Appropriately Sized Enclosure, UVB Lighting, Timer, Overhead or Underneath Heating, Thermostatic Controller, Substrate, Hide, and a Water Source. It is important to size these components appropriately to each other as well.

A small 13 watt compact fluorescent UVB light may work well on a 20 gallon terrarium where it is 6 inches from the reptile but the same light would not work at all on a 40 gallon terrarium where it is 13 inches from the reptile as the UVB will not reach. Conversely, a large 18"x18" under tank heater may work great on 40 gallon terrarium on the hot side but would cover the entire bottom of a 20 gallon terrarium providing no room for a cold side at all. 

When planning your enclosure, you should take into account not just the current size of your reptile but more importantly the adult size of your reptile or you may end up buying the entire setup twice or even more times as they grow in order to keep them healthy.

Below is a diagram covering the basic minimum components of your reptiles enclosure. We have provided links at the bottom of this page to help you locate and purchase these items often at a much lower price than what you might find at your local pet store.





Basic Recommendations:

Ball Python:

Enclosure - Optimally you are going to want a 40+ gallon front opening enclosure. This allows you easy access to the animal without having to touch or move hot light housings. Most reptiles prefer to be approached from in front of rather than above as well.

  • Thrive Front Double Door Opening Terrarium Desert Essentials Kit - 40 Gallon : We highly recommend this enclosure as it is large enough to provide ample space for your growing Ball Python but not so tall as to complicate lighting. Understand that as your Ball python reaches full maturity, a larger enclosure is recommended.
  • Kages Ethical Reptile Enclosures or some equivalent large melamine or pvc enclosure. These look and perform amazing but do come at a cost. We do not require these but do hope you consider it for the lifetime nees of your animal when the time comes

Lighting - You are going to want strong UVB lighting but not necessarily strong UVA lighting. What that means is you need a light that can reach UVB all the way to the bottom of the terrarium but not necessarily one that is exceptionally bright. Many bright bulbs also emit UVC which can be harmful to the snakes eyes.

Heat Mat - Snakes prefer under tank heating so a heat mat is your best option

  • Flukers Heat Mat 20 w - This heat tape style of heat mat last the longest, has the lowest profile and provides more than enough heat to get you started on a 40 gallon glass enclosure.

Themostat - Do not ever place an heating with your reptile without it being controlled by a thermostat or you risk baking or burning your pet.

Timer - Having a consistent light cycle actually benefits your reptiles health both by ensuring a consistent 12hr UVB period and a consistent 12hr rest period.

  • Basic Light Timer - Any basic 120v timer that has a 3 prong switched outlet and provides a 12hr on/off cycle will work

Substrate - We recommend Orchid Bark

Hide- We are flexible when it comes to the hide as long as it is safe for the snake and large enough for them to hide inside completely. Be careful when using fish decorations as hides as they may have sharp edges or passages the snake can get up and into where they can get stuck.

Water Bowl- We are flexible when it comes to the water bowl as long as it is safe and large enough for your snake to soak in.

  • ZooMed Reptirock Corner Bowl We love corner bowls, the take up less room and come in all kinds of sizes. Its best to see these in person propr to buying to make sure they are the right size.

Boa Constrictor

Enclosure - Optimally you are going to want a 40+ gallon front opening enclosure. This allows you easy access to the animal without having to touch or move hot light housings. Most reptiles prefer to be approached from in front of rather than above as well.

  • Thrive Front Double Door Opening Terrarium Desert Essentials Kit - 40 Gallon : We highly recommend this enclosure as it is large enough to provide ample space for your growing Ball Python but not so tall as to complicate lighting. Understand that as your Ball python reaches full maturity, a larger enclosure is recommended.
  • Kages Ethical Reptile Enclosures or some equivalent large melamine or pvc enclosure. These look and perform amazing but do come at a cost. We do not require these but do hope you consider it for the lifetime nees of your animal when the time comes

Lighting - You are going to want strong UVB lighting but not necessarily strong UVA lighting. What that means is you need a light that can reach UVB all the way to the bottom of the terrarium but not necessarily one that is exceptionally bright. Many bright bulbs also emit UVC which can be harmful to the snake eyes.

Heat Mat - Snakes prefer under tank heating so a heat mat is your best option

  • Flukers Heat Mat 20 w - This heat tape style of heat mat last the longest, has the lowest profile and provides more than enough heat to get you started on a 40 gallon glass enclosure.

Themostat - Do not ever place an heating with your reptile without it being controlled by a thermostat or you risk baking or burning your pet.

Timer - Having a consistent light cycle actually benefits your reptiles health both by ensuring a consistent 12hr UVB period and a consistent 12hr rest period.

  • Basic Light Timer - Any basic 120v timer that has a 3 prong switched outlet and provides a 12hr on/off cycle will work

Substrate - We recommend Orchid Bark

Hide- We are flexible when it comes to the hide as long as it is safe for the snake and large enough for them to hide inside completely. Be careful when using fish decorations as hides as they may have sharp edges or passages the snake can get up and into where they can get stuck.

Water Bowl- We are flexible when it comes to the water bowl as long as it is safe and large enough for your snake to soak in.

  • ZooMed Reptirock Corner Bowl We love corner bowls, the take up less room and come in all kinds of sizes. Its best to see these in person propr to buying to make sure they are the right size.

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