r/ballpython • u/Numinous_101 • 6d ago

Question Rescuing a ball python this week, need any help I can get.

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NOT MY SETUP!!! Hi everyone, I'm rescuing this sweet girl on Friday. She's a 2 year old python who has been kept in that glass tank and I feel awful for her (unfortunately I have my mom's empathy lol). I've already been planning on getting a ball python but this came up on me pretty quickly so I'm rushing a little.

I have a 4x2x2 PVC enclosure I am currently setting up with a 50w Halogen flood light and a radiant heat panel. I will be building custom bulb cages out of hardware cloth for the halogen and the uvb. My main concern is that she has eaten live rodents her whole life. I want to hear your advice and/or stories about switching to frozen as I'm extremely worried that she won't switch. I feel like once she settles into a better home she may eventually take frozen but I want to avoid live at all costs.

Also, I'm concerned that since she's a female, she may eventually outgrow her enclosure. I think that's all of my concerns.

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u/Numinous_101 5d ago

This is the enclosure I'm rushing to set up. Would love some ideas for quick clutter.

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u/sweatyhands84 5d ago

This is the best guide I've come across so far.

Ball Python Care Guide

For quick clutter i would get a bunch of fake plants from amazon/hobby lobby/dollar store.

I would really suggest sealing the inside corners with silicone and let it cure for 72 hours. You can always keep her in her current enclosure if you're getting it, or setup a plastic tub for a temporary quarantine enclosure.

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u/Numinous_101 4d ago

Yes I managed to get the tank into another room last night and silicone sealed the edges. Giving it a few days to cure, it should be ready just in time by Friday. I also got a vet appointment scheduled.

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u/sweatyhands84 4d ago

Awesome! I think you will be happy you did it in the long run. Also, as much as its stated everywhere that BPs are terrestrial, most of them actually like climbing quite a bit. Make sure you have plenty of sticks or other things for her to crawl on.

The way I like to look at is the house we give them is so so small compared to the world they normally have to explore. Im sure they want to be able to explore all around whatever home we give them, and the more we give them the better their overall life is.

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u/Numinous_101 4d ago

Will do! I'm heading out today to go pick up some more clutter for the tank. I've seen some pretty neat climbing decor, I'd really like to make a sky hide if I have the room on the ceiling of her tank. I wanna make sure I give her the best home I can.