{"id":688,"date":"2021-10-19T16:15:18","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T16:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beingreptiles.com\/?p=688"},"modified":"2022-10-18T13:26:16","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T13:26:16","slug":"ball-python-heating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beingreptiles.com\/ball-python-heating\/","title":{"rendered":"Ball Python Heating Guide: Does the Snake Need a Heating Lamp?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, ball pythons require a heating lamp. The snakes require a well-balanced environment to thrive. Ball pythons are naturally cold-blooded and require a heat source for internal temperature regulation purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat is vital for various body functions, including food metabolism. The specific type of heat the pythons require would be basking heat rather than belly heat. That is because you will never come across a python sitting on top of a log or tree in the same way as other reptiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pythons have different tendencies than these other reptiles. They tend to rest all day long and have a preference for moving during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since ball pythons have specific heating requirements, many people prefer using heat lamps. The traditional heat lamp is available with many different features including various types of light colours. Some heat lamps are also suitable for use at different types of the day, including during the day and night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do ball pythons need a heat lamp?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Yes, ball pythons require a heat lamp. However, the ball pythons require more than just a heat lamp. They also require an under-tank heater because they have different heating requirements. Most python ball owners prefer using heat mats underneath the tanks to help facilitate this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, these snakes are not able to regulate their body temperatures internally. It means that you have to keep the snakes at specific humidity and temperature levels. Aside from controlling the heat levels, the heat lamp also controls the amount of moisture in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your snake needs just the right amount of moisture for comfort, or any heated air can lead to overheating issues. In the wild, these snakes naturally seek habitats that provide the ideal heat for hibernation or digestive functions. Good examples include rocky areas to warm up to and burrows for cooling down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captive reptiles require intervention from their owners in creating environments that have excellent temperature and humidity levels. Issues such as low humidity can lead to various health problems for your pet. These can include dehydration and poor skin shedding complications. A dehydrated ball python<\/a> will have wrinkly skin, creasing eyes, constipation, and a dry mouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How long can a ball python go without heat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A ball python can last for up to one day without heat. The snakes will be okay if they sit for an average of six hours at 75 degrees. However, they have to be in a secluded space and should be undisturbed during this hibernation process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snakes can’t survive in areas with minimal sunlight because it can easily compromise their health. While snakes can produce their internal body heat, it’s essential for their digestion. Exposure to excessive temperature for a long duration will eventually lead to sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any reptile owner or a person into animal husbandry should have backup methods for heating their snake’s enclosure. That is because power shortages mean that your snake won’t be receiving the right temperature conditions. A good power source for backup purposes would be a generator or an inverter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Signs of heat stress in ball pythons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are various signs of heat stress in ball pythons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n