Hi all, any advice on heating for a Royal Python, currently he is in a 3 foot x 2 foot x 3.5 foot tall wooden viv, but we struggle with temperatures. and Mum struggles to put him and other bits eg water bowl in and out.

So.......we have a std 3 foot wooden viv VX36 coming




we currntly have a pulse proportional thermostat, a 150w ceramic heater and a heat mat about 2 foot x 1 foot.

as we have had two bad sheds some suggestions on setup would be appreciated. I don't mean what temps, I know we want 92 hot 82 cool, what do I need to achive that in a 3 foot viv, what size heat mat? ceramic heater or spot? what power, would people recommend.

I would lose the heatmat, and just transfer over the ceramic and thermostat. The thermostat will make sure it doesnt overheat and a 150W is plenty to heat the viv. Have a look at my enviromental control guides here Enviromental control guide that will give you an idea on getting the correct temperature gradient by using different probe positions. A bad shed however is more likely caused by humidity, by adding a moist hiding area shedding problems are virtually removed completely. Hope this helps. Oh and we also have a care sheet on our site on Royals written by the legendary breeder Mr Bob Clark, Nothing really to do with this post but I couldnt resist getting it in! Bob Clarks Ball Python Care guide

Thanks Neil, Mum does keep spraying to try and keep the humidity up, but with a tall viv and the heater and ventilation high up the 150w ceramic is pulsing about 50/50 and burning up all the humidity.

I am hoping that with the lower roof on the viv and upper and lower round vents that we will be able to keep the overall humidity up.

He currently has 2 hides, an Exo-terra hollow stone thingy, at the hot end, on newspaper, on the heatmat. and water bowl and a natural bark hide at the cool end. He loves that hide! and spends most of his time there.

A humid hide is a great suggestion I have seen elsewhere, what do you suggest? A tupperware type plastic tub with damp moss?

I use an ice cream tub lol filled with damp moss, works perfect, although i warn you, my BP loves to use it as a toilet.