Temperatures: Ambient vs Hotspot
One of the greatest confusions for new keepers tends to be setting up the correct temperatures for a ball python. Most of this stems from incomplete care sheets that don’t adequately describe the difference between ambient temperature and surface temperature. It is said that ball pythons require two different temperature types: an ambient temperature gradient that is 85 degrees (F) on the warm end and 78-80 degrees (F) on the cool end, and the hot spot, or surface temperature, of 88-92 degrees (F). This is important because many keepers confuse the two temperature types and think the air temperature on the hot side needs to be 88-92 degrees, which could easily make the hot spot around 100 degrees. Definitely too hot for a ball python!! So, what does all this mean and how do we measure it?
Ambient temperature is the measure of the air temperature in the enclosure. The ambient temperature is best measured with a digital thermometer or hygro/thermometer combo, but definitely not with one of those pet store dials because they are often incorrect.
As shown in the following picture, ambient temperature creates the temperature atmosphere. Ball pythons should be allowed a gradient from warm: 85 degrees (F), represented by the red, to cool: no lower than 75 degrees (F) but, ideally, 78-80 degrees (F), represented by the blue. This will allow the snake to regulate its temperature by its own choice, instead of being forced into one homogenous temperature. When a temperature gradient is provided for a ball python, they will readily use the cool and warm sides. This is beneficial because it allows them to move more, fulfilling enrichment and health needs.
Ambient temperature is the measure of the air temperature in the enclosure. The ambient temperature is best measured with a digital thermometer or hygro/thermometer combo, but definitely not with one of those pet store dials because they are often incorrect.
As shown in the following picture, ambient temperature creates the temperature atmosphere. Ball pythons should be allowed a gradient from warm: 85 degrees (F), represented by the red, to cool: no lower than 75 degrees (F) but, ideally, 78-80 degrees (F), represented by the blue. This will allow the snake to regulate its temperature by its own choice, instead of being forced into one homogenous temperature. When a temperature gradient is provided for a ball python, they will readily use the cool and warm sides. This is beneficial because it allows them to move more, fulfilling enrichment and health needs.
*image for illustration purposes only. not intended as an example of correct husbandry.
Hot spots, on the other hand, are a measure of surface temperature. Surface temperature is how hot an object feels when you touch it. Think about it like this- if you were to walk outside bare-footed on a hot summer’s day, the air outside would be warm (ambient temperature) but the concrete would be much warmer on your feet (surface temperature). So, when applying a hot spot to your enclosure you’ll need a tool that measures the surface temperature in addition to your digital thermometer that measures ambient temperature. To properly measure the hot spot you will need an infrared temperature gun. They’re simple to use- all you have to do is point it at the surface you want to know the temperature of, then pull the trigger. (Hot spot represented by red)
Hot spots, on the other hand, are a measure of surface temperature. Surface temperature is how hot an object feels when you touch it. Think about it like this- if you were to walk outside bare-footed on a hot summer’s day, the air outside would be warm (ambient temperature) but the concrete would be much warmer on your feet (surface temperature). So, when applying a hot spot to your enclosure you’ll need a tool that measures the surface temperature in addition to your digital thermometer that measures ambient temperature. To properly measure the hot spot you will need an infrared temperature gun. They’re simple to use- all you have to do is point it at the surface you want to know the temperature of, then pull the trigger. (Hot spot represented by red)
Hopefully, the distinctions between temperature types are easy to understand now so you will be better prepared to set up an accurate habitat for your animal! Remember: ambient temperature is the air temperature whereas surface temperature is how hot an object is. Ball pythons need an ambient gradient of 85 on the warm side and 78-80 on the cool end with a hot spot of 88-92!