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Once in a while, I stumble across a fascinating use I’ve never heard of for simple plastic storage containers, such as setting up a plastic bin for a ball python. I knew that you could create a home for hamsters inside a plastic box, but I had no idea that you could use a plastic container for a ball python.

Following are the basic steps for creating a ball python snake “cage” out of a regular plastic bin:

1. Start out by obtaining an adequate bin. You want to go for a relatively shallow plastic bin if possible, preferably around 40 quarts in capacity assuming that your snake is fully grown. The snake should be able to stretch out to its full length inside the tub. If it cannot, the bin is too short, and you need to go look for a longer one.

2. Put holes in the bin which are a few inches apart. Keep in mind that the more holes you make, the drier the inside of the box will be. Obviously you need to put in enough to circulate air, but past that, you should base the number of holes on the snake’s ideal humidity requirement. You can do this using a knife, a drill, a soldering gun, or so forth. You may find one method easier than another, so try different tools until you find the one which gives you the best results.

3. Get your undertank heater installed along with your thermostat, thermometers, hygrometers, and rheostat.

4. Put a bowl in the bin and fill it with water. Since your snake will want to bathe in the bowl, not just drink out of it, you need to make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate that purpose. You also will want to keep it away from the heating element so that it does not become uncomfortably warm.

5. Come up with a way to put in some hiding spaces in the plastic container so your snake can enjoy its privacy from time to time. Get your substrate set up as well. While there are a lot of materials you can use, some of the best are newspapers or paper towels. Make sure that you are not picking anything which is toxic.

That is pretty much all there is to creating a plastic snake bin which is suitable for a ball python. You will find that most of the materials you need are really inexpensive (the bin, the paper towels for substrate, etc.), which is great, because it means you can spend more on a quality thermostat and some hides to make the bin an environment which will be comfortable and appealing to your pet. This is essential in ensuring that your snake lives a long, healthy, happy life.

For more tips and details on turning a bin into a home for a snake, see my article, “Using Plastic Bins as a Home for a Ball Python: General Advice.” Good luck!