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Lighting, Heating and Humidity for the Burmese Python
Lighting
At this time UV light has not been proven to be required for snakes. A 10 to 12 hour photoperiod can be produced using a standard incandescent bulb. It is recommended if lighting is inside the enclosure in enclose the fixture in wire mesh to protect the snake from accidental burns. Burmese Pythons are diurnal, meaning they are active both day and night. lighting should be on a schedule of 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Changing the schedule to 6 hours on and 18 hours off, during the brumation period. Florescent of incadescent lighting can be used.
Heating
Provide your Burm with a basking spot of 88-92 F and an ambient (background) temperature of 78-80 F. The ambient temperature should not fall below 75 F. A great way to monitor temps is to use a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer with a probe. Stick the thermometer to the inside of the cage on the cool end and place the probe on the warm end, and you’ll have both sides covered at once. For heating you can use either a UTH (under tank heater) on one end of the enclosure and a basking bulb that is attached to a rheostat or thermostat to measure/maintain the temps of the heating source. Hot rocks should never be used under any circumstance since they can result in burns to animal.
Humidity
50%-60% humidity should be provided at all times. And 70% humidity when in shed. To maintain humidity you can use cypress mulch as it turns a tan color when dry & a rich brown when wet, giving a visual cue as to when it needs to be dampened again. Or you can make a humid box. You will need a Rubbermaid container large enough for your snake to sit in with damp sphagnum moss or paper towels. Cut a hole on either the side or the top of the box for easy access.