BCI behavior patterns

[Atlas]

Hello all,

I am new here and hopefully you can be of some help to me. I am building an enclosure for my 2 BCIs. My question relates to their activity patterns.

I understand that large snakes require a certain amount of floor space, however, I would also like to build an enclosure that is somewhat higher and incorporates ledges for basking and branches for climbing and a small pool for soaking/drinking.

The question is would the snakes take advantage of this (daytime or nightime) or will they just sit on the floor all the time? I want something visually pleasing, yet I don't want to waste my time and money if the snakes don't use the enclosure.

Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated.

Atlas.

[TexasAggie04]

Some like to climb, some don't. It sort of depends on the individual snake. I bet if you provided them with some sturdy climbing, especially solid ledges or closet-rod type perches, they would appreciate it and use it SOME, if not a lot. Depending on the snake. Don't make the enclosure any higher than 2' though, because then it gets difficult to regulate temps and humidity.

[Linds]

Firstly, welcome to the site! :D

Please build a second enclosure so your snakes do not have to be forced to live together. There are so many problems associated with housing snakes together, and the only benefits are for the keeper, there is absolutely nothing in it for the snakes. Snakes are solitary animals, and only come together to breed. Behavioural problems can become an issue (such as aggression or refusal to feed) if they are forced to continually live together, they cannot be properly monitored, and if one becomes sick, they other may as well. Also, breeding problems (accidental or early breedings, or combat if males) may also arise, which can be life-threatening.

With that being said, as TexasAggie mentioned, each snake will be individual. Most babies tend to be quite arboreal, but not all of them keep it up in to adulthood. Shelves that are as 'hidden' and give a feeling of security as your snakes favourite hiding spots on the ground are apt to be used over spots that are out in the open. I would shoot for two medium-height enclosures in case they don't use the climbing space, so you aren't left with too huge a waste of space.