DEBATE: Housing of Ball Pythons

[ReptiZone]

The way I see it if you put a ball python in a cage where you you can see him at all angles it will be prone to get more stresed and not want to move verry much but if you give a huge rubermaid (like the ones you put in your shed for your tools) and provide a bunch of hides it will be more active cause it can not see you there for it will not be afraid of coming out.

[marisa]

Yes I agree with you Chondro Python, except I don't feel they really ever *want* to be out in the sense we talk about it. They come out searching for food and water if they have too. And their natural way of fasting sometimes only helps them be more lazy. *LOL* So I don't think even in the best circumstance for *us* do BPs feel the need to travel long distances, climbing trees and such. I don't think they are as much scared as they are reclusive and secretive. Both of which are different than being in fear. I beleive they choose a life of solitary and non-movement because thats the way nature made them

Just MHO.

Marisa

[Linds]

Originally posted by tHeGiNo
Alright I forgot to put that in sorry. I meant to say if I were to give a ball a 130 gallon with plenty hides, there is no reason why I couldnt right? It would be the same as the wild where they have a large area with a choice where to live.

At the same time, I have another question to add, similar to this. What are signs of stress, and how can you tell if your snake is stressed.

I don't think anyone would disagree with you in that a baby ball could even be kept in a bedroom sized enclosure, provided it is heavily planted, packed tightly with very tight-fitting hiding spots. The reason people typically recommend a small enclosure is that in all likelyhood, most people are not willing to setup a large enclosure that would be suitably planted... some mulch, a few hides and a branch is fairly open to a ball python... resulting in the snake being stressed out which ultimately sets off a string of problems. large enclosures that are suitable for baby balls require are high maintenance and take up a great deal of time and effort. Not only is it a lot of work, but you are liekly to have a difficult time finding your snake, and will rarely see it. It's much more attainable to setup a smaller enclosure, to scale with the snake, and throw in whatever decorations you find attractive

[fateamber]

My Bp is strange he spends more time now with his head (if not half his body) out of a hide than inside it, he is eating fine and the temps are fine. He sems to like being out of his viv when i take him out let him exersize for a bit then put him back he trys to get back out of his viv before i can put the lid on!

[marisa]

That is something I have noticed in my Ball Python, "Eight" too...he hides 100% of the time but if its dark outside, his head is out of the hide watching the world go by. hehehe That's why I don't really think they are a "scared" species of snake more so the others, but shy and open to activity on their own terms.

They are definitly wonderful snakes.

Marisa