Can a viv be too large for a JCP ?

[JibbaJabba]

Just wondering if they freak out like a BP when the enclosure is too big ?

[Colin Vestrand]

i've never had that issue... but, i don't think anyone could say it won't be an issue for your snake. i would think if they have a hide they should be fine.

carpets in general are much easier to care for than ball pythons...

[vangarret2000]

Just wondering if they freak out like a BP when the enclosure is too big ?

How old is it? Pretty much when all snakes are young it is best to keep them in a smaller enclosure sutable to their size. It just helps them feel more secure. All the open space can stress them out. Carpets are a hardier snake though. How big is the enclosrue you want to put it in? As long as you supply extra hides and hiding spots for it, there shouldn't be much of a problem. If the enclosure is too big for it you could also block off a potion of the tank to make it smaller, as long as you still keep up proper temperature gradients.

[vangarret2000]

You could always jsut put it in the big tank and as long as it eats and stays healthy you should be fine, but if you have trouble feeding it in there then you could jsut downsize it till it gets big enought though. I think it should be fine though if the tank is setup properly to compinsate for a smaller snake.

[JibbaJabba]

Cheers guys, well I don't know how big she is as I haven't bought one yet
I just know I want one and we have a reptile show here next month where I intend to pick one up, preferrably a larger one anyway.

[vangarret2000]

The majority of shows tend to have mostly hatchlings-yearlings, but you could get yourself a nice sized subadult or adult. Good luck finding what you want.

[Clear]

When I first bought my hatchlings I put them both in 55gal tanks and both did great. With substrate and leaves it can be a real pain trying to find them! Each snake is different, you just have to try it and see how they handle it.

[zackw419]

How do these animals function in the wild without us..

No I do not believe an enclosure can be too big for a snake.

[vangarret2000]

How do these animals function in the wild without us..

No I do not believe an enclosure can be too big for a snake.

In the wild snakes can go to whatever area makes them feel most comfortable. In captivity they don't have that choice to find a new home if they don't feel safe in their current one, that's why people try to make the enclosure makes them feel as secure as possible. A smaller enclosure will do that for a younger snakes because they feel less exposed. A bigger enclosure could also be set up properly to make them feel comfortable, but if done improperly it can easily stress them out.

[Aeries]

It's always kind of an argument, personally I think as long as you can maintain the temps where they should be and provide lots of hides, size doesn't matter much. It's easier to start babies out in a tub, nice and cheap until they size up!