Movement to tubs from tanks

[mbaker8686]

So I just got my rack system a couple of weeks ago. I already had many of my BPS in tubs in my walk in closet, but the ones that were doing well in tanks and eating i allowed to remain in their tanks. I have now moved them into the rack, and they are very irritable. The two that i moved had great dispositions before and now seem stressed and defensive. They both ate last week though. Temps are 90 on the hot spot and 82 on the cold side. VE-200 Thermostat. 32 qt. tubs with hides. They have now been in the rack for 2 weeks.

Also any advice for having a smooth transition for the rest of the snakes would be greatly appreciated. I figure if they are already in tubs it shouldn't be a problem, but I want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.

[Dracoluna]

What's different between their tank setup and their tub setup? The closer you can keep it to their original setup, the better. Also, are they irritable just when you open the tub or are they showing other signs such as restlessness?

[mbaker8686]

Its hard to say. I am really trying to leave them alone and allow for acclimation. But my Pastel girl in particular hisses and gets really defensive when i open up the tub. I leave it open and let her get acclimated to the idea of her coming out and then go move slightly toward her and she stays in that defensive s-shape posture. She is one of my outreach animals and thousands of kids have held her during her life. She has always had the best attitude.

The setup is the same except for the fact that it is a tub not a tank, and she is now on newspaper instead of compressed coconut husk.

[Inarikins]

Try changing the substrate back...? Use the hides from her tank if you aren't already.

[Dracoluna]

I can understand that it might be a little surprising since she's one of your outreach animals. Have you tried just reaching in and picking her up like you would normally? It might help her understand that nothing's changed. I would also switch her substrate back. There's a big difference between coconut and newspaper.

[kitedemon]

Interesting. I have 11 snakes and 5 in a rack. Some of mine do better in the rack some don't. I have two in particular that are quite timid in the tub and become very poor eaters they both are good eaters in the enclosure and not at all timid/defensive. I have one other that will not eat in an enclosure at all. She is not ever defensive under any conditions I have seen so she is the same temperament either way. I don't know why they are individuals and will do what they do. she may chill down in a few months or not at all hard to say.

[LLLReptile]

The sliding in and out of the tub vs the open door/top of a tank can sometimes make a difference, too. I doubt the entire cage slid around every time you checked on the snakes before this, so the movement can make a difference.

Give them some time and let them settle in, and definitely like everyone else suggested try switching the bedding back. The sliding of the tub plus a substrate that provides no resistance like they're accustomed to may be throwing them off.

-Jen

[Slim]

Two thoughts here:

1) They may need a little more time to settle in.

or, and this is a stretch, but

2) They may be just a little more defensive of their new tubs since they are a better replication of their natural underground burrows and mounds. I have a couple that just don't like to come out of the tubs, but once out, are puppy dogs.

[Rob]

My guess is they will settle down after a while.