If I have lots of hides in a big tank will my ball python be stressed?
So I might be getting a ball python, and the only tank we have and can get right now is a 50 gallon tank. It's big, for a ball python, and I know ball pythons can get stressed in a big cage.
If I have a lot of hide boxes, will it still be stressed? i know a lot about ball pythons, but I can't seem to find the answer to this anywhere.
Here are some of the hide boxes we're getting (if any of these are no good, please let me know)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=263602_263622
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/in...roduct_id=1263
http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealinv...LAID=488101102
http://www.petdiscounters.com/Tree-S...way-p1670.html
Thanks for all of your help!
Re: If I have lots of hides in a big tank will my ball python be stressed?
As long as you make the tank feel small enough and have good hides you shouldn't have a problem. Depending on what kind of decor you'll have, either lots of fake plants or balled up newspaper can be used to make the snake feel more covered. As far as hides just make sure they're fairly snug and only have one entrance. As long as there's no wide open spaces I see no reason why a 50gal won't work.
Re: If I have lots of hides in a big tank will my ball python be stressed?
The first and second hides are probably your best bet. The last two are a bit too open.
Honestly, the biggest problem with big tanks is not security issues, but temp and humidity issues. It is VERY hard to keep constant and correct temps in such a large tank. Humidity is also a nightmare since you will most likely be stuck using lamps to keep the heat up. The lamps will in turn lower your humidity.
My best suggestion to you is to either use a tub until you can get a more appropriately sized enclosure, or just buy a different tank/reptile enclosure. It will make your life a million times easier. And your snake will be happier :)
Re: If I have lots of hides in a big tank will my ball python be stressed?
How old is the little guy your trying to get? if hes a baby baby ('10) then I would say get a smaller tank from CL or even the pet store, I know petsmarts 20l are $50 I think you can get a 15 from there for $40 I guess you could use a 10g ($10 at walmart and another $15 for the screen) just and idea, cuz you will need ALOT of stuff for him to hide in for the 50g, like mustbesatan said.
oh and another thing, by the time you buy all these hides and fake plants and stuff, you might as well bought a new smaller tank with only 2 hides.
On an answer to you second question the first 2 look the best, but make sure you get ones that fit your snake, if the hides to big it dosnt matter how many you have they dont feel secure.
Re: If I have lots of hides in a big tank will my ball python be stressed?
I like the T-Rex coconuts from petsmart. they're only $3 and are real good for our snakes.