40 Gallon Tank????

I just want to get some feedback from those that keep their snake in a terrarium. I have read/seen many times that it is recommended that an adult can live in a 40 gal. tank their entire life. I don't know about you guys and gals, but my snake is highyl active. I don't have the heart to keep a snake in a 40 gal its entire life. I am fully aware of the juvenile security issue; however, I am referring to adults that are well-acclimated. Shoot...I let my snake roam around my 20' by 20' bedroom, and that doesn't seem to be big enough. I recently bought a 5x2 custom built tank, and I can't wait to get it going properly...and I'm sure Dime can't wait as well. (plus I get to have a lot of fun decorating it:) Just want some input as far has how all of you keep your snake, and all that. I think it would be horribly cruel to keep a snake in a 40 gal...especially to those that don't let their snake roam around or take it out regularly.

In the wild these animals typically don't "roam," nor do they have a territory. They mostly sit in an animal burrow until they smell food coming near. Or until they get thirsty. They simply don't need a large enclosure. A hiding ball python is a happy ball python.

Personally, I think a 40g TANK is not suited for a ball python simply because TANKS (especially the large ones) are meant for FISH. They are usually very very tall, much taller than your snake would need.

A 5' x 2' seems excessive for a ball python, but if thats what you want to do.. then go for it. Make sure you have lots of hides and multiple hot spots for your snake. Most ball pythons are not nearly as active as you claim yours to be. As long as the snake is eating/shedding/pooping regularly than it will probably be fine. I can't say you will find many people on this forum who keep their ball pythons in a similarly sized enclosure though. Most of us use tubs.

My ball has a 40. It gets handles but never roams free.

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5797386.jpg

My gtp has a 24*20*24. Again gets handled but never roams free.

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/...ps35daecfc.jpg

My brb and large blood have 4*2. Same handling.

My bulldog gets the whole house minus the snake room. She is handled and roams free while I'm here.

My fiance gets the same area as the dog, is handled, and gets to roam free, sometimes.

40 gallon breeder tanks aren't too big, just that they suck at keeping proper husbandry for a ball python.
My large ball pythons are in 41qt tubs that are smaller than a 40 gal breeder, and they thrive in those tubs :gj:

Personally, I think a 40g TANK is not suited for a ball python simply because TANKS (especially the large ones) are meant for FISH.

Back to THIS, I see. Well, in THAT case...TUBS are meant for SHOES. See, I can do it, too! :rofl:

As for tanks "sucking at keeping proper bp husbandry", when was the last time you saw a glass tank performing anything? I'll re-phrase it for ya, k? People suck at doing stuff.

haha...I am well aware that they are not fish. You do not need to patronize me. I have a snake to enjoy it as a pet, not put in a tub on a rack to breed it. I enjoy watching him enjoy his tank. If you have your snake as a pet to enjoy, I cannot fathom why you would put it in a tub. I have no husbandry issues with my snake. I understand it is hard to maintain humidity in a tank; consquently, I invested in a large tank, and I have plans to make it awesome and proper. My snake is constantly active, and I can tell he wants more room. I will accomodate him. I let him roam my 400 sq foot room, and he doesn't stop lol. He just slithers and slithers. I am not an enthusiast with lots of snakes. One is enough for me. I think 5x2 is perfect for me, and I had it built and I am going to make a custom lit to aid in humidity retention. I was just kind of looking for other people's ideas and thoughts as far as those who keep their snake in a tank...as I clearly stated...not to be critiqued by people who keep their "pets" in a tub.

I keep my snakes in tubs because it actually does provide them with the environment that they crave. Even when I had only one snake, I quickly moved her to a tub.

If you say that your snake "wants" more room, so be it. As long as the snake is healthy I can't argue with giving your pet more space.

Just sayin... there is a reason people use tubs. Its not to be cruel or just for breeding.

OP: if you want to spend the time and money it takes to keep good husbandry in whatever you want to keep the snake in by all means do it :gj:

Tubs are for shoes ...lol

I have my BP in a 40 Gallon tank. He seems to enjoy it. I believe as long as you can keep humidity, temperature, and they eat , poop and shed correctly there is no real problem. Of course if you want to increase your collection Racks would probably be better suited, I believe it just depends on preference, and on what your future plans are. Just my opinion of course. :D