Too high tub and hide space?

I just found myself with 2 adults (6 and 4 yo) that came with this kind of tub (not sure on exact size but floor is about the same as 41qt):

http://m.sterilite.com/productfiles/...1_17641704.jpg

The only thing in them was a bowl of water and newspaper. The rack is a converted shelving unit and heated with cable.

For space I would transfer them to 41qt tubs instead of these and add converted litter boxes for hides but wonder if it will fit? Also, instead of hides, would adding a kind of drape around the rack be enough comfort from scary things for the BPs?

I also have 32qt for 2 new juveniles and wonder what hides can fit in there for 2 yo ? I dont have a lot of choice hide wise but am going to my dollar store tomorrow to find some litter boxes and try and see for climbing material for my new BCI.

I got a lot of new snakes in one day! It makes for a lot of organization and make sure no one is too stressed about it. All same place so they are taking over snake space and everyone else (2) goes in quarantine.

Incidentally why are they too high ??

Ball python are not as active as other snakes and prefer to hide. When they do come out they stay low to the ground and the bigger the space the more they have to stress about. Though that is only what I think from what I have read.

I try to check on them in the evening or early in the morning (or 3am like today) to see what they do and only a few (3 of 6) were moving and even then not very much. Only the BCI was stretched out as far as he could go and from what I read he would climb if given the material, while the other bps are in their hides or on one side of the tub and not moving much except their heads.

Though there are exception it seems to be a majority in my case that really do not seem to care. Changing tub would be "easier" and also, even though they have the head room, if I dont add anything it is only empty space.

Oh! And to add to the "should I downsize" question; one of them is a spider with a pretty big wobble (I have only seen one wobbler so dunno if its really that severe) when handled and when opening tub or close to it. Would it be best to minimalise the space she can bang her head on? Or bigger is better for the exact same reason?

Personally I like the headspace, and my BPs seem to as well. I've had several now that I purchased that never saw anything taller or larger than a CB70 tub. Those max out at about 6" high. I have some smaller BPs that are in ExoTerra glass cages. I love these BTW, but they are harder to maintain proper humidity levels. Those that had the higher head space always seemed to use it. Usually they'll explore it and some even climb a bit. When it really shines though is feeding time. It seems the pythons have a natural inclination to use gravity to let the prey slide down making meal time a bit easier. When I was building my first set of display enclosures I kept thinking about this and what I would like to look at as well as how to maximize space. I settled on 14" of interior height. I'm not saying all keepers need that amount, but I can say that my BPs use it to their advantage. Of course on the flip side, I do have tubs as well and everyone in them does just fine. I think it all comes down to personal preference. 14" for display and 6" for keeping is where I ended up.

Reading this back I'm not sure it answers anything now. :rolleyes: Just my observations. I doubt 14" or even higher would stress a BP. The tops are covered and or opaque. Nothings going to come at them from above. I'm willing to bet they know that.

Dave

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Originally Posted by AKA Dave

Personally I like the headspace, and my BPs seem to as well. I've had several now that I purchased that never saw anything taller or larger than a CB70 tub. Those max out at about 6" high. I have some smaller BPs that are in ExoTerra glass cages. I love these BTW, but they are harder to maintain proper humidity levels. Those that had the higher head space always seemed to use it. Usually they'll explore it and some even climb a bit. When it really shines though is feeding time. It seems the pythons have a natural inclination to use gravity to let the prey slide down making meal time a bit easier. When I was building my first set of display enclosures I kept thinking about this and what I would like to look at as well as how to maximize space. I settled on 14" of interior height. I'm not saying all keepers need that amount, but I can say that my BPs use it to their advantage. Of course on the flip side, I do have tubs as well and everyone in them does just fine. I think it all comes down to personal preference. 14" for display and 6" for keeping is where I ended up.

Reading this back I'm not sure it answers anything now. :rolleyes: Just my observations. I doubt 14" or even higher would stress a BP. The tops are covered and or opaque. Nothings going to come at them from above. I'm willing to bet they know that.

Dave

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I'd agree on every point . My Royals are all in vivs full of hiding places and branches / bark pieces .
They are out climbing EVERY evening ( apart from when they're in shed )and use every inch of space they're given .

These ideas about Royals being lazy and staying in their hides 24/7 are total bollox presumably spread by those keeping them in tiny rubs with one hide and a little water dish , on a piece of newspaper . Given those surroundings I'd probably choose to spend all day moping under my hide as well . Sorry to appear a bit tetchy .