Ideas on tank enrichment items

I recently upgraded two tanks for my ball pythons that are larger than there previous enclosures in tubs. There is a lot of extra space any ideas on what I could possibly add to the tanks.

Also the breeder I got my older python from said hes never had a hide in his enclosure. Despite what he said I bought him a hide. Should I buy a second hide for the cool side of the tank? He usually just leaves his hide if he is to warm. My younger ball python has two hides.

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Originally Posted by Titantheballpython

I recently upgraded two tanks for my ball pythons that are larger than there previous enclosures in tubs. There is a lot of extra space any ideas on what I could possibly add to the tanks.

Also the breeder I got my older python from said hes never had a hide in his enclosure. Despite what he said I bought him a hide. Should I buy a second hide for the cool side of the tank? He usually just leaves his hide if he is to warm. My younger ball python has two hides.

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The breeder likely had him in a rack. Since racks are already fairly snug and dark a hide is always needed.

But yes, you want to offer at least two.

Also any picture of any of your tanks would be great just so I can get some ideas of how to place things in mine. Thanks!

Hides for sure: one un-heated, one on the warm side, and also a "humid hide" is appreciated (somewhere between the warm & cool ones, filled with damp moss-
& you want an enclosed bottom for this or the damp moss will dampen the other substrate as well, so cutting a doorway in the top of a clean food container with
a snap on lid works great for a humid hide- re-dampen the moss periodically when it dries out.)

Snakes enjoy driftwood or tunnels of various kinds- just make sure to plug (permanently) any holes they might get stuck in (as they grow, or after eating, etc).

Just adding that I've noticed that every one of my snakes (except the GTP) seems to really enjoy having pieces of cork to climb on/around, and much love for cork hides. I've gotten to the point where I'd provide at least one cork hide for each of them if I could find the right array of sizes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Titantheballpython

I recently upgraded two tanks for my ball pythons that are larger than there previous enclosures in tubs. There is a lot of extra space any ideas on what I could possibly add to the tanks.

Also the breeder I got my older python from said hes never had a hide in his enclosure. Despite what he said I bought him a hide. Should I buy a second hide for the cool side of the tank? He usually just leaves his hide if he is to warm. My younger ball python has two hides.

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You just can’t go wrong with putting branches in there ( the more the merrier) ..they enhance the general appearance and every snake will enjoy climbing through them .
Imagine being trapped in a rectangular cell with a bed and a glass of water :)


I get all my branches from local woods and parks - just after strong winds is a great time to go looking .
I then cut and ‘jam’ them into place and secure with hot glue which is very strong and durable BUT can be cut and pulled away by YOU and not the snake .

Another nice touch is to attach loads of fake foliage to the branches using zip-ties

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Hides for sure: one un-heated, one on the warm side, and also a "humid hide" is appreciated (somewhere between the warm & cool ones, filled with damp moss-
& you want an enclosed bottom for this or the damp moss will dampen the other substrate as well, so cutting a doorway in the top of a clean food container with
a snap on lid works great for a humid hide- re-dampen the moss periodically when it dries out.)

Snakes enjoy driftwood or tunnels of various kinds- just make sure to plug (permanently) any holes they might get stuck in (as they grow, or after eating, etc).

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Could you please give a example on how you could plug up a tunnel, because I have a resin log that has holes and I am not sure how to close up the holes. I don't want my bp to get stuck... :(

I've used 100% silicone (like for aquariums) or hot glue. Either a bead/blob of it to block small holes, or I'll seal a rock in blocking bigger holes. Give it a day or two to cure before you put it back in the tank.

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Originally Posted by Serpentine_Queen

Could you please give a example on how you could plug up a tunnel, because I have a resin log that has holes and I am not sure how to close up the holes. I don't want my bp to get stuck... :(

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I've used aquarium silicone sealant too, & used it to glue a cork into a larger hole, for example. If the hole is in driftwood, you can also glue a bit of wood in the hole to match.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I've used aquarium silicone sealant too, & used it to glue a cork into a larger hole, for example. If the hole is in driftwood, you can also glue a bit of wood in the hole to match.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Meghenebk

I've used 100% silicone (like for aquariums) or hot glue. Either a bead/blob of it to block small holes, or I'll seal a rock in blocking bigger holes. Give it a day or two to cure before you put it back in the tank.

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I bought 100% silicone for my aquarium last week! I didn't know what it could be used for... could you paint on it or would that create toxic fumes?