what to do?

If your primary goal is the snake feeling secure (which it should be) then a tub is a much better choice IMO. Glass tanks seem to stress a ball python out due to complete exposure on at least one side and husbandry requirements are more difficult to meet than in a tub in my experience.

I know many people want to have awesome looking glass set-ups that are fun to look at and show off to people, I just feel like ball pythons aren't the best choice for a "display" animal.

If your tank is setup correctly with appropriate cover and hides an open face shouldn't make a difference to the snake security.

One would argue a hide within a tub or rack is redundant, yet I see people do that too.

To each their own I guess. So long as the emphasis is on the snake, and your meeting the animals requirements.

Ball Pythons aren't display animals and if the goal is to force the SNAKE out into the open to be looked at, you're going to have a problem.

If you want the TANK to look pretty and the snake has plenty of cover, you live in a humid place or can compensate for that, i really, really don't think it matters. Tubs are great. They can be stacked and save space, they are easier and lighter to move and clean. Because of that I, at least, can give more space in a tub than a tank.

But I've said before and will say again the BP I keep in a tank, who has the choice to hide or peek out, and vertical space? He's by FAR more the more confident snake. He still hides most of the time, but if he hears people moving around he'll come out to check me out. If his tank opens, he's actively coming out to see me. if I'm mucking around in that room, he comes out and looks to see what's going on.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26...ps5c93977f.jpg

Basically, I don't think tubs are better or worse for your snake, but I think they're about 200% less 'pet rock' and 'boring' when they're given the choice of having a view of what's going on around them. I also think they eventually gain confidence and get less fearful and PRONE to stress at every little thing. (I keep snakes in tanks and snakes in tubs. I'm not criticizing either.)

You know what? My ball python is my ONLY display animal!
I didn't plan it that way, or expect it, but it happens and it's great! :)
He comes out at the same time every night, perches on his log at the front of the glass, and watches the world go by from 9pm-1am. I love it. He's a delight. SO THERE :zerb:



;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NH93

You know what? My ball python is my ONLY display animal!
I didn't plan it that way, or expect it, but it happens and it's great! :)
He comes out at the same time every night, perches on his log at the front of the glass, and watches the world go by from 9pm-1am. I love it. He's a delight. SO THERE :zerb:



;)

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Same here! Mine is out every night and appears to watch tv quite a bit. If I walk to one side of her enclosure she seems to follow me with curiosity.
Not all are display animals, but some are pretty good at it, especially if your a night owl!

Yours sounds like mine :D

http://i.imgur.com/JFfywBY.jpg

I know people keep ball pythons in tanks and they do fine. I'm sure after a while they can be conditioned to relax and mull around the tank and not be spooked everytime someone walks by.

When I first started keeping my ball pythons I had them in glass aquariums w/ half logs as hides, so maybe the reason that I don't like tanks is the fact that my husbandry was so terrible and the snakes never seemed relaxed.

Idk if I would consider a nocturnal snake that only comes out once it gets dark a display animal either. But everyone has there own schedule so if you're up all night then right on lol.

Lol speaking of half log hides. I have 4 hides in her setup. A hallowed out tree stump, 2 conventional made hides, and one hollowed out log. Guess which one she uses 90% of the time! regardless of where I put it? :D

Doublepost *

Of course she does lol I didnt mean it as a barb. Your set up looks way better than my old ones ever did.

Everything I've said is just personal experience and all of your BP's look perfectly comfortable in their glass enclosures, mine just never did. Good thing I have a beardie!