Garrett is an excellent resource and he'd be the one I'd go to if I was interested in another SD.
That said, it is often overlooked at how arboreal this species can be. Without having to do too much research and fact finding, you can see plenty of examples in the wild of reticulated pythons that are using the canopy.
Surprisingly, they are not all juvenile animals.
My point earlier in this thread mentioned mainland animals climbing and perching. Again, space and being able to afford to accommodate these large animals is a roadblock for most.
Don't however think that just because a captive mainland animal is classified as terrestrial, it won't exhibit arboreal behavior.
http://reptilescanada.com/threads/re...haviour.57185/
Properly fed and raised animals will be extremely strong, muscular and lean. Even in the retic world, I see a lot of fat specimens.
If you haven't seen it, check out this whopper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aze5pRETgM
Another captive animal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XtCWR0tSYo
In the wild.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XtCWR0tSYo
This one is really interesting. This is prime hunting territory, unfortunately for the snake, it's cover has been blown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfz9ar5Y_bw
My point here is this; If you are not keeping multiple animals, are not a breeder and space is not at a premium, offer as much room for a species like this as possible.
In general, a well raised specimen is active, and will utilize the space it is given. Some are pushers, and no matter how much space you give, you can wind up with a difficult keeper. I'm fortunate my male is not a pusher. Some animals are different and may actually not like a lot of space. Usually if you provide top cover, and some type of hide, the large expanse of a big cage becomes smaller and more comfortable for the nervous, shy type.
O/P, you have previous experience with the species, and are now looking at a smaller package so none of this is brand new info for you I'm relatively sure.
Treat yourself to a nice display cage and enjoy the experience. I find my fella to be the best in cage display animal I have. I find him to be the most annoying animal to handle out of the cage. That's the trade off I guess.
Like I mentioned earlier, it's honestly 50/50 for this one when it comes to ground vs. canopy. If you want to call 2 feet tall a canopy that is.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/qgAaeLF.jpg
Caught in the act.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/kfhzDkF.jpg
Best of luck finding the sweet spot between cage and animal.
