Using darker colored tubs for certain snakes

I was wondering if anyone has found, used, or had any problems using darker colored tubs for certain snakes. I am talking that will be a similar height to those tubs used in popular snake racks. The reason I ask is because I think some problem snakes that are shy and not great eaters do better with the most amount of privacy possible. We can give them hides, put something to block their view, crumple up news papers to make the space smaller, but I was thinking finding a darker rubbermaid or something and just putting holes in it would create a darker and less stressful environment if they can see everything going on out side? If not has anyone found something safe to permanently paint clear tubs with?

You know i was kinda thinking something like this before. I've seen a bunch of Halloween 6 qt (only size they had) but they were smoked black and i was wondering if you used those if it would help them feel more secured.

Yes, this rack maker uses grey tubs (clear is an option) Almost all of the pro breeders use these racks (or freedom breeder racks which are practically identical) http://www.arscaging.com/arstubs.html

The Krylon plastic paint should be ok once it is dry.

I have duct taped the outside of a tub for my Dumerils at one time. He wasn't wanting to eat and it helped a lot. I actually installed curtains on the front of one of my racks in the hope it would help with some of the problem ball python feeders. It helped a lot also! Most of my largest BPs are in a home made rack with black concrete mixing tubs, and I never have a problem with them. Honestly I have most of my feeding problems with the BPs in vision tanks. I have learned to cover them with a towel first thing in the morning of feeding day, this usually solves the problem.

Complete darkness is fine for them, there shouldnt be a problem.

I'm trying the purple rubber maid bins for a few of my smaller picky eaters. Dark enough to block out more light but clear enough that I can do quick checks without having to open them all the way. They have had a few days to adjust to the new bins, so hopefully they will be hungry tomorrow.

My biggest breeder females have green tubs you can buy at Christmas. They have a really open rack system, and the green tubs help out tremendously. I debated putting a small light in each, but decided it would be simpler and safer to add a plexiglas window. My breeder tubs are in their rack in such a way that the end faces out, so I cut a window in one end of the tub, added plexiglas so i could see in without disturbing the snake, and it works beautifully. You probably wouldn't have to have a window, it's more for my peace of mind than anything.

Gale

Do you know where I could get some tubs that are the same height as the standard 32/15 qt sterlites most of us use. Would be great to not use a lid!

I picked up some krylon plastic paint as its supposed to be non toxic when dry. I'm going to spray a few tubs and let you all know how it goes

I just switched over to an ARS rack ( grey tubs ) and my iffy feeders have become great eater and my mousers have actually begun to take rats. They seem like a much more aggressive feeder in the dark tubs for me at least.

I had a problem with a new Het pied which was the reason I started this thread (see here)
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...one-meal-since

I blacked out the cage with the krylon fusion plastic non toxic paint and put her in there to chill out over a day or so. Tonight I fed her and she took it right away. Ill update this thread if it seems to make her a more confident eater. I also put my yellow belly male in one and I'll take note if it makes him a little stronger of a eater. Id say hes medium now.

I'm glad she ate ;)


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Originally Posted by Billy305

Do you know where I could get some tubs that are the same height as the standard 32/15 qt sterlites most of us use. Would be great to not use a lid!

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Sounds like you've already worked out that one feeding issue, but I just picked up a couple of red Sterilite 15 qts at Walmart. They had purple, too, in a 17 qt size.

Ate again today