BP Climbing like a tree python

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../5/bphigh3.jpg

So my ball python is climbing
Am a bit worried, is he going to burn from going close to the heat lamp? He's done it about 4 times since I shifted him to a bigger enclosure 6 hours ago.
Any suggestions for how to stop it from happening again?

He's climbing and then sitting snugly in the wire
It's pretty cool and I like seeing it, but don't know how wise it is to be so close to the heat.

Let me know!




https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../5/bphigh1.jpg

Same thing is happening with mine for the exact same reason, I just moved him today to a bigger display enclosure from a tub.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...126_125049.jpg

super weird, has he gone into the hides at all?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dumdum333

super weird, has he gone into the hides at all?

---

He did right after I took those pictures but as soon as the nightlight came on he came out and went to town up there again until he knocked them down. Now he's trying to climb up the door chain.

My hatchling sits in her tree from about 7pm to 5am. Some like to climb. My adult hangs out in her tree on occasion.

If possible use a cable strap like your tstat probe is being held with and make the wire it is sitting in sit flush against the wall. That should take the ability to climb like that away.

They might just be freaking out a little temporarily from having just moved into a new enclosure. Mine did that when he moved into his grown-up digs; he even did a little bit of it again recently when I just minorly rearranged the furniture. They'll probably settle down after a couple of days.
But in any case, having stuff to climb if they want is a good thing; just make sure they can't get at anything dangerous.
It's normal for them to climb though (although since individuals like it more than others). There are even wild bp's, especially males, that eat more birds than mammals.
Excessive restless behavior that goes on for awhile can be a sign of husbandry problems, but some extra exploration in a new place is to be expected.

It seems like most people disagree with some of the things I say. But, BPs shouldn't climb. They aren't a climbing species of snake. Their heat source should be down on the ground floor. And if they are climbing, that can ONLY mean one of two things. They are seeking more heat or they are stressed.

EDIT: and that statement is directed almost solely towards hatchling and young juveniles. If they are adult size, they might climb "just for fun", but regardless. All the pics posted raise a flag of concern in my opinion. Especially in the wire. Wire is bad! Lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Why could a young BP not also climb for fun?

My BP has climbed her entire life. Now that she is big she constantly pulls down the fake plants around her tank.

I see no issue with any snake climbing as long as there is nothing that can harm them when they climb. My Hognose climbs a lot too and she is really good at it. I have old pics of her doing it in my profile.

I did find these two studies interesting:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/1...50009809386744

http://booksandjournals.brillonline....53806778190105

Apparently studies of wild python regius have shown juvenile males carry different parasites and feed upon birds at a significantly higher frequency.

Seems that atleast some populations spend quite a bit of time in the trees.

So I don't think that a bp climbing can ONLY be due to stress or bad husbandry...

Of course I would double check the husbandry to be safe.

If I had a climber I would probably redo the cage to make it a safe activity. No large drops. No heat lamp right on top of the wire and really good locks.

Wild juveniles and males commonly climb trees in search of food. That's been recorded many times already, with studies I can link to show it. Bp's may not be considered arboreal or even semi-arboreal, but the wild types have already shown us that climbing IS part of how they hunt, years ago. They aren't restricted to the ground like some other species. Which is why many keepers now provide their bp's with safe climbing opportunities, if they so choose to. People who still believe ball pythons should never climb are simply misinformed.

However, over-the-top climbing and finding an escape in captivity usually indicates stress or seeking heat.

To the OP, If you don't have one already, get a temp gun to monitor the temps on your hot spot and next to the lamp cage and you'll know if it's too hot or not!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMG

Why could a young BP not also climb for fun?

My BP has climbed her entire life. Now that she is big she constantly pulls down the fake plants around her tank.

I see no issue with any snake climbing as long as there is nothing that can harm them when they climb. My Hognose climbs a lot too and she is really good at it. I have old pics of her doing it in my profile.

---

I knew you would be one of the guys that opposed me. That's fine..your BPs will do what they do. All of mine will do what they do.... but if you study the species, you would realize that they aren't a climbing snake... sorry

Thanks for the t10 advice for my kingsnake though... guess we are opposing forces now though considering you disagree with everything I say.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

That's fine..your BPs will do what they do. All of mine will do what they do.... but if you study the species, you would realize that they aren't a climbing snake... sorry


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

Just curious about your thoughts on the observations of juvenile males leading semi - aboreal lives out in the field then?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by voodoolamb

Just curious about your thoughts on the observations of juvenile males leading semi - aboreal lives out in the field then?

---

Well I'm sorry, but I don't have any first hand experience in Africa observing ball pythons in their true environment.. even if I had ventured Into Africa, I'm 6 ft 3 in tall, so it's hard for me to fit into a termite mound.

But please, entertain me with your experiences. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

Well I'm sorry, but I don't have any first hand experience in Africa observing ball pythons in their true environment.. even if I had ventured Into Africa, I'm 6 ft 3 in tall, so it's hard for me to fit into a termite mound.

But please, entertain me with your experiences. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

I meant scientific observations....

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/1...50009809386744

http://booksandjournals.brillonline....53806778190105

I feel like my post about this was totally skipped ahah

I read your post, I found it very interesting! I'd heard people mentioning that ball pythons are more likely to climb in the wild than first thought, but I hadn't heard about the stuff backing it up. o: Cinnamon Roll likes to climb when she can, I always found it interesting how she managed it despite the lack of grips on my dresser...hopefully I can get some stuff for climbing in her cage sometime.

Very interesting reads!

Here's just one example with a link to the study from this very forum, years ago, for those interested in learning new information.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

"Three royal pythons were found outside of burrows. They were all males. Number 22 was in a mango tree, 26 was in open grassland, and 98 was found in a trench. Two other males (numbers 32 and 75) vomited rodents after capture, indicating that some males are active and feeding during the dry season."

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/cite...thon_ghana.pdf

Page 11 Dr Stefan GORZULA Consultant, CITES Secretariat.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by loonunit

Here's the video if you want to buy it and check it out.

http://www.stevegorzulapresents.com/

They're not actually studying them in the same sense that a professionally-produced nature documentary would be studying them, however--they're just counting animals for the CITES survey. So the "territories of an acre each" is really just based on density.

In order to make the counting easier, they do the surveys during the middle of the day, when the pythons are asleep in their burrows. The scientest are not out filming the snakes' behavior at night, when they're more likely to be awake and moving around. Nothing like that, unfortunately.

So there's no video clips of them actively hunting or climbing trees. So my assertion that ball pythons climb in the wild is solely based on the fact that there ARE trees and low bushes in the daytime shots, and on the fact that MY snakes would sure as heck be climbing and falling out of those things on a regular basis, if their behavior during handling time and escape attempts is anything to judge by....

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Skiploder

No one is calling them semi-arboreal. Their feeding behavior clearly indicates that they are semi-arboreal in terms of hunting for prey. While that alone doesn't make them arboreal or even semi-arboreal, it does mean that they have successfully adapted to taking to the trees to hunt prey.

---

Posting another small example, because my last post editing timed out...

This guy really did go to Africa in search of ball pythons, and at least pretty articulately described his trip in a bunch of photos. Not sure if I can link other sites, so you can find his thread (on another forum) by looking up "my trip to africa! togo ball pythons".

"Another revelation I had was exactly how tough ball pythons were. While often found on the low land and Savannah, we were surprised to find ball pythons on the top of this mountain:" It's a picture of a forested mountainside. Further proof just from a single tourist that ball pythons live in a much wider range of habitats than most people here think. Ball pythons don't only live in termite mounts and poke their fragile heads out to eat the occasional ground-dwelling rodent.

Aaand I feel like the thread has de-railed, but hope my posts gave people some things to think about.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

I knew you would be one of the guys that opposed me. That's fine..your BPs will do what they do. All of mine will do what they do.... but if you study the species, you would realize that they aren't a climbing snake... sorry

Thanks for the t10 advice for my kingsnake though... guess we are opposing forces now though considering you disagree with everything I say.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

Im not trying to be an opposing force against you and Im surprised by your comment. I didnt think you had an issue with me or I with you. I have not agreed with some things you said and obviously have different experience and different style to my keeping but I didnt think Id rubbed you wrong. As to Balls climbing I just don't agree with your statement that a BP being stressed or experiencing husbandry issues being the reason for climbing.

Your snappy comment about me needing to "study the species" is a bit out of line as well. You were presented with facts by others with wild snake observations. Where are your facts? You have not presented any and instead decide to shoot off at the mouth with cute comments to other keepers that did provide information and those that have seen the action in question first hand.

How bout you place your Balls in a cage that they could climb and see what you experience. I have seen your video and pics of your snake room and your snakes don't have anything to do so I bet that is why they do nothing. Its hard to do something when you do not have the opportunity. Your tubs are bare, small, and short. You can see my collection and see that I have true arboreal snakes. I never said my Ball was like my GTP, ETB, or even my BRB which is a great climber.

I can guarantee my Ball is not experiencing any stress and her cage is on point. She has the best tstat and has one of the nicest setups on the forum. I have not gone cheap on any part in any area of my keeping. My snakes have nice cages, proper tstats, and proper heating in their own heated room. They all have a great life in my care and want for nothing.

You ever seen a GTP or ETB coiled on the ground? I have. Just as those two can come down and relax on the ground a Ball can just as easy take a bit of a climb. My GTP and ETB also really enjoy swimming in their water and when up and active at night usually will take a trip around the cage floor and through the water bowl before going back to a perch. Seeing them swim so often really showed me something I would have never guessed. So just as an arboreal snake can slither on the ground there is no reason to believe a Ball Python could not take to a tree.

I think it would be interesting for you to put some of your Balls in taller tubs with some things to climb on and see what your snakes do. They may teach you something.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

... guess we are opposing forces now though considering you disagree with everything I say.

---

To this specifically I don't remember always disagreeing with you and I have not singled you out to dispute what you share here. If you feel that way I am sorry as that was never my intention.

I always try to give the best advice I can from the real world first hand knowledge I have acquired along the way of building my collection. I do not recommend anything that I would not do or use. If it is not good enough for me and my snakes I don't see it as good for anybody else either.

If anything I say goes against what you say it is not me trying to be different or put your advice down. I may simply have different experience that I am drawing from that I am giving my advice from. I always try to give safe advice and will continue to do so.

Well, there are several things here that are not being told and one is that ball pythons are a ground dwelling species for the most part and they are very secretive. They certainly are at home in a termite mound, burrow , or hole until they defecate inside of it or shed their skin and sense that they may be detected by their prey and then they venture out seeking a new place to set up camp. They climb if they have to, but are more comfortable and secure in the confines of a tunnel, excavated area, depression in the ground or even under rocks. As far as the birds are concerned, what these articles aren't stating is that there are quite a few ground dwelling birds, birds that make their nests in the ground and also underground. Most birds, even if they are airborne come to the ground in search of seeds and insects and generally to feed and its probably then that they become vulnerable to the attack of a ball python. Ball pythons are a very thigmotactic species and seek out the comfort and mainly the security of tight fitting spaces. If they are climbing its a in transit to their next secure spot and if they encounter a meal on their travelling mode you know how opportunistic they are. Justin Kobylka chronicles their behavior and has written about this in his travels to Benin, Ghana Africa in the past.

Maybe someone can refer me to a study that mentions this. But one thing I have noticed is that the handful of videos I've or descriptions I've read of people going out looking for ball pythons in their habitat, happened during the day. It makes sense, to; that's when we can what were doing, plus it's easier find then by racing into a hole you know they occupy than by hunting the brush in the dark.
But we all know that ball pythons are nocturnal, or at least, most active at dawn and dusk, and secretive. In generally, we often know a lot less about the habits of nocturnal animals because it's harder to observe them without disturbing their behavior.
If most of the firsthand accounts are from the middle of day when we all know they're likely to be asleep, why should we assume that means they never venture anywhere at night, just because it's harder for us diurnal humans to watch?

One last comment.... all this discussion of climbing is about climbing all the way to the top of an enclosure 12-24" high. That is hardly a stratospheric height. Plenty of ground dwelling animals climb up things that are knee high - we're not talking about the top of a giant Sequoia here. I don't know why it should be so controversial that a mostly terrestrial animal might like climbing things that you could step over, whether you call it terrestrial or semi-arboreal or whatever.

I have zero hands on experience with ball pythons in the field but I have read a lot. My bp will climb on anything I put in her tub. If she was in something taller, she would climb whatever was in there. I think she climbs because she can. Doesn't mean she is arboreal, but she is def going to interact with anything I put in her enclosure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

It seems like most people disagree with some of the things I say. But, BPs shouldn't climb. They aren't a climbing species of snake. Their heat source should be down on the ground floor. And if they are climbing, that can ONLY mean one of two things. They are seeking more heat or they are stressed.

EDIT: and that statement is directed almost solely towards hatchling and young juveniles. If they are adult size, they might climb "just for fun", but regardless. All the pics posted raise a flag of concern in my opinion. Especially in the wire. Wire is bad! Lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

My hatchling eats, voids, sheds and hides in her caves during the day and climbs her tree and sits in it all night, hoping a meal will pass by.
It's totally normal. We don't drop temps at night. she's not upset or trying to get out. She's happy up there.

I have 2 BPs. The male is in hide most of the time, and only comes out when the lights are dim (ie at night, in darkened room). This female though is fearless. I had her out and figured I'd put her on the bookcase (on the left) so she could hang out behind some stuff, (including a bookshelf speaker) and I could easily see if she started to climb down.
To my complete surprise, with regular lights on in the room, she went up and across and ended up crossing the top of this tv which is only about 3/4 " wide and 5' above the floor.

http://i.imgur.com/t5PQpPS.jpg

I have had many ball pythons over the years.. I have always provided media for thm to climb on shld they choose.. Some have used it, others have not.. So I think it depends on the snakes wants at the moment when all else is right.

As far as the cage in orig post.. My only concern is this.. That light should never be in the cage as far as I am concerned, even when shielded w wire, which can become hot also. I would suggest you take that light out, remove wire cage..affix flat wire to top of outside of cage..set light directly on that.. You may need to get a different housing for the bulb that has a shield tht enables you to place light sitting ontop. Avoid potential issues w burns.

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

Today I had a long talk with my Ball Python. I had to tell her that I found out that she should not enjoy climbing around and it was no behavior a girl like her should participate in. She cried a little but after a little time she settled down and understood she needs to keep her belly on the ground to retain her reputation as a classy Ball Python.

Now I think the GTP and ETB are poking fun at her so they are going to get a stern talking to. Im gonna have to tell them they are not a Bull snake and their bullying will not be tolerated in my home.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMG

Im not trying to be an opposing force against you and Im surprised by your comment. I didnt think you had an issue with me or I with you. I have not agreed with some things you said and obviously have different experience and different style to my keeping but I didnt think Id rubbed you wrong. As to Balls climbing I just don't agree with your statement that a BP being stressed or experiencing husbandry issues being the reason for climbing.

Your snappy comment about me needing to "study the species" is a bit out of line as well. You were presented with facts by others with wild snake observations. Where are your facts? You have not presented any and instead decide to shoot off at the mouth with cute comments to other keepers that did provide information and those that have seen the action in question first hand.

How bout you place your Balls in a cage that they could climb and see what you experience. I have seen your video and pics of your snake room and your snakes don't have anything to do so I bet that is why they do nothing. Its hard to do something when you do not have the opportunity. Your tubs are bare, small, and short. You can see my collection and see that I have true arboreal snakes. I never said my Ball was like my GTP, ETB, or even my BRB which is a great climber.

I can guarantee my Ball is not experiencing any stress and her cage is on point. She has the best tstat and has one of the nicest setups on the forum. I have not gone cheap on any part in any area of my keeping. My snakes have nice cages, proper tstats, and proper heating in their own heated room. They all have a great life in my care and want for nothing.

You ever seen a GTP or ETB coiled on the ground? I have. Just as those two can come down and relax on the ground a Ball can just as easy take a bit of a climb. My GTP and ETB also really enjoy swimming in their water and when up and active at night usually will take a trip around the cage floor and through the water bowl before going back to a perch. Seeing them swim so often really showed me something I would have never guessed. So just as an arboreal snake can slither on the ground there is no reason to believe a Ball Python could not take to a tree.

I think it would be interesting for you to put some of your Balls in taller tubs with some things to climb on and see what your snakes do. They may teach you something.

---

Well they're all in a rack now, so I guess they won't be climbing anytime soon.

I get your point man. All of them. Your snakes are display animals, mine aren't. The ball pythons anyway. That being said, I interact with my snakes on an every other day basis. They get plenty of exercise. And I'm fully aware that they have the ability to climb. I'm not some savage snake abuser just because my snakes are kept in a rack and they have "nothing" to do. I love my animals just as much as you do. ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMG

Today I had a long talk with my Ball Python. I had to tell her that I found out that she should not enjoy climbing around and it was no behavior a girl like her should participate in. She cried a little but after a little time she settled down and understood she needs to keep her belly on the ground to retain her reputation as a classy Ball Python.

Now I think the GTP and ETB are poking fun at her so they are going to get a stern talking to. Im gonna have to tell them they are not a Bull snake and their bullying will not be tolerated in my home.

---

Classy. ;)

I didn't mean to hi jack this thread whatsoever. It's a forum that we have the right to express our freedom of speech and to form our own opinions..

And my opinion is that ball pythons don't have to climb to be happy. And I guarantee you that they aren't thinking, "gee. I'm bored. Think I might go for a climb today.".... they are definitely opportunistic though and are definitely curious animals no doubt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jeanne

I would suggest you take that light out, remove wire cage..affix flat wire to top of outside of cage..set light directly on that.. You may need to get a different housing for the bulb that has a shield tht enables you to place light sitting ontop. Avoid potential issues w burns.

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

---

hey can you explain what you mean there?i was also worried about the cage but that's how the petstore recommended it for me.

Simply put...remove tht mess from inside tht cage. You should not have a light fixture in there, regardless of tht wire cage around it....it can get hot!!! As I said above in the quote..if u feel u must have that light, it should be on the outside of the cage to avoid any potential issues that may come about w your current setup.

Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk

Keep in mind, this may mean modifications to your cage tht you will need to figure out how to accomplish.

Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk

You see..the current lighting setup is meant more for lizards who bask moreso than a snake tht does not need a basking spot.

Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk

For what it's worth, it seems to me just from poking around various places on the internet that using heat lamps with cages like that inside the enclosure is a pretty common thing in the UK even for snakes; and that radiant heat panels (which are more commonly used to heat snake vivs in the US) are relatively uncommon and expensive, apparently.

So if you can find a group of UK keepers to just check in with on how things are set up, you will probably find more people who use bulbs in cages.

The other thing you can do to set your mind at ease is to temporarily bypass your thermostat or dimmer or whatever and turn up the lamp full blast for a short time just to see how hot the cage can possibly get with the lamp on full power. If you can hold your hand against it for an extended time (like a full minute or more) without getting burned, it's safe for your snake to climb on. If not, you should look into getting a larger cage or a lower wattage bulb, or making the modifications that Jeanne suggested.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coluber42

For what it's worth, it seems to me just from poking around various places on the internet that using heat lamps with cages like that inside the enclosure is a pretty common thing in the UK even for snakes; and that radiant heat panels (which are more commonly used to heat snake vivs in the US) are relatively uncommon and expensive, apparently.

So if you can find a group of UK keepers to just check in with on how things are set up, you will probably find more people who use bulbs in cages.

The other thing you can do to set your mind at ease is to temporarily bypass your thermostat or dimmer or whatever and turn up the lamp full blast for a short time just to see how hot the cage can possibly get with the lamp on full power. If you can hold your hand against it for an extended time (like a full minute or more) without getting burned, it's safe for your snake to climb on. If not, you should look into getting a larger cage or a lower wattage bulb, or making the modifications that Jeanne suggested.

---

Ok, I'm sorry. But I'm pretty sure heat feels the same way in the U.K. As it does here in the U.S... even a 50 watt basking bulb or IR bulb gets freaking hot. And for a "full minute or more"? Yeah, not happening. .. there should be NO reason to put a heat bulb inside of the tank. No matter what country you're in.

And if you are referring to a regulated bulb via dimmer, then it should still be placed outside of the enclosure.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mangiapane85

Well they're all in a rack now, so I guess they won't be climbing anytime soon.

I get your point man. All of them. Your snakes are display animals, mine aren't. The ball pythons anyway. That being said, I interact with my snakes on an every other day basis. They get plenty of exercise. And I'm fully aware that they have the ability to climb. I'm not some savage snake abuser just because my snakes are kept in a rack and they have "nothing" to do. I love my animals just as much as you do. ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

I never said you were a "savage snake abuser." Im fine with a rack. I own one. Its not my first choice but I understand their use and purpose.

The issue I had is you were stating observations of snakes that are fairly new to you in an enclosure that did not allow for them to show you the action you were disputing. You were shown and told by members with plenty of real world observation and experience that Balls are known to climb at times but you stood firm in what appeared to be a belief they only live in a termite mound and others(me) need to "study the species." Maybe one day once you have been a long time member you will see a similar thread and see exactly how you came off to others as a newer keeper and member.

I welcome you here and I truly do not wish to be an "opposing force" to you. You seem to be a great snake owner and are putting together a nice collection in a nice snake room. You have the passion and that is easy to see. I don't wish to be an enemy to anyone here and only look to help others however I can.

I think we can now agree that a Ball will and can climb if they need but it is not their primary activity and are much more at home on the ground.

Heat may feel the same but Coluber42 is correct when it comes to keepers in the UK. The members from there continually have a hard time finding the gear they need to setup an ideal enclosure. Things are just not readily available to them as it is here to us.

When you think about things like thermostats. Even here in the US we really don't have that many great options. The market is not flooded with great tstats like Herpstats and when you look at the market in the UK it is much smaller.

yeah I can't see how I'd get the bulb in without cutting a huge hole in the viv, which I can already tell would just be a disaster.
It might be because the humidity in London is super high?
I like the bulb because it keeps the cage lit :) think i'll start a new thread to see opinions?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dumdum333

yeah I can't see how I'd get the bulb in without cutting a huge hole in the viv, which I can already tell would just be a disaster.
It might be because the humidity in London is super high?
I like the bulb because it keeps the cage lit :) think i'll start a new thread to see opinions?

---

If the light is only needed for light a LED bulb would run at a much lower temp and save electricity too.

When ever I gave my ball pythons Little bushes and stuff around water dish and homes they would climb those often and also and sticks put in and I have had a few adults when takin outside they climbed a small near by branchy tree and just to note this tree had branches all the way to the ground and how she was able to get into it in the first place I also believe I took some pictures but not 100% on that I usually don't when I bring them out for natural sun

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

Check out this "Fancy" Ball Python.

http://houston.craigslist.org/for/5896565818.html

I just had to add it here.

In the second pic it is in its "fancy" pose. I guess it's a Fancy Tree Ball Python.

My BP is Classy, and theirs in Fancy. :rofl:

I believe that most snakes can and do climb. It's all about their needs, whether it be survival for food and escape, or exploring.

When I was a competitor I waterskied daily, even in the winter. I've witnessed hundreds of water snakes in trees. The trees were all overhanging the water which made it ideal for ambush hunting and or basking with easy escape if threatened.

I never thought of a Rattlesnake as a good climber until I saw that one on YouTube climbing a tree to escape that attack rabbit.

Some folks have seen many climbing photos of my Bp, Boas, and Carpets. I tell you what, my 15 year old BP can out climb both of my Boas and give the Carpets a run for their money.

Bottom line is, snakes are very adaptable and will adjust to their environment to meet their needs of food, survival, or just exploring.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...2effd70ec4.jpg

Elvira is much better at climbing DOWN than even my Boas and Carpets.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...355cfe806c.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...34fd47e144.jpg

Elvira, 15 yr old Normal that is a climbing fool.

Hi,
I am new to BP so I have no expierence at all. My 2 month baby ball python loves to climb. He likes to spend nights hanging on that tree root in S pose. He used to do more climbing when I first got him. He tried to get in almost everywhere so I put some bamboo sticks for support ;). These days he spends most of the day time in a coco hide and climbs only during a night. I guess he was just looking for best spots in a new environment.
cheers
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../8/6/alpi1.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../8/6/alpi2.jpg