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.

Quote:

---

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.

---

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:

---

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.

---

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

Quote:

---

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).

---

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.

Quote:

---

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... :(

---

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:

---

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.

---

Quote:

---

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.

---

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?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Serpentine_Queen

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?

---

Aquarium-safe silicone is safe for snakes. It has an odor when you first apply it, so let it cure before exposing your snake to it.

Also I think it is a good idea to have matching hides on the hot and cool side. That way you know your snake is on one side or the other because the temps not because of a hide preference. He it loves the cool side hide and you have one on the hot side that it isn't comfortable in then it might not use it when it needs to for digestion etc.

Many breeders do not keep hides because they keep their snakes in tubs on a rack system because it’s usually pretty dark. Either way I still say to use hides for them. But yes, there should be a hide on the “hot” and the “cool” side. If you have trouble with keeping your humidity up in a glass enclosure I would recommend using a “humidity box”. It’s just as simple as a tub ware container filled with damp sphagnum moss (with no standing water inside). As far as enrichment goes, if your B.P is small you can put a little paper towel roll in there, but if she/he is bigger, I put in a PVC tube and he seems to love that. You can also use things like fake leaves, climbing branches (as long as you use a glass tank), half logs and things like that. Don’t be fooled by a half log though, it is not a hide, it is just enrichment. The snake can not fully hide in self In it. I guess you could close one side off, but I still recommend getting a fully enclosed hide. I hope this helps 😁