Question for those who you barren tubs

[Jmarshall]

Hello all,
A) I have a lot of respect for this forum as many members on here have a wealth of knowledge and B) I am curious to know what yall think about this topic.
Many people on this forum promote that snakes operate purely off of instincts and that things like enrichment are not necessary. I had stumbled across an interesting website last night and thought I would share and get feedback from the forum. I do not keep my snake in a tub (nothing inherently wrong with them) nor do I keep my snake in a plain barren environment and I feel that enrichment is beneficial to animals. What are your guys' opinions on the matter?

http://rainbowsnakes.tumblr.com/post...tiles-what-why

Here is a quote at the end that sums it up pretty well

Small, sterile enclosures are only appropriate for temporary quarantine housing, not for the long term.

While reptiles are not the same as mammals, and should not be held to the same standards, they are not as robotic and behaviorally rigid as some people seem to think. They can not thrive kept in barren enclosures without enrichment and stimulation…. Science has caught up with that, the pet trade (where reptiles are concerned) has not… We owe these animals a good quality of life so they can thrive and not merely survive…

It goes on to provide examples and studies of the benefits of enrichment with reptiles.. I know there is a popular belief that racks are the optimum way to house snakes (Im not disagreeing with that) but I don't know if a bare tub with nothing other than paper towels and a water bowl is ideal.

I'm hoping I don't get flamed on this post.. I think providing the best possible lives for these animals is priority number 1 and I just question if a bare rack with no enrichment at all is the best we can do.

[Lord Sorril]

I respect your opinion: But, grouping all reptiles together is a flawed thesis from the start.

[Jmarshall]

I respect your opinion: But, grouping all reptiles together is a flawed thesis from the start.

Throughout the site there are studies on specific species.. here is one on rat snakes...

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/...7604jaws0902_1

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I respect your opinion: But, grouping all reptiles together is a flawed thesis from the start.

And another..

https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/1821/

Snakes have the ability of spatial learning..

https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...0334729890971X

[Jmarshall]

Also, these are the opinions (backed by scientific studies) of an Animal science lecture and animal welfare scientist who is awaiting their PHD who I just happen to agree with. There are many specific studies on specific reptiles if you'd have taken the time to read through the link before posting..

[Jbabycsx]

I keep 5 of my 6 BPs in a rack. The 6th is in a 40 gallon tank with natural decorations. That being said, I was never crazy about the rack idea. Unfortunately it is a necessity for those of us without enough room for the collection we have. I would certainly move them to tanks if I could.


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[Jmarshall]

I keep 5 of my 6 BPs in a rack. The 6th is in a 40 gallon tank with natural decorations. That being said, I was never crazy about the rack idea. Unfortunately it is a necessity for those of us without enough room for the collection we have. I would certainly move them to tanks if I could.


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I dont think the problem is racks.. If the animal has plenty of space within the tub, and enrichment in the tub.. Hides, coverage, substrate etc I see them on par with each other. I think the problem lays with plain tubs with just a water dish.. I know racks are the only option for certain individuals..

[Jbabycsx]

I dont think the problem is racks.. If the animal has plenty of space within the tub, and enrichment in the tub.. Hides, coverage, substrate etc I see them on par with each other. I think the problem lays with plain tubs with just a water dish.. I know racks are the only option for certain individuals..

I have two hides in each of my tubs.


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[WhompingWillow]

I don't have a bone in this potential debate whatsoever, but I was watching a video the other day that contrasted bare bones tubs with decorated ones (let's just say BHB did not come out looking so great). Snake Discovery on YouTube has some awesome examples of how to make tubs and/or rack systems work in ways that are more enriching for snakes. It seems like it's possible to have the best of both worlds if you need the space saving a rack offers but still want some enrichment.

[Jmarshall]

I don't have a bone in this potential debate whatsoever, but I was watching a video the other day that contrasted bare bones tubs with decorated ones (let's just say BHB did not come out looking so great). Snake Discovery on YouTube has some awesome examples of how to make tubs and/or rack systems work in ways that are more enriching for snakes. It seems like it's possible to have the best of both worlds if you need the space saving a rack offers but still want some enrichment.

Yes! I really enjoy snakediscoveries tub set ups. I think they do provide more enrichment for the animals and it cant do anything but help the animals. I just fear that reptiles get labeled as "simple" and are given the cheapest most convenient set up for the keepers without the animals best interest in mind. That website and those studies were the most thorough i've seen on the subject.

[Jmarshall]

I don't have a bone in this potential debate whatsoever, but I was watching a video the other day that contrasted bare bones tubs with decorated ones (let's just say BHB did not come out looking so great). Snake Discovery on YouTube has some awesome examples of how to make tubs and/or rack systems work in ways that are more enriching for snakes. It seems like it's possible to have the best of both worlds if you need the space saving a rack offers but still want some enrichment.

Do you happen to have a link to the video? This topic of reptile welfare is extremely interesting to me and its something I am quite passionate about. It is funny considering I am an extremely green keeper.