Enrichment for my 2 snakes

[sur3fir3]

So... I have been trying to figure out how to do enrichment in tubs for a Blood Python, and a BCI. For the blood I was thinking to put in some rocks, and a few different layers of substrate. The blood always burrows so I figure the different textures in the substrate would be the best. Then for the Boa I was going to put some rocks, and a few branches. I am just figuring out how to suspend the branches in the tub. Also for both I was thinking of putting in some fabric that I put under my shirt to get my smell. Anyone else have different ideas?

[Godzilla78]

The burrowing and climbing are great ideas.
Do not put your scent in there. Snakes are ambush predators and they DO NOT want their home to smell like a human.
They prefer to have their home clean and predator scent free.


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[sur3fir3]

The burrowing and climbing are great ideas.
Do not put your scent in there. Snakes are ambush predators and they DO NOT want their home to smell like a human.
They prefer to have their home clean and predator scent free.


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OK thanks for the reply. So what kind of scents should I put in the tubs?

[Bogertophis]

OK thanks for the reply. So what kind of scents should I put in the tubs?

I've heard they're partial to Chanel No. 5. Just kidding!!! Do NOT add "scents" to your snake's enclosure.

[sur3fir3]

I've heard they're partial to Chanel No. 5. Just kidding!!! Do NOT add "scents" to your snake's enclosure.

OK, I was just going by what articles on enrichment said. they said to put natural smells in the tub .. like rubbing a strawberry on the side of the tub. Does everyone agree that this is a bad idea?

[Bogertophis]

Rubbing a strawberry...? Not a normal scent for them, and the sugar (fructose) will be a nice medium for growing mold & bacteria...so I'd say nay!

To me, 'enrichment' means furnishings that replicate their natural world: driftwood/logs/branches/rocks to form "caves", traction & some climbing (always making
sure of safety...nothing heavy & unstable that can tip onto & hurt the snake, & nothing with holes they can get stuck in). It also means natural earthy-smelling
substrate that holds some humidity.

That's for the cage the live in...now when you handle your snake apart from their cage, I've never seen a snake that could resist a pile of clean laundry to hide
in & sort thru. They're not much help though...

[sur3fir3]

Rubbing a strawberry...? Not a normal scent for them, and the sugar (fructose) will be a nice medium for growing mold & bacteria...so I'd say nay!

To me, 'enrichment' means furnishings that replicate their natural world: driftwood/logs/branches/rocks to form "caves", traction & some climbing (always making
sure of safety...nothing heavy & unstable that can tip onto & hurt the snake, & nothing with holes they can get stuck in). It also means natural earthy-smelling
substrate that holds some humidity.

That's for the cage the live in...now when you handle your snake apart from their cage, I've never seen a snake that could resist a pile of clean laundry to hide
in & sort thru. They're not much help though...

I personally was wondering about the whole smell thing myself. Thanks for the info guys I will post some pics once I get everything setup in the tubs.

[sur3fir3]

Here is a quote from the document I read that suggested strawberries:

Scents I have been successful with include:
-different plants and fruits (flowers, leaves, strawberries, grapes, etc)
-a PINCH of rat bedding
-other snake’s sheds and bedding
-things with my smell on them
Pretty much any object is going to have a smell. It’s hard to go wrong unless you place something toxic in there.
\
Link: http://www.natureboxpetemporium.com/...aptive-snakes/

[Bogertophis]

I personally was wondering about the whole smell thing myself. Thanks for the info guys I will post some pics once I get everything setup in the tubs.

There ARE animals that would benefit from that sort of scent "enrichment" but what you use has to be relevant for the type of animals.
I know my snakes get visibly "inspired" by some fresh-soaked sphagnum moss to play in...that's the sort of thing that's "right up their alley".
Many snakes enjoy tunnels too...like cardboard rolls (of appropriate size) or even PVC drain pipes & elbows.

[Godzilla78]

OK, I was just going by what articles on enrichment said. they said to put natural smells in the tub .. like rubbing a strawberry on the side of the tub. Does everyone agree that this is a bad idea?

Must be a Facebook group