Corn snake vs BP enclosure contents

[Blitzjg]

While browsing the threads here I realized I may not be providing my BP with an ideal enclosure.

My corn snake has been in a traditional petshop style vivarium with aspen shavings, two hides, water dish and an artificial branch log that is almost the height of the cage 18ish inches or so.

My BP is in a T8, has been on cypress mulch, however I am transitioning to butcher paper, with two hides and a water dish. Thats it aside from some fake short plants I added for asthetics.

I'm starting to think that the artificial branch may get more use with my BP. I don't think my corn spends much if any time climbing, unless the top is off of the cage, and if I remove it he will have more ability to burrow.

I've noticed my BP climbing the walls/sides of his enclosure, in fact, he actually dislodged the fluorescent light bulb that is in there by climbing/exploring (although I imagine this is hunting behavior).

Should I give him the branch? Or get more objects for him and leave the corn with his piece?

Edit: I could also just not be noticing if/when my corn climbs.

[dakski]

While browsing the threads here I realized I may not be providing my BP with an ideal enclosure.

My corn snake has been in a traditional petshop style vivarium with aspen shavings, two hides, water dish and an artificial branch log that is almost the height of the cage 18ish inches or so.

My BP is in a T8, has been on cypress mulch, however I am transitioning to butcher paper, with two hides and a water dish. Thats it aside from some fake short plants I added for asthetics.

I'm starting to think that the artificial branch may get more use with my BP. I don't think my corn spends much if any time climbing, unless the top is off of the cage, and if I remove it he will have more ability to burrow.

I've noticed my BP climbing the walls/sides of his enclosure, in fact, he actually dislodged the fluorescent light bulb that is in there by climbing/exploring (although I imagine this is hunting behavior).

Should I give him the branch? Or get more objects for him and leave the corn with his piece?

Edit: I could also just not be noticing if/when my corn climbs.

BP's are ground dwellers. They can climb and explore, but in nature, they like to burrow in rat holes and wait for dinner.

What do you have for hides for you BP? Snug, and identical warm and cool side? I think having more places to hide would make a happier BP than a branch, but I don't think the branch can hurt. Having said that, make sure the branch is very secure as an adult BP is strong and heavy compared to an adult corn. You BP could easily knock it down and on his/her self.

Also, they are all very adaptable as long as their temp, humidity, and hide requirements are met. My corns spend most of the day hiding and cruise at night for food. Neither has climbing items in their tank but both come out for "exercise." Same with my BP.

I believe that done up cages are more for us as keepers, in general, than for the snakes. I keep simple tanks, with paper substrate, that meet the needs of my animals, but are easy to clean, but not nice to look at. I have 13 tanks and it's much easier to maintain a large number of tanks with needs being met, but not going crazy with decorations.

I imagine your corn would use the branch more than the BP, but being active late and early, you might not see it, or he/she prefers to hide.

[Blitzjg]

BP's are ground dwellers. They can climb and explore, but in nature, they like to burrow in rat holes and wait for dinner.

What do you have for hides for you BP? Snug, and identical warm and cool side? I think having more places to hide would make a happier BP than a branch, but I don't think the branch can hurt. Having said that, make sure the branch is very secure as an adult BP is strong and heavy compared to an adult corn. You BP could easily knock it down and on his/her self.

Also, they are all very adaptable as long as their temp, humidity, and hide requirements are met. My corns spend most of the day hiding and cruise at night for food. Neither has climbing items in their tank but both come out for "exercise." Same with my BP.

I believe that done up cages are more for us as keepers, in general, than for the snakes. I keep simple tanks, with paper substrate, that meet the needs of my animals, but are easy to clean, but not nice to look at. I have 13 tanks and it's much easier to maintain a large number of tanks with needs being met, but not going crazy with decorations.

I imagine your corn would use the branch more than the BP, but being active late and early, you might not see it, or he/she prefers to hide.

Thank you, great response.

My BP has these, not sure if its the exact product, but yea one on the warm side and one on the cool side.

[Bogertophis]

As already noted, BPs are NOT big on climbing (but corn snakes ARE), so that makes me wonder if your BP has the proper temperatures or sense of security...snakes
often try to escape when they're either hungry, or uncomfortable for some reason (such as too hot, too cold, hides don't feel secure enough, humidity too low, etc).

Please double check your temperatures (hi & low) with accurate measuring device. Is the heat controlled by a thermostat? Very important. Also, your BP would likely
be happier on mulch (rather than paper), as the mulch retains some humidity they need.

BTW, my corn snakes do most of their climbing at night... I like to attach a basket to their branches- they'll often sleep in it, like a tree house. It's pretty cute.


You mentioned a fluorescent light in the BPs cage? Very few snakes enjoy being under bright lights...BPs surely do not, that's another reason he may want out.

It's also risky to swap furnishings between snake cages, as one may harbor germs they are resistant to, & then you'll be sharing them with the other snake who may not be. Same reason it's best not to "re-offer" food items, especially among different kinds of snakes or snakes that came from different sources. Branches can also harbor & "re-home" mites...I'm hoping you've checked your snakes though, & know they're mite-free? (I mention this not knowing how long you've had them, for "best practices" advice.)

[wnateg]

I like to attach a basket to their branches- they'll often sleep in it, like a tree house. It's pretty cute.

That's a great idea.

[Bogertophis]

That's a great idea.

Thanks, & what's more, you can find a HUGE variety of baskets in thrift stores very cheaply...just make SURE there are no holes your snake can get stuck in.
I keep rat snakes too (Florida & Trans Pecos, etc) and they love their baskets also. You can find "baskets" that are more like a platform...my bigger (Florida) rat snakes prefer those.

I generally spray "used" baskets with my chlorhexidine spray (or F10) & let them dry to kill any germs before I install them. I use pieces of coated wire to attach to branches, or for more permanent attachments (or rowdy snakes) zip-ties are handy also.

[Blitzjg]

Great advice.

Can you post an example picture or two of your basket setup? I'm having a hard time picturing something sturdy enough that would fit in mine.

Both snakes are adults that I've had for almost 5 years, > 5 for the corn. Never have had any health issues other than a bad shed once or twice. I will double check the temps, I was switching away from the mulch because the humidity was a bit higher than ideal.

Regarding the light fixture, it was more for viewing (for guests/friends) and cleaning purposes. It is never on outside of those instances. He is generally not very active, so it is probably hunting / hunger related, but again Ill double check tonight.

[Snakemom85]

In my experience ball pythons will climb if provided the opportunity. This may decline as they get bigger bodied and older but as youngsters mine seem to enjoy climbing around when they come out in the evenings

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[Bogertophis]

In my experience ball pythons will climb if provided the opportunity. This may decline as they get bigger bodied and older but as youngsters mine seem to enjoy climbing around when they come out in the evenings

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Yes, climbing ability in BPs declines quite a bit as they grow, they just aren't built for climbing the way corn snakes are...but you're right that there's no reason they can't
enjoy it while it lasts. I just wouldn't give them the same height options you can give a corn snake, since falls may not be innocuous...they can cause internal injuries (broken bones, bleeding & abscesses).