Who says they don't appreciate height?!

[zeion97]

My old Bp absolutely loved his branch:


That was the day I got him.

And he'd still climb once he was in his custom xpvc

Well you know, some balls just want to be GTP's lol

I do love seeing pictures of them climbing though, especially when they just rest there like "yeah..."

[I-KandyReptiles]

He liked to pretend to be arboreal. Once he fell off of it and boy was that hilarious! Ahaha

[RoseyReps]

Brent, if you would like me to forward you the study in which bobba is referring to (where skip references his claims from) I would be more than happy to. That being said, I agree that the reasoning behind bps in captivity is more likely due to husbandry, security, or a similar reason, rather than vantage point or "watching us". Usually you see the arboreal actions more at a younger age, rather than adults (this also lines up with said study, as it shows a significant difference for snakes under 70cm in diet. Showing those preying almost exclusively on nesting/immature birds)

It's a natural tendency for us to anthropomorphisize our pets. There's nothing wrong with that persay, but I do understand where you're coming from.

In short, no, it doesn't mean that the balls are looking for birds, or perching for our pleasure/their entertainment. But as long as your husbandry is correct, and you are offering the correct temperatures and hides, I see no reason why it should throw a red flag.

[majorleaguereptiles]

Brent, if you would like me to forward you the study in which bobba is referring to (where skip references his claims from) I would be more than happy to. That being said, I agree that the reasoning behind bps in captivity is more likely due to husbandry, security, or a similar reason, rather than vantage point or "watching us". Usually you see the arboreal actions more at a younger age, rather than adults (this also lines up with said study, as it shows a significant difference for snakes under 70cm in diet. Showing those preying almost exclusively on nesting/immature birds)

It's a natural tendency for us to anthropomorphisize our pets. There's nothing wrong with that persay, but I do understand where you're coming from.

In short, no, it doesn't mean that the balls are looking for birds, or perching for our pleasure/their entertainment. But as long as your husbandry is correct, and you are offering the correct temperatures and hides, I see no reason why it should throw a red flag.

Yes please forward the study to me to info@majorleaguereptiles.com. Does this study come with locale based information in Africa?

[RoseyReps]

Yes please forward the study to me to info@majorleaguereptiles.com. Does this study come with locale based information in Africa?

Yes, I'll send it over.

[Evildrdee]

I have a branch in each of my boaphiles for the balls. Three of the six use them to hang out on frequently and seem to enjoy snatching up a rodent from above and eating it in the branch. Also make good shed catchers.
I remember reading somewhere that baby balls ate whatever they could catch, baby birds and even lizard.

[Skiploder]

I don't know Skips? Please have them email me his experience. As I said, if a snake were to climb in the wild, it would be temperature related. Curious who said they climb trees for food and who has actual experience in the bush to share with me or if this was just an assumption. Ball pythons actual act the exact opposite when searching for food in the wild since their primary food source is underground.

How does that foot of yours taste? Does it taste better than a plate of crow?

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/1...386744#preview

Toodles,

Skip

[Missvan]

So your argument is that bps in captivity are climbing logs bc they are looking for a bird to eat?

I never saw Bobbafett stating that the reason Ball Pythons climb logs in their terrarium is because they are searching for birds to eat. I'm fairly certain that she corrected your "fact," where you stated "the only reason a BP will climb is to get to heat or to escape heat . . . thought I'd share that fact," by interjecting that Ball Pythons are capable of climbing in the wild to search for prey, specifically birds in this case.

I didn't see the need for you to be quite so condescending in your initial responses to her (at least that is the tone I picked up), and hope the study provided by Skip can clarify your understanding of her statements. She never stated that it was common, nor did she state food was the primary reason for this particular snake to be climbing; Bobba merely corrected your definite statement.

I don't disagree that climbing in captivity is most likely due to temperature, BUT that doesn't mean her statement was false in any way. I also understand that in a later post you attempted to correct yourself and state that you believe it would only occur during dire circumstances, but please don't post something as fact then berate someone for opposing you when your post is the one providing inaccurate information you are claiming as fact. And please, next time you're in Africa . . .

[dkspftw]

Wasn't expecting this to turn into such a debate!

Pretty sure the temperatures are fine. It was probably right about 86 where she was hanging out, maybe slightly cooler than the ground with the heat pad, but if she wanted she could easily thermoregulate by moving to the other side of the tank. At one point she was sort of hovering her head in the direction of the heating element, but most of where she was hanging out was an area that would pretty much have an average tank temperature, so not really much different from most places.

And there are like 10 different potential hides in there, so there's no lack of that. She's in one now looking pretty normal.

The humidity was a bit high, so maybe it was that?

And regardless of anthropomorphism (no I don't seriously think the snake wanted to be seen--I did say "almost like") I don't think it's unrealistic that if it were in a new environment, exposed to a lot of confusing stimulus, it might look for a place to survey its surroundings from.

[majorleaguereptiles]

First, I never meant to be condescending and I apologize if I made a strong statement. I simply stated ball pythons perched on a log in captivity are doing so to escape temperature confines. I still believe that, and a study on a sample of 50 ball pythons in the mangroves of southeast Nigeria doesn't change that. But I do intend to research arboreal ball pythons more and talk to people who do find these on a daily basis. From my experience and talking to many people who have searched for ball pythons for years in the bush, it never consisted of finding tree dwelling ball pythons, much as the study suggests. Although, I do believe it could be locale based and has me curious to find out more.