Quote Originally Posted by Argentra View Post
Well, here's my :

Yes, ball pythons are most often found in small, dark, tight spaces such as burrows or termite mounds and because of this it is necessary to provide them with similar spaces in captivity to make them happy and secure.
However, this does not mean that the tight space need be their whole world. I personally do not agree that adult BPs should be kept in short tubs with just a water dish. Although I understand that people with many snakes must conserve space, and that tight spaces must be provided, there should also be room for them to move from place to place...opportunities for them to stretch out and explore even though they rarely use them.

I also give any animal I own as much space as I can keep clean and afford. If they are a shy, solitary animal, such as my BPs, then I make sure there are plenty of dark hidey holes and greenery to help them be comfortable, but I still offer them the space be it in a tank, tub, or large display cage.

To summarize: rack systems are not necessarily 'cruel', especially for a snake like the ball python, but they could be a bit bigger.
I agree, although I still think there's a certain level of cruelty going on when we enclose animals in tiny rubbermaids for extended periods of time.

I notice my BP hides in its hiding places in the day, and at night comes out and slithers all around his enclosure. I really do not see how it is natural to have BPs in racks...I don't mean to offend anyone, but in an effort to make their world as natural as possible (I don't consider that to be humanizing), I believe space is goooood......I'd feel very guilty having a snake in a rack, personally.