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  1. #11
    Telling it like it is! Stewart_Reptiles's Avatar
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    Re: Most doctile snakes? I think not.

    First I think it is important for those that say the bigger the enclosure the better realize that we are talking about a Ball Python here, and no we cannot compare captivity with the wild, it just does not work that way.

    Now back to the ball python obviously here is a prime example yet again that large enclosure are not bet for a ball python, this ball python is obviously stress and whether you believe it or not this is due to it’s husbandry.

    A young BP should be housed in a suitable housing, as an adult can you try to house him in something bigger? Yes you can but the question will be can you provide suitable housing in a 110 gallons, a housing that will meet your BP’s need? In this case the answer will be not likely. (Providing a gradient from 80 to 90 degrees will likely be impossible in 110 gallons unless you are willing to spend money and time to make sure you do so same goes for providing a constant 50% humidity)

    Few people in this thread based their advice on what they feel they would want if they were a snake, or what THEY want but not what his best for a BP.

    Personally I will base my advice on what I know has been working over the years with the vast majority of BP owners who have experienced problems.

    BP are not like any other snakes they cannot be compared to colubrids they cannot be compared to boas.

    BP are docile (remember docile does not mean they are domesticated like a dog or a cat) but if their environment does not meet their needs it will create issues such as aggressive behavior, fasting etc. What is being observed now is likely only the beginning add extreme stress to improper husbandry and this will likely also lead to a RI and other issues.

    Bottom line whether large enclosure work or not for some species when done right in this specific case the enclosure is not suitable which is why the OP has problems, so you can say a big enclosure can work all you want but in this case it doesn’t and saying the enclosure is ok is NOT HELPING solving the problem.

    Now let’s try solving this problem.

    Solutions

    Move your BP into a suitable enclosure being he is a young BP use a 15 quarts tub or a 10 gallons enclosure.

    Provide 2 TIGHT identical hides (hides must be snug all sides touching your BP’s body)

    Provide proper temps gradient 80-84 on the cool side 90-94 on the warm side (Not what I provide but those are temps that work very well with new owner or problem BP.)

    Provide 50% humidity at all time

    Of course both of the above (temps and humidity) need to be measured with a digital device not a dial or stick thermometer or hygrometer that are very inaccurate.

    Stop handling your BP for a while until he fully adjust to his new environment.

    Once settled in try feeding him if successful you can than start handling your BP 10 to 15 minutes every other day.
    Deborah Stewart


  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Stewart_Reptiles For This Useful Post:

    Jyson (05-24-2009)

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