40 gallon tank? pic of set up

[rayann]

"Cruising and climbing is a sign of stress.

Hiding is a sign of a happy ball python. "

I am just wondering where this line of thought originally came from... I know it is a widespread idea but I am wondering how stress is measured and if there are any studies on this?

Thanks !!

[Kaorte]

"Cruising and climbing is a sign of stress.

Hiding is a sign of a happy ball python. "

I am just wondering where this line of thought originally came from... I know it is a widespread idea but I am wondering how stress is measured and if there are any studies on this?

Thanks !!

The studies are years of experience from many different keepers.

Generally speaking, ball pythons will not eat if they are stressed by their environments. From observation, it has been noted that a ball python that cruises a lot verses a ball python that spends 90% of its time hiding is less likely to eat.

[deltaneutral]

It's amazing how often this question comes up and the mixed responses.

I have a 55 gal tank and have a very happy snake and no environment issues.
He eats like a champ (in a separate feeding container...another topic of much discussion). I barely get the rat into his feeding container and he's all over it.
The tank is mostly enclosed with wood on the outside keeping an insulating barrier between the glass and wood.
The CHE's are set to the same thermostat that runs the UTH...so consistent heat above and below. Ambient is 82 with belly at 90 in the warm hide.
The air vent allows me to open and close to retain humidity (which runs consistent 50%..except when I spray a little during sheds).
He moved into this tank at about 1 year old...no problems.

I never see him during the day, but he cruises at night.

He has never as much as hissed at me. He gets handled frequently and has since the very beginning so he would get used to it.

In my opinion, at the end of the day, if you can provide the necessary needs of your snake and maintain a healthy environment, then go for it.

[deltaneutral]

Andrewrks123.
I just noticed the link to your picture.
If you go with a bigger tank, you need lots and lots of clutter so they don't feel so exposed.
In addition to the two hides, you might want to cover the screen top...maintaining humidity with the screen is tough at best.
Larger water bowl might help too.
Get a digital hygrometer/thermometer too.
I also found that the UTH's run really, really hot.
You might want to get a dimmer switch or better yet, a thermostat.

[Patricia]

I have a 55 gal tank and have a very happy snake and no environment issues.

Your tank is BEAUTIFUL, and since all is well with your snake, it's probably quite happy in it too.

BTW, is that 2 different types of bedding in there? Dark and light colored? What are they and which do you prefer?

[Eventide]

Deltaneutral,

I don't really get it either. My normal female, Irulan, lived in a 40-gallon tank for about two years (with a heat lamp, even), and she never had any problems eating. She's quite the opposite!

I also don't believe that cruising and exploring are signs of stress. During the day, probably. But do y'all really think ball pythons hide 24/7 in the wild? Irulan cruised around her tank a lot at night, but she never had feeding problems other than breeding season last year. Sometimes I think she has an identity crisis and thinks she's a tree python!

As long as the snake has plenty of hiding areas, water bowl, and some decorations to help them feel secure when they're out and about, I don't see a problem with a big tank. However, if the snake does stop eating or seems stressed, then maybe a smaller tank is in order. I don't doubt some snakes just won't be comfortable in a big tank no matter what you do.

[andrewrks123]

thanks guys i went back to the 20 gallon he def likes it better!

[deltaneutral]

It's aspen mixed with a little Repti-Bark to help hold humidity and give a little color.

If you use aspen, buy it at Wal-Mart...you can get big bags of it for much, much less than you would pay in a pet store...plus since they don't carry reptiles, you don't have to worry about bringing home mites.

Actually, Wal-Mart is a good place to get silk plants too...or Michael's if they are on sale.