Habitat vs Tupperwear

[Arsinoe]

I think you all know I hate it when snakes have to live in plastic bins. For those who just have a snake or two I want to make a poll to find out if you made a nice comfy habitat for your snake to live in or you dump it in plasticwear for convience sake.

Breeders don't have to reply. That's a whole different thing.

For those how use a habitat you can post pictures here too if you want.

[Sarin]

I only have two BP's. My first one was in a display tank. Correct size, but I had a hell of a time keeping the right temperatures and humidity. It was not an ideal invironment (IMO) for him.

So I decided to go with tubs.

I did not "dump my snakes" in tubs for my convenience. I feel it is better for them so that is what I shall do. If it also saves some space, then great.

[musicalKeyes]

I have three, and am currently building a rack. I'm not "dumping" them in there, and certainly not for "convenience's sake." When I got my first, I too believed that tanks were better for them, and worked hard to keep the tanks at the perfect humidity and temperature. However, if you know anything of wild BPs, you'll know that while they live in Africa, and while yes, Africa is huge, they live in old burrows and termite mounds, rarely coming out. Tubs are much more conducive to their natural, wild state. And while you do get one that doesn't mind larger, more open areas (I've got one myself), the majority will thrive in tubs. They are nocturnal and prefer small, dark spaces, and we as humans force them into big tanks and bright areas.

I didn't vote. I don't mean to be rude, but every time you post something, you seem to manage to get some jab in there at those of us who keep our animals in tubs, while glorifying you're own way of keeping your animal. Everyone will have different opinions, but it is important, I think, to realize that different snakes and different species do better in different habitats, and it is up to the individual owner to decide how they will keep their animal.

[ALTownsend1]

Here is a photo of what I had Wyatt in (minus the light):



This week, I "dumped" him into a rack system...

Ball Pythons, I quickly learned, are not showcase animals, and although the glass habitat brought me enjoyment as a nice visual, I struggled to maintain proper temps and humidity, which I now easily maintain in his rack. What we as owner "think" is nicer for our ball pythons often is detrimental to their health. I don't think you or I would find a termite hole to be a nice, comfortable home, but a ball python sure would. What you may view as owner laziness, the snake sees as an ideal home. Wyatt doesn't "love" me any less, or isn't less "happy" because he doesn't have dollar store plants or "realistic looking" hide, he just wants a warm, humid home, which he can find in the tub much better than he could the aesthetically pleasing habitat.

[Arsinoe]

I have three, and am currently building a rack. I'm not "dumping" them in there, and certainly not for "convenience's sake." When I got my first, I too believed that tanks were better for them, and worked hard to keep the tanks at the perfect humidity and temperature. However, if you know anything of wild BPs, you'll know that while they live in Africa, and while yes, Africa is huge, they live in old burrows and termite mounds, rarely coming out. Tubs are much more conducive to their natural, wild state. And while you do get one that doesn't mind larger, more open areas (I've got one myself), the majority will thrive in tubs. They are nocturnal and prefer small, dark spaces, and we as humans force them into big tanks and bright areas.

I didn't vote. I don't mean to be rude, but every time you post something, you seem to manage to get some jab in there at those of us who keep our animals in tubs, while glorifying you're own way of keeping your animal. Everyone will have different opinions, but it is important, I think, to realize that different snakes and different species do better in different habitats, and it is up to the individual owner to decide how they will keep their animal.

I've never pretended to like bins for animals. Sure the tanks are more work, but they can have a better quality of life in then and not just exist in a plastic world. The wild guys at least have a choice to hide in a hole, but they also have the choice to come out when they want also. Pet snakes don't have any choices other than what we give them and I just do not agree in a sterile plasticine lifestyle for any living creature.

Rant Over

[mr. s]

I have both natural tanks set up and tubs.

None of my tubbed snakes seem too upset about it.

[Elise.m]

I agree with musicalKeyes. I have my snakes in tubs, and they're just fine. Please, if you're a snake mind reader, come over and tell me that they hate it.

The fact is many of us have our snakes in tubs and they do great, sometimes even better than how yours eats and sheds. My snake was in a "nice comfortable tank" and she didn't eat for 3 weeks. Switched her to a tub, and what do you know. She eats! Tubs can be way more comfortable for BPs than tanks. Much more manageable than a tank too.

I'm not sure if you're trying to push your opinion on us that have our snakes in tubs... But I can tell you right now, it's not going to work for the vast majority of us.

[musicalKeyes]

I've never pretended to like bins for animals. Sure the tanks are more work, but they can have a better quality of life in then and not just exist in a plastic world. The wild guys at least have a choice to hide in a hole, but they also have the choice to come out when they want also. Pet snakes don't have any choices other than what we give them and I just do not agree in a sterile plasticine lifestyle for any living creature.

Rant Over

I guess the point is moot then. I don't think anyone's asking you to change your opinion, just to stop acting like tubs are a more irresponsible way to keep a snake, because they're not. My king snake, and all of my other reptiles and amphibians, reside in live-planted tanks, because it suits them better. I believe that tubs suit ball pythons better than a tank, and while they are in a tub, they still have bedding, and hides, and maybe even a fake plant or two. Using words like "dump" and "convenience" is going to rub people the wrong way.

[4theSNAKElady]

I have three, and am currently building a rack. I'm not "dumping" them in there, and certainly not for "convenience's sake." When I got my first, I too believed that tanks were better for them, and worked hard to keep the tanks at the perfect humidity and temperature. However, if you know anything of wild BPs, you'll know that while they live in Africa, and while yes, Africa is huge, they live in old burrows and termite mounds, rarely coming out. Tubs are much more conducive to their natural, wild state. And while you do get one that doesn't mind larger, more open areas (I've got one myself), the majority will thrive in tubs. They are nocturnal and prefer small, dark spaces, and we as humans force them into big tanks and bright areas.

[Nuzum1978]

I have one in a tank and one in a tub. The one in the tub absolutely would not make it in a tank. It is way too flighty and nervous. I don't find it very hard to maintain temps/humidity in my tank, but I do see the convenience of tubs.

As for the one in the tank (55 gal.) she typically spends ALL of her time in a hide which is 14''X6''. So much for the extra space. She's getting downsized when I get my first rack in a few weeks.