Interesting, where do you get your information that healthy ball pythons never come out of their hides but to feed?

Mine is not stressed, feeds regularly and is quite docile handling (often content to sit and chill for long periods) Climbs regularly during the evening and night. Typically he hides for a day or two after feeding then will usually spend an evening 3/4 out of his hide, often moving to his fav high spot over the doors of the enclosure. This is typical for a day or two again and the night before feeding day he starts actively poking around 'hunting'

If your ball has always been in a tub how do you know it won't climb?

When mine was in a tub the behaviour was very different and did not display typical wild. Could not climb as the tub was too short. I am not saying that a tub is bad but a display enclosure isn't bad either. I agree that they aren't the best display animals but they are a great all round one!