OK I keep getting flack for keeping my snakes in a rack system

[John1982]

You nor i can definitively say that a natural enclosure doesn't benefit the snake.

I think you're naive to think a snake doesn't receive mental stimulation from a more elaborate set up.

I will assume you have run tests on neurological activity in the brain of snakes when in a rub with no decor etc, compared to a full on naturalistic viv? Like i said i think it's silly to assume that snakes 'feel' no benefit from a more interactive environment.

I'd love to see your data on the neurological activity in snakes kept in naturalistic vivaria as opposed to plain and simple. In lieu of said studies I'll accept an explanation as to why you can make assumptions in regards to the "happiness" of your animals whereas we can not.

Keeping snakes on newspaper, doesn't mean you're less likely to harbor critters.

Disagree, I can't remember ever hearing of someone unintentionally introducing snake mites from their daily newspaper.

you can't really compare a snake to a superior race like ourselves

Race, really?

It's got nothing to do with what i keep my snakes in, you could keep yours in a cardboard box for all i care. But it's the way in which so many keepers are satisfied with providing just the bare minimum. This is my opinion, and nothing for you to be offended by, this is what i don't understand about so many reptile keepers you all get worked up so easily.

More chuckles how every time you mention "not an insult" or "don't take this the wrong way" it's invariably followed by an insult.

We have a voice and an opinion for a reason, to voice it.

Your crusade that turned this thread into a debate would have been better served in a thread of your own. Can you honestly say that you didn't predict this outcome? Can't say I'm upset though, I've enjoyed the read thus far.

No snake in the world likes large open spaces.

Wrong, there are plenty of sight hunters that can often be found in large, open spaces - racers and coachwhips immediately come to mind.

That isn't evolution. Evolution would be if they developed something entirely new, to adapt to the paper substrate - for example if there was a change in their belly scales.

I think ventral scales would be a poor way to determine if a snake had evolved to a life on newspaper as snakes from all types of environment are more or less the same in that regard.

Don't take this the wrong way, but you're acting as if Royals are a hard species to keep. Anyone with half a brain cell can keep them, hence why they're often touted as a 'starter' snake.

Another "don't take this the wrong way" followed by an insult - surprise, surprise. You should start telling people to take it the wrong way if you aren't intentionally insulting them.

Anyone with half a brain cell can keep hots, even Gabbies or Rhino's. Which, by the way, are not "burrowers". They are slow and sluggish and like to hide in leaves or brush. They are ambush hunters. Hence the pretty colors and patterns which help them blend into the leaves on the ground.

I don't think it takes much smarts at all to do something that's already been done. It's a matter of following directions - about as hard as tracing a picture, if a bit more involved.