I absolutely agree one hundred percent that snakes do better with some 'enrichment', and I am a huge fan of very large, naturalistic enclosures. that is why I never have a huge collection...because I don't have room for a hundred large enclosures. I used to work at a custom cabinet and counter top business, and benefited hugely from that...as I learned how to build really high quality enclosures, and had access to tools and materials. some people argue that balls and other snakes do better in small secure 'enclosures', because they feel secure....my argument to that, is 'how big is the wild???' ...as long as you have plenty of small, secure hides in your enclosure...I don't think any species really gets stressed from too big of an enclosure. I also think it does snakes good to get out and excersize(sp?) and explore...I really do. but you have to pick between enough, and too much...and again, I also think it depends on the species and more so; the individual snake. just learn to read your snakes, and you will be fine. I have kept balls in big, naturalistic enclosures, with heated and filtered water features with waterfalls and all...and like I said earlier, I barely ever saw the snake....which was okay with me. I just like to have a nice, beautiful animal displayed in a really nice enclosure...not in a box. but I also realize that if and when I get about twenty balls, as a breeding project, that I will not be able to keep them all in big, naturalistic enclosures....and some will simply have to go into a rack system. I have also bred several species in big, naturalistic enclosures...but this does up the difficulty level several notches...
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