I've never seen a ball python actually track down a rat unless it's within a foot or so of its hiding spot. Snakes are pretty boring creatures if you think about it :p
It's also what makes them great though. You don't have to worry about a snake not getting enough attention or being bored.
Hmm I see your point about small brain size. But that does not necessarily mean stupid.
Although, he does seem to be genuinely curious. When out of his cage he raises his head up as high as he can and observes his environment. His head rocks back and forth slightly which I think lets him judge distances using Parallax. Looking for a path to go or mouse? Scanning for a heat signature? I read that pythons could detect heat up to 4 meters (did not specify species though). Sense of smell is also supposed to be quite good. It would be cool to give him an opportunity to use his senses.
In the wild don't they seek out small rodent burrows using scent? And as an ambush predator I think they would situate themselves on a path that rodents would travel by using scent then wait. Returning to a burrow during the day.
Although not mammal like, there seems to be some observing/thinking/instinct going on in what could be described as an entirely different thought language. Maybe there is some way to stimulate that or interact on the BP's level.
Hmm I see your point about small brain size. But that does not necessarily mean stupid.
I never said stupid. I said not a lot of higher cognitive brain wave activity....but, you have some interesting theories, so good luck, and good sailing
Thomas "Slim" Whitman
Never Met A Ball Python I Didn't Like
I never said stupid. I said not a lot of higher cognitive brain wave activity....but, you have some interesting theories, so good luck, and good sailing
Its odd to see someone who says what everyone is thinking but does not want to say