Are snakes happier in tank or tub?

[CptJack]

I have a BP in a tub in a rack and one in a tank. Same temps/humidity/equipment (hides, bowls, bedding, etc) otherwise.

I don't think one is happier than the other, though by happy here I mean 'secure, healthy, eating'. Neither are picky eaters, both have good sheds.

What I can tell you is, and yeah it's just an ancedote, that the BP in the tank is less nervous, less inclined to ball up or be jumpy, is less head-shy. He actively comes out to see what's going on in the room, doesn't try to hide when he's out and about (doesn't try to get into clothes or under things, etc.) and generally seems to be more confident.

They will BOTH, however, use their hides plenty and resist leaving if they are in them (I don't usually bother trying).

Why? I dunno. Maybe genetics, maybe personality, but mostly I think that snake was exposed to more of the environment and learned that it wasn't going to eat him ala frequent handling means the snake gets used to it and learns you're not a predator/threat. You can take that to mean the tank is better or worse, depending on your point of view. He's obviously less defensive and more secure NOW, but in order to get used to those things (sights, sounds, movement, people) he obviously had to be exposed to them which would initially be stressful.

But eating, shedding, health, pooping, etc? No difference at all.

But again: I have TWO BP (and 2 colubrids - one of which is also in a tub in a rack and the other which is in a glass tank. I see similar behavioral patterns in them - the one in the tank is more 'interactive' and less jumpy/nippy, in spite of being a young king and the one in a tub being an adult corn). What I'm observing and someone who is breeding or keeping bunches is probably very different. And, to be frank, we probably interact more with the snakes into the tanks because we see more of them, as well as them seeing more of us.