first python (childrens).. suggestions possibly needed

[Skiploder]

I will chime in with some advice that seems to be the opposite of what everyone else is recommending!

I'm not an advocate of "natural" looking enclosures. More stuff in the enclosure means more stuff to sanitize. Typically naturalistic enclosures don't get cleaned as often or as thoroughly has they should, either.

My yearling Antaresia are currently in V-18 tubs, with small hide, paper towel tube, and water bowl. Even my "big" 300 gram female children's is not even in a 28qt/sub adult tub yet. I would also advise finding tubs with a tighter seal. Your little noodle is tiny and will very easily make his way out of that tub once he figures out how to reach the top.

Just my , everyone will have their own opinon of what works best for them. I have found that my guys do very well in their current set ups, never refuse meal, and are never defensive, even at 15-30 grams in weight.

I agree with and understand your points. I'm not disputing that. Also, as stated in my username, my name is Marissa, not Melissa.

I was simply stating what works for me and my animals. My Antaresia get handled the most out of any of my animals. While there are a select few keepers who properly maintain naturalistic enclosures, for the majority of people who want "pretty" or "natural" or "realistic" don't keep their enclosures and habitats as clean as they should be.

I also like how you just assume that because I keep my animals in racks/tubs/PVC enclosures that I don't take the time to learn as much as I possibly can about every species that I can.

The OP was asking for opinions. I told him what works well for me. Your post came across very condescending and that isn't something I'm used to encountering on this site. Try respecting other opinions, it might do you some good.

...and your post is coming off as needlessly defensive and completely out of line. You really took my post as some sort of bizarre attack on your research or your knowledge of the species you keep? Seriously?

My intent is to allow the OP to understand the benefits of keeping his animal in a naturalistic enclosure if need be. Anything you perceive beyond my alternative viewpoint of husbandry was presumptive and frankly, uncalled for.

There is a wonderful Facebook Group called the Herpetoculture Revival Group. While the enclosures vary from amphibians to lizards to snakes, the amount of care, the husbandry tips and the creativity is truly inspiring. Some people have even made naturalistic ball python enclosures complete with the central focus being a giant burrow.

Be forewarned, there is a constant undertone there with regards to keeping animals in bins, but the knowledge and ideas that can be gleaned from that site is well worth the visit.