Quote Originally Posted by jclaiborne View Post
Most breeders use rack systems for all of the species they breed not just BPs. It seems to me that rack systems came about as an economical/efficient way to house multiple snakes in a relatively small area, that they don't plan on keeping for the entire life span of the animal (selling the offspring), not because it was perfect for a Ball Python. The argument that BPs spend most of their lives in burrows is always brought up, but BPs have been found climbing trees and exploring as well. What about other reptiles that we know for a fact utilize larger spaces. I am one of those that looks at a rack system and cringe, that is my personal opinion, and I am not bashing anyone that uses them, to each their own. Big breeders seem to keep everything from BPs, corns, carpets, Bearded Dragons, Skinks, the list goes on in rack systems with paper towel substrate or aspen and a plastic water bowl. The animals live yes, do they thrive, long term, eh that will always be debated. It is hard to determine quality of life in a snake, but if you look at some of the more intelligent lizard species you can definitely tell the difference in how they act when they aren't provided with proper caging requirements.
I am well aware that breeders keep all species in rack systems. I have seen many Ball Pythons thrive in rack systems which is what I am only talking about here. To suggest otherwise is preposterous. Personally I own one that is approaching 17 years old. And it isn't really debated, rack systems are very well accepted by most breeders and hobbyists. Garrick Demeyer as well as BHB and many others have some fairly old Ball Pythons also that have been in rack systems their whole lives.

My opinion is this, rack systems or vivariums and vision cages are all great. I don't feel that one is better than the other. It's all personal preference and racks are mine.


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