Defensive Behavior in a Bigger Tub

[BMorrison]

But aren't you supposed to multiply the ball python's length with 1 for the length of the tub, with 0,75 for the height and with 0,5 for width. And that is the minimum size for the bp's tank.
If you take a ball python of the usual size (about 48 inches), then a tank the size of 35 inches is too small. Decorations can also help if the tank really is too big. So I believe he's just fine in the bigger enclosure.

Nope. Most males will be fine in 28's as they stay smaller. I have a 3k+ girl in a 41 she will never need anything bigger. Typically 41s are for big females so a 60 is way overkill. Ball pythons prefer small tight spaces. They're not roamers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zincubus]

You can have larger vivs or rubs just don't have loads of open space - add some branches and / or pieces of dried bark ( from woods -forests) and Royals will climb and explore for hours in the evening time .
If you leave just space they will feel insecure and be simply nervous / anxious and even nippy ..

[jbzapanda]

Typically 41s are for big females so a 60 is way overkill. Ball pythons prefer small tight spaces. They're not roamers.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think that it all really depends on the snake. The way I see it, a 60qt has a floorspace very similar to a 40g which is what a lot of owners use for their adult bps if kept as a "display pet." But I do understand that it is a good rule of thumb that small spaces are preferred by most bps. Mine is just a weirdo that likes to roam at night lol. I am always making sure he is fine in his setup & making his health my top priority

[BMorrison]

I think that it all really depends on the snake. The way I see it, a 60qt has a floorspace very similar to a 40g which is what a lot of owners use for their adult bps if kept as a "display pet." But I do understand that it is a good rule of thumb that small spaces are preferred by most bps. Mine is just a weirdo that likes to roam at night lol. I am always making sure he is fine in his setup & making his health my top priority

Out of my 9 bp's they're all the same as far as husbandry requirements. I thought I would bring these points to you before there is an issue. Things are never a problem until they are type deal. Honestly ball pythons are the worst display pets on the planet. A happy ball is almost always hiding. While the floor space is similar the height is typically drastically different which can make husbandry harder holding proper temps and humidity. I thought the same way you are now a decade ago about space requirements.

Things to think about.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zincubus]

Out of my 9 bp's they're all the same as far as husbandry requirements. I thought I would bring these points to you before there is an issue. Things are never a problem until they are type deal. Honestly ball pythons are the worst display pets on the planet. A happy ball is almost always hiding. While the floor space is similar the height is typically drastically different which can make husbandry harder holding proper temps and humidity. I thought the same way you are now a decade ago about space requirements.

Things to think about.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you had some branches in there AND they climbed and roamed in the evenings would you then assume that they were UNHAPPY as they're supposed to love hiding !?!


I'm not saying this about you but I've seen similar comments many times and quite often their snakes are kept on absorbent paper roll , in a small plastic rub , one hide and a water dish and then they say that the snake just hides away all the time and I'm thinking ... "What the hell is there for them to do anyways ? "


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BMorrison]

If you had some branches in there AND they climbed and roamed in the evenings would you then assume that they were UNHAPPY as they're supposed to love hiding !?!


I'm not saying this about you but I've seen similar comments many times and quite often their snakes are kept on absorbent paper roll , in a small plastic rub , one hide and a water dish and then they say that the snake just hides away all the time and I'm thinking ... "What the hell is there for them to do anyways ? "


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Really it's the perfect scenario for a ball python aka pet rock. I keep racks so I don't really view them often anyhow feed, water, clean, occasionally handle etc they're a relatively easy stressed species. Hardy a bit yeah sure but they're certainly not a great reptile as far as handling and most prefer not to be. Being crepuscular if they are going to be active at all it will be between evening night dawn etc I've got healthy balls and they're kept in optimal conditions. I'm just one of those old school keepers who would suggest other herps as better display and handling pets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zincubus]

Really it's the perfect scenario for a ball python aka pet rock. I keep racks so I don't really view them often anyhow feed, water, clean, occasionally handle etc they're a relatively easy stressed species. Hardy a bit yeah sure but they're certainly not a great reptile as far as handling and most prefer not to be. Being crepuscular if they are going to be active at all it will be between evening night dawn etc I've got healthy balls and they're kept in optimal conditions. I'm just one of those old school keepers who would suggest other herps as better display and handling pets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's probably just a case of snakes behaving differently then , mine are out and about each evening and I have to say are my best snakes to handle as they're so friendly and docile and happy to sit in my lap or hang around my neck - when I'm doing a bit of spot cleaning and washing the water bowl or whatever . They're also THE go-to snake if we've someone visiting who wants to hold a snake or wants their child to hold a snake for the first time to give them some confidence .


I also regard them as great display animals ...





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Zincubus]

Also one of my unrelated pair of HC Albino Royals eating in synchronicity even though they're given the daft label as being fussy and finicky eaters






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk