Yes, I agree that's minimum standards & not ideal, just saying it's a typical ball-park suggestion, especially considering that so many insist they're fine (or better off?) with less space, in racks & tubs which I personally don't like at all- but I can't change the world.Originally Posted by Malum Argenteum
It might even be inadequate by current Fish & Game standards? But even those vary by what state you're in. When I kept BPs, my adult males were at least 4' & they weren't that old- they had a lot of potential growing yet to do, & were in 4' x 16". I'm in favor of encouraging "optimum" standards rather than minimum.
BTW, our own forum care guide (https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...us)-Caresheet) says the following (& with which I disagree):
"For juvenile BPs up to 2’ a 10 gallon (or equivalently sized) enclosure is adequate. For adults an enclosure 36x18x12” should provide them with enough room for the duration of their lives."
The thing is, a 10 gal. size is roughly 20" long x 10" wide- so picture a 2' BP being comfortable in that- & remember they need warm & cool hides + a water bowl at the very minimum. One big problem with small enclosures is trying to get the right temperature gradient...it's nearly impossible in a 10 gal. size.
That goes on to say an enclosure that's 36 x 18 x 12" should suffice for the life of a BP- it doesn't differentiate between male BPs that stay smaller (usually) & female BPs that mostly get much bigger. I personally had a huge 5' female BP- obviously a "breeder tank" size isn't always big enough. So yeah, I personally think this "care sheet" should be updated. Also with respect to temperatures, & probably other things- that's why I don't normally refer people to it.
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