Enrichment for reptiles

[Bjorn]

Hi,
Having just joined this forum ... so hi to you all.

I have an interest in the above subject and was wondering if any members have any thoughts on the subject.

Current practices by zoos, to provide a more stimulating environment for animals such as Chimps, Antelope Elephants etc are all fairly well documented in comparison to reptiles, where very little information is available from what we have been able to find. But then have also been very busy with other subject matter as well.

To my mind snakes are not as active as let say monitors. So satisfying the requirements of snakes is a lot easier than more active reptiles.

Anyway I would like to hear from members and find out what your thoughts are and if there is a general interest in the subject. The data we have found to date is on our website, if anyone wants to do some quick and easy research on the subject.

[daniel1983]

Welcome to the forum!

As far as reptile enrichment is concerned.....what do you consider 'enrichment'? Is enrichment providing an environment where an animal will act 'naturally' or is it just giving an animal something 'to do' to occupy time while inside an enclosure?

To my mind snakes are not as active as let say monitors. So satisfying the requirements of snakes is a lot easier than more active reptiles.

Depends on which monitors and snakes you are comparing....it could go both ways for just about any reptiles. Some snakes are very active...some monitors are not. If the proper environment is provided, you will see tons of interesting behaviors

[brandi0818]

As an Ex-zookeeper I enrich my snakes about 1 a month. There are several things you can do to get your snakes motivated1. I put a live mouse under a clear tub in the enclosure and let my snake get interested This may seem like a tease but he seems to like the challege.
2. I will put drops of smells in the encloser ( extracts from you grocery store )mint, vanilla, orange etc just (one drop). My python will go wild trying to figure it out.

Just my opinion but I feel keeping them active makes them healthier.

There are many other ways to enrich your snakes just drop me a PM and we can discuss. ( always make sure the enrichment is healthy for your snake)

[Bjorn]

Thanks brandi0818,

These are the sort of ideas I wanted to share. Will take you up on that offer.