when to upgrade tank??

[surf4life]

I am new to this site and it seemed pretty cool. I have a question regarding my ball. Hes about 2 feet 6 inches and i am keeping him in a ten gallon tank with a hide box and a water bowl. I bought him a little over a year ago and he was about 9 or 10 inches. I have a 40 gallon breeder but im not sure if it would be to soon to put him in a tank that size because i heard they get stressed. Right now he still seems happy in his tank but im not sure when i should put him in the 40 gal. Any suggestions and plus any tips on using this site. Thanks ..

[JLC]

Welcome to BP.net!

I think the question of when to upgrade your tank size depends a bit on the snake itself. You've had it for awhile now, so you know it's personality. If it eats readily and handles easily, it may not mind a bigger home at all. If it seems perpetually shy and insecure...it may not adjust to a new home very easily.

My suggestion: Set up the 40gal just as if you had the snake in it...make sure you can get it to run reliably holding proper temps and humidity. Maybe cover three sides of the glass with paper or something to help it feel less open. (Pet stores have very pretty decorative "wall paper" you can use) Put in several hides for it to choose from.

Once you get it all set up and running properly...put the snake in and give it a few weeks to see if it adjusts well. It may skip a meal or two during this adjustment period. If the snake won't start eating again or seems otherwise stressed out and not acting normally....move it back into the 10gal and wait awhile longer before upgrading size.

[JoshJP7]

I'd usually put something helpful here... but someone already wrapped it up for you!!

Great post Judy!!

[Ringo]

My snake is right at 2 feet and im keeping him in a 30 gallon glass tank. I have 2 caves a log and some artificial plants and he seems to really enjoy it. As long as it is not very open and has plenty of hiding places it should be just fine. As long as it keeps eating regularly you got nothin to worry about.

[cassandra]

You can tell what kind of day I've had...I saw this post subject and thought "hmm, when they come out with one with bigger guns and more bullet proof walls..."

Oh and welcome! =D

[surf4life]

thanks everyone for the advice very helpful. i have a half log type hiding thing which is about 20 inchs long. will that work with some greenery and of course water?