I tried keeping them separated

[Markus Heinsohn]

Or they disproved this theory

We'll never find out....

[Markus Heinsohn]

No wait!

He knows a guy...

I'm glad I do

[littleindiangirl]

See post #36.

I mean it's just logic... hunters are experienced in finding places where BPs hide. And it would not make much sense to look for them at night.

So what do those same hunters and field guys say on the nocturnal doings of these snakes? Do you have any actual references for that?

[Markus Heinsohn]

So what do those same hunters and field guys say on the nocturnal doings of these snakes? Do you have any actual references for that?

They hunt if hungry... and they're active, just like when kept in an enclosure. Come on, this should be common sense...

[elevatethis]

The literature (plenty) I read states that BPs do indeed explore their enviroment looking for food. And I know someone who has been to Ghana several times, visiting several hatching farms and talking to locals. He's got to know, and he has written a book about BPs in German where he just says that.

Could you provide us with a name or a link to this book? From the sounds of it, it appears that you guys are the end-all authority on ball pythons and it'd be great to learn more.

[littleindiangirl]

They hunt if hungry... and they're active, just like when kept in an enclosure. Come on, this should be common sense...

It is common sense Markus, if a BP is an ambush predator, then why would it always actively hunt for food like you imply?

I imagine they come out of their hides at dusk to warm up and follow the scent or trail of their prey, then they hunker down and wait for a passing food item, the essence of ambush.

I don't see it being much of a forager as they show little response to pinks and fuzzies when offered, and a gerbil would attack the snake that invaded it's nest. I'm very sure there are some that do it, but it isnt the main strategy used by BP's.

For as slow as the metabolic usage is of this snake, the expenditure of energy from actively following prey and foraging is far fetched in my mind.

[Markus Heinsohn]

His name is Stefan Broghammer, here is a link to his book:
http://www.shop1.ms-reptilien.de/pro...ep5ieh7rcen8h1
His website, he is the biggest BP breeder in Europe:
http://www.ms-reptilien.de
Some more interesting stuff to read:
http://www.stevegorzulapresents.com/...thon_ghana.pdf

I am not saying I know a lot... this guy does, though.

[Markus Heinsohn]

It is common sense Markus, if a BP is an ambush predator, then why would it always actively hunt for food like you imply?

I imagine they come out of their hides at dusk to warm up and follow the scent or trail of their prey, then they hunker down and wait for a passing food item, the essence of ambush.

I don't see it being much of a forager as they show little response to pinks and fuzzies when offered, and a gerbil would attack the snake that invaded it's nest. I'm very sure there are some that do it, but it isnt the main strategy used by BP's.

For as slow as the metabolic usage is of this snake, the expenditure of energy from actively following prey and foraging is far fetched in my mind.

I do not say they 'hunt' per se... of course do they wait in some place to strike, but they reach that spot by exploring their enviroment.

[spix14]

And I suppose this top breeder, with his thousand plus snakes, keeps them all in large, naturalistic enclousures?

That must be one monster of a breeding facility he has.

[littleindiangirl]

I do not say they 'hunt' per se... of course do they wait in some place to strike, but they reach that spot by exploring their enviroment.

So, following that train of thought, could we not say that a BP in a tub with his hide that knows the simple pattern that on Saturday night a rat will walk by his hide?

So why should that snake leave? When the rats quit coming... or he wants to breed.

It very possible to say that BP's in the wild only move when they need to find a new colony of rats/gerbils, and in the meantime do not move very far at all from their hide.