Plastic Tub vs Glass Aquarium - Temperament

[JohnNJ]

Is there a difference in the temperament of a snake (BP) kept in a 20L glass aquarium vs. a Sterilite 27 QT opaque tub?

Does it matter that the snake can't see what's going on when in a tub?

A rack system would be a big space saver but it just doesn't seem right. Do the snakes care?

BTW, I've had various pythons when I was younger and want to get a few for my kids. I just want to make sure the snakes stay very friendly. Not really interested in breeding.

Thanks for the help and any suggestions.

[Ophiuchus]

I personally don't think it makes much difference in their temperment.

However, remember that BPs are naturally timid and shy snakes. They seem to do better in smaller, more "cozy" quarters as opposed to a large, open glass terrarium where all sides are transparent. In other words, the snake might be more stressed when it feels "exposed" so to speak, as many animals have trouble comprehending the nature of transparent glass.

I vote for a nice, custom snake cage (animal plastics, vision, boaphile, etc) which have only one viewing area in the front and all other sides are enclosed.

[A7XSynX42]

The flipside to that is some people think their snakes adjust better to being handled when they can see everything thats going on. They can watch you from their hides and see you're not a threat. But I think it's just personal taste on whether or not to go with aquariums or tubs..

[RichardA]

I have housed in both......to me it doesnt seem to make much difference to the snake as long as they have a hide spot and feel comfy.

[rabernet]

All of mine are in tubs and all have relaxed and calm personalities.

[JLC]

My first BP was pretty much hatched and raised in a plastic tub at her breeder's. When I bought her from him, she was almost a year old....I put her in a glass tank that I'd had all set up. Temps and humidity were spot on...plenty of hides and leaves to crawl around in.....should have been perfect. But...she wouldn't eat. As soon as I gave in and moved her into a plain ol' tub she started eating like there was no tomorrow.

Of course, this is just my experience with a single snake...take that for what it is. But I truly believe they don't need to "see the world around them" or even particularly want to. They are content knowing their little space in the world is safe and warm and somehow filled with plentiful prey items.

[Jyson]

All of mine are in tubs as well. I used tanks before and they didnt do me or my snakes any good. They were tougher to clean and my snakes didnt eat well in them at all, so I quickly changed them over to tubs and those problems are history.

[West Coast Jungle]

Many Ball pythons tend tend to be more nervous when highly visible in a glass tank. Most do better/calmer in a smaller tub enviroment.

This is a generalization and there are always exceptions to the rule.
There is good reason most professionals use tubs, they tend to do much better and maintenance becomes much easier.

I only use tubs for my 50+ snakes

[dsirkle]

I had posted on this thread earlier but my post is not here. I don't know if this is due to an error by me or the system but I will post again. I have some snakes that are kept in a rack and I have some in PVC cages. Care is much easier in the rack. However, I find that the snakes kept in the rack are all startled to some degree when I slide the tubs out, some more than others. The ones that are in PVC cages with glass or acrylic doors peek out of their hides when I walk into the room and are always at ease. That has been my experience. I would not use a glass tank for the following reasons- The snake would be more exposed and perhaps feel stressed- It would be harder to control heat and humidity- You can't stack them. I would recommend a rack over glass terrariums any day. If you can afford PVC cages and don't have a large number of snakes I would recommend them. The smartest and most cost effective way to go would be a rack. If you buy a new snake you just put it in an empty tub instead of getting a new enclosure (not to suggest that you don't need a quarantine setup of some kind). If a glass tank is your only option because of cost (you can get them free or very cheap) that will also work. I feel either of the other choices would be a better one if you can swing it.

[JohnNJ]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I've had various pythons (many years ago) and have always used glass aquariums. I've only just learned about tubs and racks.

Someone suggested in another thread that putting a young snake in an adult size (27 qt) tub would be bad because the snake wouldn't feel secure in the open area. Some else suggested crumpled newspaper and various hides to fill up the space until the snake grew. I'd rather not have to keep upgrading the size of the tubs because I won't be breeding so the smaller tubs will go to waste quickly.

I want to get three BPs because I have three kids and it would make things less stressful for ME. A rack system of tubs would take up less room and be easier to maintain. Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive rack system (with heat) for three or four BPs?

Thanks.