Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, hope your breeding season is going well for those who are attempting it. Got a question that may or may not be of interest. I am building a 4 unit cage out of MDF board and just put 2 coats of primer on it. I was all set to paint it white but was wondering if my colubrids would do better in a darker background. Would black make it any warmer? Or am I just over analyzing this? With the white, every little blemish shows too.
Oh well, any comments?
Thanks
Joel

I'd go black, not for any warmth but they seem to feel more secure, imo.
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Todd Hughes

I agree with Todd all the way on this,....reason being, snakes associate dark as great places to hide and feel secure. I've studied snakes for decades, and one thing I DO know, is that if a snake is placed on the ground, it immediately seeks out dark, this means a fast hiding spot, and security.

On the other hand, white is very light, and makes most snakes feel as if they are more in the open, and a little less secure as well. Now I'm certainly not saying that your captive snakes will freak out, and be nervous, but out of the two colors, black will leave them "feeling" a little more secure(or even brown), not only that, dark won't show all the blemishes as you mentioned earlier.

best regards, ~Doug

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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

I notice when I slide the clear tubs back in, the reluctant or hesitant feeders go right to business. I think they feel the dark is more secure to hunt in.
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Todd Hughes

I concur once again,.......certainly in nature, a cautious, somewhat hesitant, or nervous snake is going to feel much more at ease about not being seen, or caught in a VERY vulnerable position by a predator while it's killing, or consuming a meal.

Snake's sure aren't very bright, but their simple instincts certainly are good for survival!..LOL!

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Go with a doodoo brown color. It'll be easier to clean
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Tom

"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"