Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Before I got a ball python, I was told they were "inactive" snakes and also that they don't really climb. I think the snake should be the judge of that- Mine is out and about every evening, climbing on her branch, often hanging out on it for long periods of time. Seems like good exercise to me. Anyone else have BP's that take advantage of climbing pieces- or just dissatisfied with the general notions that BP's are "inactive" (nocturnal ≠ inactive)

I have only had one ball set up in a cage that had room to climb. It was for an adult male, and he used his driftwood branches every day. If it weren't for the space constraints and cleaning time, I would use that for all of them.

Derek

All 4 of mine climb. My YB does it the least. but my other three are out almost every evening.

I love the stripes on that one! Nice terrarium too.

They climb in aquariums because they are probably looking for a way out or just plain don't have alot of choice to do otherwise because of the limited space. Go out to Africa and see how many you find in trees or anywhere other than the ground or under the ground. Not saying take out the branch, i'm just saying they aren't climbing because they love it or it's something they need to do.

I agree she is definitely looking for a way out. She is a captive, after all.

But as far as her choices go- that's exactly the point. To give her the choice of climbing. What else can she do, as a snake? Sit around? That's why I think climbing is an underrated aspect of snake keeping. Allowing for climbing means more stimulation and activity, and activity is required for anything to truly thrive. I have a bunch of logs I swap out monthly.

I agree she doesn't climb because she loves to (that would imply a higher level of motivation) but I somewhat disagree that it's not something she needs to do. I feel snakes are driven by their perception of needs- in this case, the need to climb the branch to escape the terrarium. Though not nearly as urgent a need as, say, a GTP. To her, still a need. Otherwise why would she do it?

I have fake vines in 2 of my cages and both snakes will climb around or stretch out on them at times.

My female will actually feed from up in the vines if i put food in while shes up there, or at least she has the one or two times shes been out and a bout when I feed them, shes usually curled up in her log during the day.

I had to remove my heat panels from the inside of the cage to keep them from curling around the ledge of the panels and eventually falling off in the middle of the night. I was afraid they would hurt themselves falling.

It didnt seem like mine were trying to escape because they would climb up and find a spot where they could lay out and just sit there, not like when they are poking around the door or corners trying to push it open.