Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an enclosure that is 8'x3'x3', which is probably going to be perfect for a burmese python (male) for all it's life, however; I know there are some web sites and books that state "an enclosure that's too large can stress the snake" I'm getting a baby burm, and I'm wondering if I should block off a portion of the cage, or just keep it as is "with nooks and cranies for her to feel secure and hide out"

So do you think it's overwhelming for a snake to be in an enclosure that's too large? I don't, and I'm keeping an open mind, it doesn't seem to make sense to me that it would stress the snake. Thanks for your input!

It can stress them out. I have not had this issue with my retics or my new boa. My burm when I first got her would not eat, she was in a glass enclosure with high traffic, but soon settled in. I had a blood python that would not eat when I put it in a 20 gallon and then moved it into a rubber maid and ate like clock work then I moved her when she got bigger. It all depends, if you have good hide spots or is a low traffic area, it should be Ok but you may end up having to change gears if he does not eat.
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger (Dash)
1.0 Amel Retic (Mahola)
0.1 Ball Python (Cyeanne)
0.1 Red Tail (Memphis)
1.0 Coral Sun Glow Boa (Rodman)
0.1 Blood Python (Danica)
1.0 Green Ananconda (Prefontain)
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa (Bing Bong)

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I've heard that too, but if you think about it...in the wild, is the world too big of an enclusure for it? I have a baby boa in a 4 foot by 3 foot enclusure and she eats like a pig and is very friendly. No stress at all it seems. Just my opinion though

I've heard someone say that recently...about the size of the wild.

I guess the difference is the action of the owners with a large enclosure. The small snake will need plenty of tight hiding spots throughout in different temperature gradients. Then if the owner has to chase the snake through a large enclosure, that would be stressful.

Hi there!
In all honesty, it's not so much that "too large of an enclosure" will stress a Burmese python, but more so "the lack of good hides" and a few other things. It can be done, but not by everyone, and not without more of an effort than usually required. If you didn't already have the big cage I would, without a doubt, suggest a much smaller one.

Someone mentioned being in the wild, is the world too big for one(?). In essence, they're right - however, the problem with that is most people don't consider "everything" about their wild environment. The ones that wander into areas with little to no cover, or traveling the long distance between good hide locations, are taken out of existence by predators or climate elements. There is a reason they produce such large amounts of eggs.

OK, sorry for kinda driftin' off there - Personally, I'd block off at least half of that 8ft cage or start it out in a tub or something else smaller.

Here are some things to consider:
1) A hatchling doesn't "need" near that amount of space.
2) You'll be heating/maintaining a lot of extra space.

But with some understanding of what they need & desire, along with some craftiness, you can pull it off.

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

I was in the same boat as you. I have a 4'x4'x8' custom enclosure that I had used before. When I got my new baby burm. I felt that the enclosure was too big. I then ended up getting another baby so I blocked half of the enclosure off and then gave each one 4'x4'x4' to live in. I placed the lighting and heat in the middle where it will heat and light both sides and then they can go to the outer area for cooler temps. Then I place a large water container in both sides and then a small water dish in both sides for drinking from. I ended up placing branches, hiding spots, rocks and hollowed logs in both sides and both of my little guys are happy and doing great. Plus when I want to get one out it is easier to find them with the smaller area. Please let us know how things work out for you.
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Dragonmwt

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