Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There was a show on OPB yesterday that was studying brain activity. Mice kept in simple environments were less active and had fewer active nuerons. Mice kept in interesting environments with many objects had more active neurons.

Does anyone think about this with snakes? There seem to be two types of keepers. Those who have elaborate setups(because they only have a few snakes) and those who have simple setups (for housing many).

Are snakes kept in elaborate set ups more active (during their normal "active" times)?

I can tell you that when I keep my animals on aspen instead of newspaper that they explore and seem to enjoy life a little more, plus the aspen would be able to take care of an itch that they could not be able to scratch on newspaper. Yes I have seen this!!
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CB

"Tattooed freak with an attitude"

Yes, my animals are much more active on a "feel good to the skin" substrate. They just slide around on newspaper.
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CB

"Tattooed freak with an attitude"

I thought Newspaper was a preferred substrate. What would be a better one to use for a younger ball?

I use newspaper. I tried aspen in one girls cage on half of it and she wouldn't go in her hide (the one she always uses) so I switched back and she was happy again. so I think whatever works best for you is good. I do agree with giving them more room to move and a branch to climb on, I feel like I am helping them have the best possible quality of life they can in captivity.

Yep, the most simple is usually the best for them, and they seem to do the best this way too. Until they can speak, I guess we will never know exactly what they do or do not prefer. Simple is best.
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CB

"Tattooed freak with an attitude"

Newspaper is the perfect substrate (safe, absorbent, sterile, ect. ect.) , but I feel the animals may have a different point of view on this. I use newspaper only because I cannot keep the correct humidity levels with aspen.
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CB

"Tattooed freak with an attitude"

I've tried aspen and newspaper and noticed no difference in activity.
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