Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just curious... We let our baby (5' Snow Bull) wander with loose supervision in several rooms of our home. I'm just wondering how many other folks try to give their snakes some "free" time. Also, I saw a pic somewhere of someone who had rigged a leash to a snake... Has anyone here tried that for outside trips?
-----
Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

Let's see, loose snake in the house = no wife in the house, hmmm... maybe, just kidding. First of all, a snake can get into the most unthinkable places, toilets, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. IMHO, you end up taking unecessary risks when doing this. I could understand a single room dedicated to this, provided you "think" you have everything blocked up. But I have been surprised on more than one occasion. I used to have a large empty tank that had logs and hide spots. I would use this sometimes as a sort of "playground" for them if you would. And besides, the rest of the family in my case would come unglued.

Scott

I have never considered allowing any of my snakes freedom in my home. However, I have and am considering an outdoor pen for summertime use. It would have to have a lot of careful planning to insure that an escape couldn't take place. But I would think that some of my larger animals would really enjoy an outing once in a while. Anyone know of an existing outdoor excercising pen for snakes?

to factor in the prey/predator factor too. Often this goes unlooked and soon herpers that started out with great intentions find themselves the vicitm of a racoon, cat, hawk, or ants. Natural enclosures made outdoors offer many great benefits, not to mention they look cool but in the wild animals usually have a means to flee their predators.

My 2 cents.

Russ Bates

I tried this with my pair of adult boa imperators on our screened in porch. The female was fine--hung out on a perch and sunned herself. The male totally lost his mind! Backed into a corner, hissing & striking--go figure. Both of my bull snakes seem to like to be outdoors--attached to humans. However, I'd be worried that they would either escape or be attacked by fire ants in an outdoor enclosure. Just my thoughts. . .

regards,
althea