How often do you redo your snakes habitat?

Question

I like to change things around every couple of weeks or so to give them new things to "explore". I'm interested in opinions from experienced snake keepers, not a debate on whether or not to keep a snake.

I have four-two corns (babies) who live together, and two kings-a goini and a banana king each in 30 gallon tanks. The goini loves water and the banana likes to climb, as do the corns.

Answer 1

I don't change mine around that much, though I do try to switch things up enough to keep things interesting. I fully believe that snakes respond to their environment, and the more you give them to do and interact with, the "happier" and more interesting they will be. I currently have a subadult rainbow boa and a very young spotted python, and I intend to eventually develop larger, more naturalistic enclosures for them both (as well as some of my lizards). I think it's a great idea that you switch things up to keep things interesting for the snakes. They are living creatures who have to respond to their environment, and it's good to keep them occupied.

Have you ever read "The Art of Keeping Snakes?" Most pet stores have it and it's pretty inexpensive, but it is a WONDERFUL book (I've read it cover to cover several times at work and really just need to buy it). It's written by a very respected herpetologist and has a lot of information on snake behavior and designing stimulating natural vivariums. I think you would find it very interesting.

Answer 2

I have a boa in a huge vivarium very decorated with artificial plants and wood branches. I redo the habitat every once in a while. Sometimes the snake tears down some of the plants or tips over his branches, so whenever i see that evry thing is just fallen to the floor! Same with my lezards but more often, the beardies love to move their stuff around!!

Answer 3

I have an 11 year old Columbian boa that gets completely stressed out if I change his cage around. Because of that, I pretty much leave things alone except for changing out the substrate when it gets dirty.

Answer 4

My snake is blind, so I try not to do it too often. About once a year. But if you're snakes are fine, then it's good to give them something else, but not too often. They'll look t it as they were displaced from their territory, and might refuse to eat, like when you first got them. It could also cause shock.