The obsession...

and how I got my focus back. Back in the day 1983-2009 everyone I knew had Tupperware and storage boxes stacked on top of enclosures some where in there house,me included. I was fortunate to have the money to build,buy,feed all of my snakes no matter how many I had. But still didn't have the time. Why because I was herping all the time. If I wasn't at work I was herping,and herping while I was working. Great job! Found a patternless WDB at work one day. Problem was I never really got to enjoy the snakes because I was always out herping,working or sleeping. The only time I really got to see them was when I was cleaning them or feeding.

The real reason for me writing this is not just the lack of enjoyment for me with my reptiles but the lack of quality of life for the snakes. Now I know what the stores,reptile shows,enclosure industry will tell you. Rack systems are fine and have plenty of light,heat tape is just as good as a heat light, and my ALL TIME FAVORITE is the enclosure only needs to be big enough for the snake to be able to stretch out. What this means is if the snake is 5' as a adult the enclosure can be 2' long x1' wide x what ever high. That's crap and that's sad for the snake. (I've done it and not proud of it.)

At that point it was a obsession not a fun hobby. So one day I decided that I was going to enjoy the snakes in there own habitats and enjoy more lad back hiking/herping in the field and simplify my life at home. So I kept one enclosure that I built in 2002,and got rid of all the rest. My point is NOT that everyone should have only one enclosure,but that the snake should have the proper living space.

What is the right living space?? My opinion is it should have all the same qualities as their wild habitat as possible. Light,heat,multiple hides,water if needed,and space. How much space?? My opinion. The length should be as long as the snake as a adult. The width should be 1/4 to 1/2 the length of the snake as a adult. The hight should be 1/2 the length of the snake as a adult.

So this would look like this a 5' bull snake would need a enclosure that is 5' long x 2'wide x 2'high. And this is minimal to me. My enclosure that I built in 2002 is 7' long x 2' wide x 22" high SEE PICS, and I have a pair of Mexican king snakes in it right now (Thayeri). I have also kept and bread out albino WDB in this enclosure six year project. Also a pair of Arizona mt. kings,and many others.

One thing I have noticed then the enclosure/habitat is set up right is the snakes do all the cool little things that you see them do in the wild. Which is fun to watch. Lot more fun when it is a hobby not a obsession.

I hope this helps out someone out there. You wont get any good advice from the reptile industry because it is driven by greed not real love for the animals,like most things in this country sad but true!

But on the bright side this hobby can be a blast and be done right. I love animals and always have/will. They should have the right to live happy where ever they live.