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[peterjohnson64]

Originally Posted by PhilK

I disagree. When my snake was a bub and I put him into his adult enclosure straight up (not being told otherwise) he ate just fine, explored alot, and was fine to handle. Though I did provide him with lots and lots of places to hide (making him feel secure)

Phil, you did well there. However, I remember talking to Dr Robert Johnson (www.reptilevet.com.au) at length during the Mac Herps expo. He said that by far the most common reason for snakes being bought into his ptactice was a result of people keeping little snakes in big cages. Fair enough, you provided adequate hides (and of course this will work or they would all die in the wild) but unfortunately most people want to "see" their little snakes and want to hold them all the time so they dont give them the same sort of care as you (correctly) did. Even with all the advice under the sun they still wont do as they are told. Also, is your enclosure open on all sides or just the front. This will also have an impact as the snake doesnt really know he is behind glass.

It is still therefore advised by most breeders and keepers to put baby snakes in tub like enclosures. Yes, it can work the other way, but you can also smoke all your life and live to 90.