Well... I don't think it was specifically
any rack system... but more specifically the fact that some such as snakebytes have enormous snakes in enclosures... racking systems... where they can barely move. I mean that big one was jammed in there. Are you telling me that you all agree with that?
I may not be experienced, but I am certain the ability to exercise to at least some degree is one very important basic keeping essential. An animal that can do nothing more than recoil itself in a slightly different position is not going to have good muscle tone.
Certainly is the most basic of keeping requirements.
I have seen a lot of your racking and tub enclosures over my time here and although you all seem to be taking offense to the mention of 'racks' none of you fit into the category I think this thread was meant... that is those that put snakes in small containers. I haven't seen any of you with small tubs or racks. And I am certain you would all put your animals in appropriately sized tubs to fit them, so they can move and reposition comfortably. Even having the ability to climb in most cases.
The snakes shown on snakebytes did not even have the ability to lift their heads higher than their body.
While it may not be essential to their survival... and they can live long lives while feeding and breeding still... it seems like my snakes appreciate/enjoy/like the ability to move and to climb.
And a dog, a cat, a bird, a rat... a human... can be put in a tiny cage where they can do nothing but turn around for its entire life... and live a long time while still eating and continuing to breed.
Take from that what you will.
---------- Post added 14-Jan-11 at 10:44 PM ----------
This arguement is a common one amongst pet owners of all descriptions.
Beta (fighting fish) breeders have their fish Jared, every day hobyests give them a conventional tank. Dog and cat breeders use Aviaries etc.etc Its all part and parcel of the individual hobbys and those that breed Fish, Snakes or even Dogs and Cats have the right to house them as best they can to produce the numbers of animals demanded BY the Hobbyests. Without whom (The Breeders) we would have few if any animal related hobbys in this country. It seems in most animal related Hobbys it is the actions of the few that keep the hobby going.
In no way does owning alot of animals of the same species and housing them in acceptable areas, jars, containers or tanks deter from the health, hapiness and enjoyment of keeping and breeding the species in question.
My 2c...
MontePython... I've bred dogs for a long time. I have never housed dogs in aviaries :| And anyone that did would be looked down on very harshly by the entire hobby. Those are what we call puppy farmers... and they are a disgusting blight on the hobby. I knew someone that did... and she had all her animals confiscated by the RSPCA.
My dogs... and those of most I know... were kept inside my house. They had their own room. They had free roam of the yard. They were toilet trained and looked after as pets first. And being a hobby, it was not about making money.
Yet the most sophisticated of breeders do not need to produce large numbers, rather producing quality animals that command a higher price for what they represent.
Those that expand their numbers have kennels and once again... those with cramped or dirty conditions are looked down upon. A lot of the dog hobby is based around how well you keep your animals... in fact it is essential... as showing a dog is at least 60% presentation... and a dog with a dirty or damaged coat will be laughed out of the ring.