Muscle Tone in Large Constrictors

Ireland
February 18, 2012 5:06pm CST
All too often these days I'm seeing private keepers and hobbyist breeders keeping their large constrictors (Burmese Pythons, Retics, African Rock Pythons, Anacondas to name a few) in enclosures that are simply far too small and far too low. They are modelling their enclosures and husbandry essentials on large scale breeders that are the equivalent of puppy farms and it really gets my goat! Currently we keep all ours in enclosures that are high enough to deliver double the usable space i.e. the floor and also the climbing frames & basking platforms. All of our large constrictors, even seemingly unlikely candidates such as the Anacondas thoroughly enjoy climbing and spend a large portion of their time in the branches. Choosing to live at height rather than on the ground. This must say something. It is becoming apparent to me through research that many Reticulated Pythons experiences difficulty with egg binding, could a part of this be the fact that the necessary muscle tone to hold and lay a clutch are lacking from these unfurnished enclosures and lack of exercise? What's your opinion on enclosures for large constrictors and the implications of low muscle tone?
1 response
@justme0k (152)
• United States
9 Mar 12
And then there are the people who are overwhelmed and just release their snake. Several yers ago there was a story on the news here that someone's small dog was eaten by a 6 foot long snake- possible a boa constictor. I don't know if they ever found the snake and caught him. Some people just shouldn't have pets.
• Ireland
9 Mar 12
Absolutely justme0k! Irresponsible keepers are a danger to the entire hobby and the businesses associated with them.