I get a small commission if you do decide to get yourself a enclosure wink* wink* nudge* nudge* 😉 You can find the enclosure here: US: www.zenhabitats.com/products/meridian-4x2x2-pvc-panel-reptile-enclosure?aff=4 UK: zenhabitats.co.uk/products/meridian-4x2x2-pvc-panel-reptile-enclosure?aff=4
I find the way we look at things so funny as reptile keepers. I walk through the wood with my dog and see some piece of wood and think 'damn that's a great piece of wood to climb on' then pick it up take it home. Out of me and the dog it's me who wants the sticks lol
The metal bars are to support fixtures and hanging hides inside the enclosure if you don’t want to put things on top of the screen. I do both. I have hides attached to those bars inside the enclosure. We have several Zen Habitats.
Thank you so much for this review! Quick note about the support bars - they’re there to allow lights and decor to be hung within the enclosure - this way you don’t lose any UV ☺️
Great review! And Ellie’s royal is adorable! I loved seeing her climb on the road and watching her explore melted my heart. That cute little face is too much
@@ReptilesandResearch how fun! My male royal was out for about 2 hours yesterday evening exploring some new plants and hanging from sticks I added to his enclosure. And royal pythons don’t climb I thought 😂 Your channel should be required for all new snake keepers. You really share the best information 🙏🏼
@@MiBackpacking sounds like he’s enjoying himself ☺️ I try, maybe one day we can get to a size that makes bigger impact on the hobby, every like and share helps 😉
@@ReptilesandResearch I can’t stop talking about your channel to my friends and family, they aren’t as big into reptile keeping as myself but they listen and appreciate the knowledge. One day I think we’ll see a turn where the kind of care you’re advocating will be the norm and the racks will finally be used only for hatchlings and quarantine. 🤞🏽
Really good setup. I love the cork! The enclosure seems very expensive for one that is flat packed. Some time back, my vivexotic for my brazilian rainbow boa started falling apart. I found a great company - a UK one - called ViperVivs. Their enclosures are pre-built made of polypropelene, with an acrylic front which hinges downwards, and comes with three locks. The company will make an enclosure to any specification. I have found this to be the best viv I have come across. It's expensive, but the quality is superb.
For the size not as expensive as these…I have five Vipervivs… also I have sold a few which looked as good as new- different league. This is in the wrong price bracket.
this is amazing, think of the applications. such as display animals, animals for events, handling, maybe even pet shops etc. instead of rubs they can have proper displays to provide a proper exmaple to the public of how animals should be kept. - not without its problems i guess tho
Where did your cork (do have a link or exact name, and/or size)? No stores near me sell bark that size and with many openings plus buying cork online has many flaws, it’s basically a guessing game with sizes or no pictures 😭.
That arboreal strike pose at the end! Hunting by sitting and waiting for things to come by high up in the trees! She's a female but for all of that period if their life where they aren't so big that they climb less it's a huge part of their natural behaviour and existence! She truly is adorable. :) And I'm so glad to see a royal go to a home and recover from the deprivation that life in a draw gives them. I know and completely understand why the puppy-farm comparison is seen as extreme or a stretch but, more and more I'm finding that it might not be at all. It's an example of an environment with extreme deprivation and lack of opportunity for choice and extreme limitations of natural behaviour. It's certainly telling that a draw is not comparable to a hide when a snake presented with an environment where (like in the wild) they can express more choice as to what hide they want to choose, that anecdotally this snake didn't appear to even *know* how to use a hide. If it truly was comparable to a burrow they shouldn't have this issue. This is part of why I don't think puppy-farms aren't so much of an extreme comparison. It is known that dogs from that environment- both parents and puppies- don't understand toys or playing and after being rescued have to have behavioural (and by extension psychological) therapy to learn how to interact with humans and other dogs in a healthy, safe environment and can learn how to express themselves in non-sterotypie, healthy natural behaviours now that they aren't in an environment of deprivation. While snakes don't have the same social needs and natural behaviours, they do indeed suffer trauma in those deprived environments and need to relearn how to be a snake again once in suitable ones. So maybe the instinct that many of us (including myself) have or have had, is more about our emotive response based on our cultural connection to being in a culture where the needs of dogs are more widely understood and we have an instinctive emotional empathetic response because we can understand that species' needs and behaviour better and therefore more likely to react in the way we do to the concept of a puppy farm. Culturally we have instilled an empathy and value on the lives of dogs (not for every individual does it affect them but it's a part of our culture that we as a society have more connection to the lives of dogs). So when we see a snake affected by a deprived environment and the residual damage to its ability to express themselves in non-sterotypie healthy behaviours, we don't have that same response because of lack of knowledge and the same cultural moral ideals aren't applied to the ethics of reptile keeping in the same way they are with dogs. It has a lot of nuance and it would take a lot more research than anecdotal testimony, but it's people like Lori Torrini and her work that is so important because it's work like hers that is the catalyst that sparks, demonstrates the need for further research. I'm rambling, but this is a place where I think this sort of discussion (even if it's just an expression of passion for the subject and a willingness to learn more) is the goal. I fully intend to become a reptile keeper, and this channel and community is helping me to become the kind of keeper that my snake needs me to be. If I'm not going to be able to do it right and provide for the animal I don't want to and I should do it at all. So I'm learning as much as I can so that when I am in a position to take on a royal python and hognose snake I am capable of providing the care they need. I'm always excited to get the notification for your channel. Even just a review of a habitat like this is fun? Just nerds being nerds about herpetological husbandry lol
Im sorry i have only just seen this comment. I dont particularly agree with those that say a drawer represents a burrow entirely. For one, a burrow may be a humid microclimate. Is that represented when a animal is kept at low humidity like a kingsnake? Id argue not. Secondly, thigmotaxis is the feeling of security from having surfaces in contact with the body, often in a snug manner. If there is not hide in the drawer then how does that lend itself to thigmotaxis? Id argue it does not. There are little things that dont quite line up. im really glad you are enjoying the channel so much! glad to have you around 😊
Awful product in my opinion, for the money in the UK you could get polypropylene or PVC delivered to your door with more options, glass or acrylic, sliding or hinged. Love innovation but have been following this with affiliates in the states and they are changing their tune. Nice how you setup for a Ball python though.
@@ReptilesandResearch I think some of the polypropylene ones and PVC ones are superior in so many ways for similar money. It will be quite interesting if you live with it for six months and see how it is then. Don’t get me wrong it is the right direction, the hinges are better than the first release - but sticky tape (eek) I know you addressed that.
I get a small commission if you do decide to get yourself a enclosure wink* wink* nudge* nudge* 😉
You can find the enclosure here:
US:
www.zenhabitats.com/products/meridian-4x2x2-pvc-panel-reptile-enclosure?aff=4
UK:
zenhabitats.co.uk/products/meridian-4x2x2-pvc-panel-reptile-enclosure?aff=4
I don’t know if it’s just a reptile keepers trait to go ‘damn that’s a great piece of cork!’ But that was a nice piece of cork 😂 Great review!
That made me laugh out loud in the car 😂
I find the way we look at things so funny as reptile keepers. I walk through the wood with my dog and see some piece of wood and think 'damn that's a great piece of wood to climb on' then pick it up take it home. Out of me and the dog it's me who wants the sticks lol
nice job, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching the animal explore their new digs
It was great to see her just take to it so well
The metal bars are to support fixtures and hanging hides inside the enclosure if you don’t want to put things on top of the screen. I do both. I have hides attached to those bars inside the enclosure. We have several Zen Habitats.
Might try and do a sky hide using them
@@ReptilesandResearch I came here to say I love the bars for hanging things (vines and skyhides)! 🤘🏼
Think i need one of these enclosures, thanks for the great video
Any time!
Thank you so much for this review! Quick note about the support bars - they’re there to allow lights and decor to be hung within the enclosure - this way you don’t lose any UV ☺️
No problem 😌. I’ll have to test that then
To prevent the pinch point, you could use plastic coated wire cable ties?
Great review! And Ellie’s royal is adorable! I loved seeing her climb on the road and watching her explore melted my heart. That cute little face is too much
She’s definitely a really personable snake. Always up to something. She sits on that rope looking out the window watching cars go by 😂
@@ReptilesandResearch how fun! My male royal was out for about 2 hours yesterday evening exploring some new plants and hanging from sticks I added to his enclosure. And royal pythons don’t climb I thought 😂
Your channel should be required for all new snake keepers. You really share the best information 🙏🏼
@@MiBackpacking sounds like he’s enjoying himself ☺️
I try, maybe one day we can get to a size that makes bigger impact on the hobby, every like and share helps 😉
@@ReptilesandResearch I can’t stop talking about your channel to my friends and family, they aren’t as big into reptile keeping as myself but they listen and appreciate the knowledge. One day I think we’ll see a turn where the kind of care you’re advocating will be the norm and the racks will finally be used only for hatchlings and quarantine. 🤞🏽
Really good setup. I love the cork! The enclosure seems very expensive for one that is flat packed. Some time back, my vivexotic for my brazilian rainbow boa started falling apart. I found a great company - a UK one - called ViperVivs. Their enclosures are pre-built made of polypropelene, with an acrylic front which hinges downwards, and comes with three locks. The company will make an enclosure to any specification. I have found this to be the best viv I have come across. It's expensive, but the quality is superb.
For the size not as expensive as these…I have five Vipervivs… also I have sold a few which looked as good as new- different league. This is in the wrong price bracket.
@@BGPythons Thanks: pleased that you agree.
this is amazing, think of the applications. such as display animals, animals for events, handling, maybe even pet shops etc. instead of rubs they can have proper displays to provide a proper exmaple to the public of how animals should be kept.
- not without its problems i guess tho
I think that’s a good point, light, easy to assemble and dissemble and looks good.
Where did your cork (do have a link or exact name, and/or size)? No stores near me sell bark that size and with many openings plus buying cork online has many flaws, it’s basically a guessing game with sizes or no pictures 😭.
The cork and substrate were from the same website:
internetreptile.com/products/prorep-cork-bark-bulk-packs?variant=42476476924152
@@ReptilesandResearch thank you so much!
That arboreal strike pose at the end! Hunting by sitting and waiting for things to come by high up in the trees!
She's a female but for all of that period if their life where they aren't so big that they climb less it's a huge part of their natural behaviour and existence!
She truly is adorable. :) And I'm so glad to see a royal go to a home and recover from the deprivation that life in a draw gives them.
I know and completely understand why the puppy-farm comparison is seen as extreme or a stretch but, more and more I'm finding that it might not be at all. It's an example of an environment with extreme deprivation and lack of opportunity for choice and extreme limitations of natural behaviour.
It's certainly telling that a draw is not comparable to a hide when a snake presented with an environment where (like in the wild) they can express more choice as to what hide they want to choose, that anecdotally this snake didn't appear to even *know* how to use a hide. If it truly was comparable to a burrow they shouldn't have this issue.
This is part of why I don't think puppy-farms aren't so much of an extreme comparison. It is known that dogs from that environment- both parents and puppies- don't understand toys or playing and after being rescued have to have behavioural (and by extension psychological) therapy to learn how to interact with humans and other dogs in a healthy, safe environment and can learn how to express themselves in non-sterotypie, healthy natural behaviours now that they aren't in an environment of deprivation.
While snakes don't have the same social needs and natural behaviours, they do indeed suffer trauma in those deprived environments and need to relearn how to be a snake again once in suitable ones.
So maybe the instinct that many of us (including myself) have or have had, is more about our emotive response based on our cultural connection to being in a culture where the needs of dogs are more widely understood and we have an instinctive emotional empathetic response because we can understand that species' needs and behaviour better and therefore more likely to react in the way we do to the concept of a puppy farm. Culturally we have instilled an empathy and value on the lives of dogs (not for every individual does it affect them but it's a part of our culture that we as a society have more connection to the lives of dogs).
So when we see a snake affected by a deprived environment and the residual damage to its ability to express themselves in non-sterotypie healthy behaviours, we don't have that same response because of lack of knowledge and the same cultural moral ideals aren't applied to the ethics of reptile keeping in the same way they are with dogs.
It has a lot of nuance and it would take a lot more research than anecdotal testimony, but it's people like Lori Torrini and her work that is so important because it's work like hers that is the catalyst that sparks, demonstrates the need for further research.
I'm rambling, but this is a place where I think this sort of discussion (even if it's just an expression of passion for the subject and a willingness to learn more) is the goal.
I fully intend to become a reptile keeper, and this channel and community is helping me to become the kind of keeper that my snake needs me to be. If I'm not going to be able to do it right and provide for the animal I don't want to and I should do it at all. So I'm learning as much as I can so that when I am in a position to take on a royal python and hognose snake I am capable of providing the care they need.
I'm always excited to get the notification for your channel. Even just a review of a habitat like this is fun?
Just nerds being nerds about herpetological husbandry lol
Im sorry i have only just seen this comment. I dont particularly agree with those that say a drawer represents a burrow entirely. For one, a burrow may be a humid microclimate. Is that represented when a animal is kept at low humidity like a kingsnake? Id argue not. Secondly, thigmotaxis is the feeling of security from having surfaces in contact with the body, often in a snug manner. If there is not hide in the drawer then how does that lend itself to thigmotaxis? Id argue it does not. There are little things that dont quite line up.
im really glad you are enjoying the channel so much! glad to have you around 😊
Is that ball python your new snake?
Nevermind.
Lol
Creaking Skull
My jaw dropped when i heard she lived on cat litter on a drawer 😭
ikr
Awful product in my opinion, for the money in the UK you could get polypropylene or PVC delivered to your door with more options, glass or acrylic, sliding or hinged. Love innovation but have been following this with affiliates in the states and they are changing their tune. Nice how you setup for a Ball python though.
Fair enough. I mentioned about cheaper options in the video. They are very plug and play beginner wise so I understand the appeal of them.
@@ReptilesandResearch I think some of the polypropylene ones and PVC ones are superior in so many ways for similar money. It will be quite interesting if you live with it for six months and see how it is then. Don’t get me wrong it is the right direction, the hinges are better than the first release - but sticky tape (eek) I know you addressed that.
@@BGPythons I’ll get Ellie to give a full in depth review after a few months
Zen enclosures aren't pvc they are wood.
The meridian enclosures are pvc. Though you're right that they also have wood vivs.