ENRICHMENT IDEAS

Affordable colubrid enrichment

Enrichment is a very broad term. it can refer to creating an ‘enriched’ environment, whereby the keeper aims to create an enclosure that provides mental stimulus by simulating wild conditions. Or, it can refer to new, temporary additions to an enclosure such as novel objects, scent trails and new feeding techniques. Although both are important in providing the best welfare for our animals, some are easier to provide than others and can still add significant value without breaking the bank.

Empty boxes

Let’s face it – chances are, we all have some empty boxes laying around from home deliveries. Snakes do tend to try and fit into small dark spaces, and boxes often have strange new scents on them. You can even use empty boxes to hide food items inside and then dispose of them after feeding day. Smaller, thinner snakes can explore leftover toilet paper tubes or tissue boxes. If the box also comes with packing peanuts (the pieces of foam used to protect the item), it can be a good idea to leave these in the box and allow the snake to bury amongst them.

Laundry baskets or clotheshorses

If these are stable and the holes are not too large for your snake to become stuck, these also work very well. Adding something into the basket that can be explored will go down well and get your snake exploring too. A classic tip for getting new snakes used to you is to introduce them to something that smells like you. If you do keep other animals, try to ensure that the clothes or fabrics have been sprayed with F10 or have been recently washed to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Balls and ‘Hol-ee rollers’

A well-known and recommended item in the online hobby space is the hol-ee roller. This is a large spherical dog toy with holes which can provide hours of entertainment for inquisitive snakes. Again, the keeper must be careful to choose holes that are large enough so that your snake does not become stuck. If that’s not possible, a regular ball (or a few dozen balls) may also be worth providing as they will move around as the snake physically climbs on it. This kind of enrichment can be great at building muscle, as the snake has to support itself over several moveable objects.

Strawberry planters

Planters that are designed to host strawberries are often excellent climbing opportunities for small snakes. They are available for a range of budgets, but the high-end terracotta versions are often very sturdy and have no sharp edges. Plastic ones can also be used and even placed on their side to encourage the same exploratory behaviour within an unusually shaped object. Combine these with scent trails and perhaps hide a treat in one of the planters’ cavities and the keeper can encourage a novel feeding strategy.

Gardens

This should be approached with some caution. Not only are snakes excellent escape artists, but they are also prey for predatory birds and might experience some stress if they are confined to an exposed location in the garden. Nonetheless, during the warmer months, snakes can enjoy natural sunlight and the opportunity to safely explore small trees, flowerbeds and grass. Check that there is nothing that can harm your snake in the area and supervise them during this time outside. Alternatively, bring in branches, rocks or leaves for them to inspect – as long as they are not contaminated with anything harmful such as waste from other animals or pesticides/chemicals. Generally, natural objects found in the garden are less likely to be a biosecurity risk as they have never encountered another exotic animal. However, if multiple animals are kept in the home, or the keeper could be transmitting a foreign pathogen outside into the environment, it is a good idea to disinfect that object.