I love the experimental but also the enriching and wonderful care you're bringing this snake:) It's lovely to see and I'm glad the old guy is in good hands.
DUDE!!! (Or should I say Dr. Dude? Lol) I’m a new reptile owner. I’ve been looking into how to do bioactive builds as I know my ball python is going to require a larger space soon enough. The one thing I noticed was that basically no one provided some form tunnel/burrowing simulation other than your standard hide. So I found myself dreaming up an idea of how to accomplish that and then came across your video where you’ve already done it. This video is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow for me. Thank you so much for sharing this build and all your knowledge with us. 🐍 ❤
Thank you! I don’t think a parent is in the works, while this is my own design I am not the first to have a removable burrow separate from the main vivarium, you can see it from time to time in zoos and specialty reptile stores
Thank you for the insight on how long the previous enclosure was successful for, and what factors led to needing a new one! I rarely see videos on how ball python bioactives fare long term (+1 year) and worry about whether they're feasible in the long run. Appreciate the transparency, and definitely given me some food for thought on what what to consider if I wanted to do this in my drafty apartment!
Going to build this with my step-son. He's jazzed! Going to watch part 2 now to see if you list what light fixture you used. Other than that, I've got all the tools and skills. Really liked this build and your explanations!
Been waiting for this one! Currently working on my undergrad in zoology and your channel has been one of my favorites and a source of inspiration for a while now!
I love this build! I love seeing DVMs' inputs on the creative aspects of husbandry, too! Herp husbandry is so rapidly evolving and you guys are so important. Really value your opinion and love this design. Can't wait for part 2
Been watching every Bioactive Ball Python build video on youtube and this is the best one hands down. From the redwood touches on a fully custom enclosure to the very natural looking terrain. Only thing I didn't like was the 'front door' everything else was so natural and it was running kinda counter to the vibe... but then you changed it out in your rework! Well done.
I remember commenting on your other video 3yrs ago and told you it unfortunately sounded like your snake had an RI and you told me I was wrong. Anyway, I'm glad he's doing well and this isn't an attack on you. You clearly really care about him and his enclosure is amazing!
Thanks for the comment - I respectfully still disagree with your assessment. He didn’t have an RI at that time, he developed one over a year later after I moved to a different house with worse heating and had an equipment failure during a cold spell in the winter, and his behavior when he had an RI was very different from the signs you commented on originally. If I recall, the original signs you commented on (audible respirations) were an artifact of how I post process audio for these videos (I run it through a compressing filter that tries to make it all the same level, but when I was originally doing that it was making quiet segments sound very weird because I didn’t know what I was doing). I’m not even 100% sure that the audio you were commenting on was even the original audio from the video - what I started doing was to delete most of the actual video sound and replace it with narration, (though I don’t remember when I actually started that) In any case, snakes that are being handled will sometimes make sounds like a hiss or a sigh, that doesn’t necessarily mean they have an RI. Audible respirations at rest are more concerning, as is tachypnea at rest (a sign he had with the RI and did not have originally) and lethargy and inappetence (neither of which he had in the original video). That enclosure worked really well in my old house (June 2019 to June 2020 when I moved) because that house was insulated well, unfortunately the new place is not and my thermostat failed in what I believe was Spring of 2021.
@@ConnorLongDVM Yeah I agree 100% with what you say about some snakes making noise when handled. I have a corn snake who has done it all her life. Not everytime, but quite a lot of times when I have handled her I have heard her make ever so slight "breathing" noises. But it's never been an issue. My original comment on your old video wasn't meant as an attack on you as a keeper or anything. I didn't want to sound like "that guy". I just wanted to make you aware of what I thought I heard incase I was correct and you weren't already aware yourself
Hello, sorry I am late to the video. I have not been watching UA-cam, but I wanted to check in on your videos because I know they are always very well done and educational. This video was no exception! I really enjoyed the update section at the beginning. Also, it was really neat to see how you built the enclosure. You clearly put a lot of time and effort into your enclosures, and they turn out amazing!
Your first bio active inspired me to make one for my rescued ball python! I now also would like to make a new one (bigger, because she deserves the best). I see that you put this one on casters, can I ask how heavy this is/ how difficult is it to move?
Could this build be done in PVC instead of wood, to make moving the setup more feasible? Got a friend with a ball python stuck in a 20 gal fish tank, and they don't want an appropriate sized enclosure because it would be too hard to move with when they need to move apartments. I'd love to help make the snake's (and owner's) life better by building something for them that can house the snake healthily and be transported more easily.
I see no reason why you couldn’t make a similar build out of any non-toxic waterproof material you are able to work with. Personally, I have no experience working with PVC as an enclosure material so I can’t vouch for what would be required. I get a lot of questions about using different materials, but I can only vouch for the methods I’ve personally employed. If you do it you should make your own DIY - might be helpful for others with similar goals!
You're making me want to build a bunch of these for mine. How much did the build cost? I'm a breeder but I keep my adults in 106 quart tubs. 4 times bigger than what the "old school" breeders use.
This build was expensive, probably between $500 and $1000. However, I made it at the height of covid related lumber cost spikes and bought a lot of new equipment for it. Plus I definitely overbuilt it. I think a slightly simpler version out of decent quality plywood could be built for much less, and if you were building multiple vivs for multiple snakes that would also decrease your per-unit cost. You could also consider using drylok instead of epoxy to make the whole thing water resistant and then use removable pond liner at the bottom to make a waterproof basin at the bottom for the drainage layer, that would decrease costs quite a bit more.
Hey Conner, This is a great build. I was thinking of something similar but I really like how you done yours. Thank you for sharing I know this is going to help alot of people. 👊✊👊🐍🐢🪲🦎🐟
Thank you! If you do a similar build I recommend having the tub slide out the front instead of the side. I was really committed to this design to let me grow plants towards the front of the enclosure, but it makes it sort of annoying to set up in a room
This guy just drops in out of nowhere and gives us some of the best builds on UA-cam
Thank you!
I love the experimental but also the enriching and wonderful care you're bringing this snake:) It's lovely to see and I'm glad the old guy is in good hands.
My man comes again with a cool enclosure
That secret bottom hide compartment is genius!!! I love it
thank you!
Fantastic video Dr. Long!
Thank you!
Yes!!!!!!!!
DUDE!!! (Or should I say Dr. Dude? Lol) I’m a new reptile owner. I’ve been looking into how to do bioactive builds as I know my ball python is going to require a larger space soon enough. The one thing I noticed was that basically no one provided some form tunnel/burrowing simulation other than your standard hide. So I found myself dreaming up an idea of how to accomplish that and then came across your video where you’ve already done it. This video is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow for me. Thank you so much for sharing this build and all your knowledge with us. 🐍 ❤
You need to patent this design! Very cool 👏
Thank you! I don’t think a parent is in the works, while this is my own design I am not the first to have a removable burrow separate from the main vivarium, you can see it from time to time in zoos and specialty reptile stores
Finally! I've been waiting for this!
Thank you for the insight on how long the previous enclosure was successful for, and what factors led to needing a new one!
I rarely see videos on how ball python bioactives fare long term (+1 year) and worry about whether they're feasible in the long run. Appreciate the transparency, and definitely given me some food for thought on what what to consider if I wanted to do this in my drafty apartment!
Can’t wait to see part 2! Love your videos 🙃
Thank you! Hopefully soon next week, I just need to edit all the footage together
Going to build this with my step-son. He's jazzed! Going to watch part 2 now to see if you list what light fixture you used. Other than that, I've got all the tools and skills. Really liked this build and your explanations!
thanks!
Beautiful work, thank you very much, I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with my first project, this helped alot!
very solid wood working for a veterinarian
My primary goal was to keep all my fingers attached to my hands and I am pleased to say this goal was met
@@ConnorLongDVM too modest
I thought this video was really helpful! I’m going to save it for later :) I’m planning to build an enclosure!
Been waiting for this one! Currently working on my undergrad in zoology and your channel has been one of my favorites and a source of inspiration for a while now!
That was so well done. Great job. Love your channel! It hasn't been that long since I saw your videos on the old viv your your python.
I love this build! I love seeing DVMs' inputs on the creative aspects of husbandry, too! Herp husbandry is so rapidly evolving and you guys are so important. Really value your opinion and love this design. Can't wait for part 2
Been watching every Bioactive Ball Python build video on youtube and this is the best one hands down. From the redwood touches on a fully custom enclosure to the very natural looking terrain. Only thing I didn't like was the 'front door' everything else was so natural and it was running kinda counter to the vibe... but then you changed it out in your rework! Well done.
Nice work!
Best bio active enclosure vids on youtube!
Nice to hear from you again! Can't wait for the part 2. Thank you for taking the time to share these.
Please remember to apply tube to snek before CT scans.
Thank you!
-MGMT
Subscribed! Amazing job!
Yesss more build vids
I remember commenting on your other video 3yrs ago and told you it unfortunately sounded like your snake had an RI and you told me I was wrong. Anyway, I'm glad he's doing well and this isn't an attack on you. You clearly really care about him and his enclosure is amazing!
Thanks for the comment - I respectfully still disagree with your assessment. He didn’t have an RI at that time, he developed one over a year later after I moved to a different house with worse heating and had an equipment failure during a cold spell in the winter, and his behavior when he had an RI was very different from the signs you commented on originally. If I recall, the original signs you commented on (audible respirations) were an artifact of how I post process audio for these videos (I run it through a compressing filter that tries to make it all the same level, but when I was originally doing that it was making quiet segments sound very weird because I didn’t know what I was doing). I’m not even 100% sure that the audio you were commenting on was even the original audio from the video - what I started doing was to delete most of the actual video sound and replace it with narration, (though I don’t remember when I actually started that)
In any case, snakes that are being handled will sometimes make sounds like a hiss or a sigh, that doesn’t necessarily mean they have an RI. Audible respirations at rest are more concerning, as is tachypnea at rest (a sign he had with the RI and did not have originally) and lethargy and inappetence (neither of which he had in the original video). That enclosure worked really well in my old house (June 2019 to June 2020 when I moved) because that house was insulated well, unfortunately the new place is not and my thermostat failed in what I believe was Spring of 2021.
@@ConnorLongDVM Yeah I agree 100% with what you say about some snakes making noise when handled. I have a corn snake who has done it all her life. Not everytime, but quite a lot of times when I have handled her I have heard her make ever so slight "breathing" noises. But it's never been an issue.
My original comment on your old video wasn't meant as an attack on you as a keeper or anything. I didn't want to sound like "that guy". I just wanted to make you aware of what I thought I heard incase I was correct and you weren't already aware yourself
I absolutely love that you gave him the tub as well so awesome!!
thank you!
Looks amazing! keep up the good work.
great job connor. love how the concept of the tub bottom turned out. bit of nice woodworking as well!! awesome
Thank you!
Great job!! Hey we may be related. We share the same last name. Keep posting videos like these.
Always love your projects. Nice to see keepers that give their animals more than just the very bare necessities.
Love your videos, very helpful to me, I hope you make more.
Nice enclosure
Hello, sorry I am late to the video. I have not been watching UA-cam, but I wanted to check in on your videos because I know they are always very well done and educational. This video was no exception! I really enjoyed the update section at the beginning. Also, it was really neat to see how you built the enclosure. You clearly put a lot of time and effort into your enclosures, and they turn out amazing!
This is helpful
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video. It’s amazing!!
Your first bio active inspired me to make one for my rescued ball python! I now also would like to make a new one (bigger, because she deserves the best). I see that you put this one on casters, can I ask how heavy this is/ how difficult is it to move?
Very nice!
Very cool man
Amazing video as always! Love this set up!
Hello Connor, love this post and great content! I've sent you an email. I will do my best, thank you!
Amazing build!
Approximately how much pond armor did you use? Thanks!!
I think I used three of the 1.5 quart containers. It’s been a while though. You could potentially do it with less, I was pretty liberal with it
can i ask what brand of thermostat it was that failed?
That's a better enclosure than ___ ___ or ___ ___
Could this build be done in PVC instead of wood, to make moving the setup more feasible? Got a friend with a ball python stuck in a 20 gal fish tank, and they don't want an appropriate sized enclosure because it would be too hard to move with when they need to move apartments. I'd love to help make the snake's (and owner's) life better by building something for them that can house the snake healthily and be transported more easily.
I see no reason why you couldn’t make a similar build out of any non-toxic waterproof material you are able to work with. Personally, I have no experience working with PVC as an enclosure material so I can’t vouch for what would be required. I get a lot of questions about using different materials, but I can only vouch for the methods I’ve personally employed. If you do it you should make your own DIY - might be helpful for others with similar goals!
You're making me want to build a bunch of these for mine. How much did the build cost?
I'm a breeder but I keep my adults in 106 quart tubs. 4 times bigger than what the "old school" breeders use.
This build was expensive, probably between $500 and $1000. However, I made it at the height of covid related lumber cost spikes and bought a lot of new equipment for it. Plus I definitely overbuilt it. I think a slightly simpler version out of decent quality plywood could be built for much less, and if you were building multiple vivs for multiple snakes that would also decrease your per-unit cost. You could also consider using drylok instead of epoxy to make the whole thing water resistant and then use removable pond liner at the bottom to make a waterproof basin at the bottom for the drainage layer, that would decrease costs quite a bit more.
@@ConnorLongDVM Awesome, thank you!!
Bring on #2 bro, stop with the tease
My computer lacks the free memory to edit both simultaneously haha
Hey Conner,
This is a great build.
I was thinking of something similar but I really like how you done yours.
Thank you for sharing
I know this is going to help alot of people.
👊✊👊🐍🐢🪲🦎🐟
Thank you! If you do a similar build I recommend having the tub slide out the front instead of the side. I was really committed to this design to let me grow plants towards the front of the enclosure, but it makes it sort of annoying to set up in a room