Sometimes, people ask us if a vivarium made out of a white plastic covering is alright for their pet python. A little story I then do tell.

Many, many years ago, in the land of plenty (just past High Wycombe) there lived a king whose beard was white as driven snow, and if you have ever driven snow, you know how white that is. He had three daughters, but that's a different story. In his kingdom there lived a handsome, dashing man called Chris. (Marcia, who is typing this out, has just dropped her cup of tea with laughter). He had 3 daughters….but that, again, is another story. Chris built a wonderful vivarium for a baby Burmese Python that had been bred by Don Reid of the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, Oxon., who also had 3 daughters, etc, etc. Chris and his beautiful wife (oops, now Chris has dropped his cup of tea) brought this little 2ft of joy home and placed her in her new home. This vivarium was 4ft x 2ft x 2ft and made of white melamine.

Over the next few weeks, Rama (as she was named) spent most of her time going around and around her cage. She started to feed on half-grown mice after about 12 days. After about 3 weeks, she still had never settled.

One day handsome, charming Chris (oops, another cup of tea has met its fate on the floor) was sitting in his favourite chair watching Rama. He then said, " Rama really stands out in her vivarium." Almost at once, Chris realised what he had said. Because she was a dark brown snake in a WHITE enclosure, all her enemies who would eat her, could see her. Just plain Chris (because we are now running short of cups) rebuilt her vivarium using plywood.

Rama was put back in the vivarium. She looked left, then right, went over to the back left corner, curled up and never moved for a fortnight. She now felt safe because she blended in.

If I can be of anymore help, please contact me