Interesting change in behavior

[Sonya610]

I wonder if maybe the texture difference between the bedding and hide and fake plants makes him more active because it's more like he's actually changing locations or something?

I think it is twofold. Think about it, these guys are naturally wired to hunt and scavange around, even if they aren't hungry their natural hobby/activity would be to bebop around looking for either sex or tasty treats.

Imagine you are them, and somebody puts you in a cage that is really a big flat empty football field surrounded by a super tall fence. You can see EVERYTHING in your world at a glance and you darn well know there are no hidden snacks, or cute sexy partners lurking around in that big empty field. Why bother wandering about or investigating? What is there to look for? Plus if you wander around in a big open field your chances of getting eaten by a predator go way up.

Maybe some people like sparse cages so they can "see their animal more" but like Richard said it seems to be the opposite. The more stuff there is for them to hide in and poke through the more likely they are to WANT to be out and about exploring. Throw another dollar store plant in there and see what happens, he probably loves the changes! Mine could easily hid all day in the wood/plants, instead they spend hours exploring each plant, and each inch of the enclosure, plus lots of time staring out the glass waiting for a treat.

[ConcinusMan]

Mine could easily hid all day in the wood/plants, instead they spend hours exploring each plant, and each inch of the enclosure, plus lots of time staring out the glass waiting for a treat.

Or just hanging out with friends.