Cage Design

Rmk1999 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 12:07 AM

Hey everyone! I'm getting back into keeping snakes as pets. Had a few balls when I was younger YEARS ago. Have recently found a big interest in RTB's. After looking around and doing my homework I've decided I want a Pastel. I know there are many other posts about custom enclosures and caging. But I've been racking my brain trying to find "ideal" cage conditions. What I've come up with so far is a cage 6'x2'x18", Ceramic heat emitter and under the tank pad, and plexiglass over regular glass.

I guess I'm just looking for general suggestions and other rules of thumb like 1sq/ft per ft of body...etc. So any opinions/suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated...I'd like to do this right the first time instead of trial and error on my own for god knows how long.

One I definately need help deciding...best natural substrate. I keep hearing newspaper and paper towels, not really the look I'm going for.

Thanks again....

pythonpower · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 12:10 AM

thats exactly what i want for my carpet python

Shuba · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 12:46 AM

Nice choice, I highly reccomend red tail boas because there quite docile and have a really dependable feeding response. You might wanna consider housing your neonate (16"- 35") in a rubbermaid so it doesnt get stressed in such a big tank. Here is a link of a thread I have posted showing my designs for a rubbermaid, my RTB, and how well of an enviroment you can make.

http://www.redtailboa.net/index.php?...=17213&start=0

pythonpower · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 04:02 AM

it is freaking awsome im putting my rainbow bow in one like his

Rmk1999 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 04:02 AM

I have a set up now for the snake until this project is finished(30 gallon tank). Like I said...I really want to get back into this...So I'm going to put a lot of effort and time into doing it right. Just need the direction.

pythonpower · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 04:06 AM

you might want to talk to some guys but i wouldn't put a neonate RTB in such a big tank you might wanna go with a 20 gal.

Shuba · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 04:09 AM

Dont' even buy a tank for a newborn.. It will outgrow it to fast. Its a waste of money, I would buy a 110 qt rubbermaid for 15$ and save you some cash. Trust me

snakemann6 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2004, 01:21 AM

as far as natural substrate i use cypress mulch...it is good for maintaining the humidity and gives your tank a very clean and piney smell and also presence....

Dbutton · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2004, 03:07 PM

I have been keeping boas and other snakes for a long time and see no reason that you can't use the 30 gallon tank if you already have it. A 110qt. rubbermaid is about the same size anyway. Having room to grow and exercise is an important thing when the snake is young. The extra room will give him someplace to explore and he can have several perches and hide spots within the enclosure. You can have a high basking spot and an area with undertank heat and still have plenty of room for cooler areas. I don't understand the way people are housing their snakes now in all these rubbermaid containers. It must just be the price cause it sure isn't the look or quality. I always house my snakes in high quality tanks and cages. It may cost more in the beginning, but it will save you money in the long run and time looking for your snake that has escaped from an encloure that was not designed to keep reptiles in. I do understand using racks with the shoe box type tubs for babies if you are breeding and need temporary quarters for your babies for the short time until they are sold, just not for long term housing.

David

Jimbo239 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 11:43 AM

I use aspen for my Hypo, she loves it. She likes to burry in it sometimes and I think it is much more appealing looks-wise. Right now she's in a 30 gallon and seems to like it. When I get the male next week I will be working on building a similar enclosure.

lilredvampy · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 11:52 AM

i use the aspen it is nicer looking to me and mine burro in it.

EyeOfTheStorm · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 11:53 AM

I would have to agree with snakemann6 on the "natural" substrate. Cypress mulch is excellent for maintaining humidity, looks great, and dirt cheap! Aspen is another natural looking substrate, but a bit more expensive than cypress, and its kinda dry and stringy.

buck2003 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 12:18 PM

I still say paper is best for many reasons (for my Bci)! It dont look pretty but you can pretty much cover the bottom with fake leaves and flowers and plants etc and make it look nice. Saying that I use orchid bark in a rubber maid type box for my brb so I can keep humidity high, and provide a substance he can burrow and hide in. ( I dont feed on it though he has another box for that) Also I use the rubber maid type box cause its small and gives him a sense of security, as when I got him he wouldnt eat! He's like a pig now so somethings working right!

Advertisement