Enclosure Recommendations

[starmom]

I'm looking at the AP T20's for my female bci's (yes, one bci per cage!) They are 6x2x2. I would also get the basking shelf that goes along the 6 foot wall and the 2 foot wall. I'm thinking that this size will allow movement within the cage, and climbing opportunities~ leading to greater thermoregulation opportunities.
Honestly, if I could find a 6x2x3 I'd go for that!

[faroutinmt]

Originally Posted by Rachel87

When I called the breeder I was told that the long and low cages are sufficient, but if I could get a hold of an enclosure with some height to it that I should go for it and provide plenty of perches and maybe a basking spot higher up in the enclosure.

Rachel, I guarantee you that if you get a larger cage, with more height and shelving/perches, you're snake will definitely use that space! Yes, many snakes live in cages which provide the minimum space and height needed, and if that's someone's goal, the snake will live. But, if you give your snake a cage with more space and perches than the bare minimum, your snake will not just stay in one or two spots and be miserable. Rather, it will be happier and will use all that extra available space!
If you don't mind doing a little extra work (cleaning a larger cage and shelves and such and spending a little more money) your snake will only be happier, not more miserable.
I think you're on the right track.

[Rachel87]

Originally Posted by faroutinmt

Rachel, I guarantee you that if you get a larger cage, with more height and shelving/perches, you're snake will definitely use that space! Yes, many snakes live in cages which provide the minimum space and height needed, and if that's someone's goal, the snake will live. But, if you give your snake a cage with more space and perches than the bare minimum, your snake will not just stay in one or two spots and be miserable. Rather, it will be happier and will use all that extra available space!
If you don't mind doing a little extra work (cleaning a larger cage and shelves and such and spending a little more money) your snake will only be happier, not more miserable.
I think you're on the right track.

I took a lot of time and consideration even thinking about getting a boa this size, and I don't want to make any decisions lightly. I've really considered the lower cages, but IMO I think they are intended for those people who keep multiple animals of those size requirements. Most of them are stackable for that purpose. I'm not a breeder, and I don't really have space restrictions in my house to have to resort to using those types of enclosures, either. I have a whole finished basement to turn into a reptile house of sorts. I'm really just getting started.

Both of my current reptiles have huge cages for their size, but not so big they won't be able to find their optimal temperature zones. My 10inch leopard gecko lives in a 40 gallon breeder tank! My corn snake will live in a 40-50 gallon once he gets older. I have never had either reptile not use the extra space.

This is also going to be my first purchase of an enclosure other than an aquarium. I'd really like to upgrade the rest of my enclosures to the better, lightweight systems that are available. It's really a pain opening the enclosure from the top even to service my small reptiles, and every time I really wish I had those side doors. Taking off the leopard's heat lamps and UV strip every time I want to give him a drink is getting on my nerves!

In the end, I will probably end up with Monstercages. I remembered I get a small discount if I mention my boa breeder's code, and they should be able to make me an enclosure that suits my needs.

Thanks for all the imput, though. It's mucho appreciated. Its nice having several different people jump out and help. Gives me a good first impression of the forum.

	Corn Snake The Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata) is a species of Rat Snake.

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Hairless]

Hi Rachel,
I have 4, 96x30 inch enclosures from Monster cages and I love them.
Good luck.

[razeraze]

Originally Posted by Rachel87

Razeraze-
That is an awesome cage (and snake). Did you build it yourself? What are the dimensions?

My fiance Rachel designs and builds our cages.

Originally Posted by faroutinmt

Rachel, I guarantee you that if you get a larger cage, with more height and shelving/perches, you're snake will definitely use that space! Yes, many snakes live in cages which provide the minimum space and height needed, and if that's someone's goal, the snake will live. But, if you give your snake a cage with more space and perches than the bare minimum, your snake will not just stay in one or two spots and be miserable. Rather, it will be happier and will use all that extra available space!
If you don't mind doing a little extra work (cleaning a larger cage and shelves and such and spending a little more money) your snake will only be happier, not more miserable.
I think you're on the right track.

Many snakes in the wild prefer micro habitats and tight hiding places. So to assume they will be happier by having more options is a bold assumption, I feel is misguided. Truthfully we assume they are happier because they can move around, bask at different temps, soak, exercise, climb and do more enriched behaviors, but that does not mean they are happier. I think it is more for keepers, to watch the snake preform normal behaviors and to not limit it's choices. As far as the snakes "feelings" I doubt we will ever know them.

[faroutinmt]

Originally Posted by razeraze

Many snakes in the wild prefer micro habitats and tight hiding places. So to assume they will be happier by having more options is a bold assumption, I feel is misguided. Truthfully we assume they are happier because they can move around, bask at different temps, soak, exercise, climb and do more enriched behaviors, but that does not mean they are happier. I think it is more for keepers, to watch the snake preform normal behaviors and to not limit it's choices. As far as the snakes "feelings" I doubt we will ever know them.

I haven't read extensive studies on other snakes, but one study done on radio tracked carpet pythons showed that they traveled quite a bit in the wild. That is, they did not remain in one isolated, tight fitting micro climate. No doubt, along their adventures they must have chosen many, many tight fitting micro habitats. The fact that, if given many options in captivity, a snake will use them all, and not remain in one corner of the cage, suggests that they, at least, have some small desire to add variety to their life.
Happiness, in this context, would mean that they are able to have what they desire.

[razeraze]

Originally Posted by faroutinmt

I haven't read extensive studies on other snakes, but one study done on radio tracked carpet pythons showed that they traveled quite a bit in the wild. That is, they did not remain in one isolated, tight fitting micro climate. No doubt, along their adventures they must have chosen many, many tight fitting micro habitats. The fact that, if given many options in captivity, a snake will use them all, and not remain in one corner of the cage, suggests that they, at least, have some small desire to add variety to their life.
Happiness, in this context, would mean that they are able to have what they desire.

My readings on reticulatus revealed the opposite, many stayed in preferred microhabitats and were recaptured frequently in the same trap. My reading on boas supported the same evidence where many boas stayed in and around the same cave location. I am sure it could be different for all snake species and in each study.

[faroutinmt]

Hmmm...that's very interesting. I need to read more about other snakes and their habitats, for sure.