Cage Size Question

[monte669]

I am looking into getting a Suriname Red-tail Boa and would like to know what size cage should i get or build to last its entire life. Links or links to plans would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Josh

[tmlowe5704]

Originally Posted by monte669

I am looking into getting a Suriname Red-tail Boa and would like to know what size cage should i get or build to last its entire life. Links or links to plans would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Josh

just use tubs for now bc it will outgrow smaller ones pretty quickly. It is best to keep them in smaller enclosures while they are young because they oftentimes feel like they are not protected enough and can go off feed because they are stressed

[Slithers]

suris grow really slowly so it will take a while for it to get to its 'full' size.

anyways I think a 48"x 24" x 18" is the smallest you could go.
but a 60"x 36" x 18" would be great!

good luck

[Slithers]

Originally Posted by tmlowe5704

just use tubs for now bc it will outgrow smaller ones pretty quickly. It is best to keep them in smaller enclosures while they are young because they oftentimes feel like they are not protected enough and can go off feed because they are stressed

thats pretty true and like I said it grows very slowly...so might as well keep it in a smaller enclosure for a few years.

[tmlowe5704]

This is what is great about using tubs, they are easy to maintain and cheap.

[deadliestformula]

I have to agree with Slithers and tmlowe5704. You could get away with a tupperware style tote for a while, or even an aquarium. Once you start getting closer to 'full grown' you could begin building a enclosure to suit your needs. And I agree that 4x2x1.5 is probably the smallest you want to go for a full grown boa. I used one that size for a male boa about 5-6ft long for awhile and he didn't really have that much 'crawling room' after hides, soak dish, etc. Just remember that floor space gets eaten up with 'accessories' fairly quickly.

[BonafideHerps]

A suri is my next snake and im going to go with a 6 footer. Just because of the accesories will make it cluttered.

Rich

	Suriname Redtail Boa Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor) from the locale of Suriname. Considered to be a "True" Red Tail.

[monte669]

Ok now that cage size is resolved, next question. I will probably go the Aquarium route form now until I build a cage since one reason I chose a Suri is just their remarkable beauty. And I want others to see. So what should i use for heat source prefer Uts or CHEs? I will be buying a ranco thermostat. I was thinking of using flex watt and then using Lights just for w=viewing with an infrared at night. And if flex watt is a good choice what ration of the cage should i cover?

Thanks again.
Josh

	Suriname Redtail Boa Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor) from the locale of Suriname. Considered to be a "True" Red Tail.

	Ceramic Heat Emitter Ceramic Heat Emitter: A porcelain heating device that screws into a standard porcelain incandescent socket

[Yungair23]

The heat mat is a good choice for an aqaurium b.c then you can cover the top to get the humidity up.

[deadliestformula]

Well, if you are using a substrate that is 'thick' like reptibark, bead-a-beast etc. then you could use a heating pad under one side (set on low). This is what we use. We also use a clip on 'shop light' type of lamp with a red bulb. We tend to use the red for the heat because it does not interfere with the day/night light cycles. And ambient room light is all we use for daytime lighting. You could also build a nice and cheap easy dimmer/thermostat that works well for about $7. I built them for all of our cages and I am as electrically challenged as the rest. If you want I can send you the link on the how to's. I would have to look for it. Not sure if it is posted here or elsewhere.