Animal Plastics size question.

echoxxash · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 10:50 AM

I'm planning on buying two cages from AP, but I can't decide on the proper size. I've read several places that say a 6'x2'x2 (T20) is reccomended for boas and that size could house one it's entire life. But, I just recently saw a thread here by danktat and he mentioned prefering a 4'x2'x15" (T10). So, now I'm stuck between going with the various caresheets and articles or a guy with [I'm assuming

] a decent amount of experience in housing/caring for Boas.
I don't want to cramp the snakes, of course, but, also, more space for me is nice too. So, is there a happy medium?

T10, T12, or T20? Or other?

boaterr · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoxxash

I'm planning on buying two cages from AP, but I can't decide on the proper size. I've read several places that say a 6'x2'x2 (T20) is reccomended for boas and that size could house one it's entire life. But, I just recently saw a thread here by danktat and he mentioned prefering a 4'x2'x15" (T10). So, now I'm stuck between going with the various caresheets and articles or a guy with [I'm assuming

] a decent amount of experience in housing/caring for Boas.
I don't want to cramp the snakes, of course, but, also, more space for me is nice too. So, is there a happy medium?
T10, T12, or T20? Or other?

Do not decide what cage you need by listening to care sheets or even what some owners use. Watch your boa and determine if your snake would appreciate the extra room due to how active he or she is. When I use to house boas I always went with at least a 6 foot cage to house adults. It is better for the snake to have extra room and not use it than the snake wanting extra room and not have it. If you really want a 4 foot cage I would get a T13 so that the boa can have some extra room when coiling.

regards, Terrance

echoxxash · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 06:17 AM

Thanks, Terrance.
After thinking it over more, I think I'll just go with the T20 'cause it'll be more worth it in the long run it seems.

danktat · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 07:48 AM

I have a 6' AP that I bred Tiny in this past season but the 4 footers work just fine for all but the very large boas. Most males can be in a 4 footer for thier entire lives...here is an example of a 7+ foot suri in a four footer (T10 cage from AP).

Of course you will find those who will say that isn't enough room. You will simply have to decide for yourself what it is that you wish to provide for your animals. Good luck in your search

ssjsmits · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 09:06 AM

My personal advice is to provide as much room as you can afford. But the T10's or 20's will both work just fine

VoodooChile · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007, 05:23 AM

I'd probably go with the larger cage. Alan (AP) is whom I would recommend for caging as well

akroflyer · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 10:55 AM

I too am looking to purchase a cage from AP. It will be for a Caulker Cay Boa

The installed belly heat that they offer---- Is that all I will need as far as heating is concerned? I live in CA where the room temp is between 70-80 all the time.

I was planning on ordering a T3 for my future baby boa and I can upgrade at a later date. What else will I need for a good cage setup besides the UVB light and the belly heat? Thermostat an absolute must? Sorry this will be my first snake and the only subject I can't seem to get clear answers on is how to heat a cage properly.

boaterr · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akroflyer

I too am looking to purchase a cage from AP. It will be for a Caulker Cay Boa

The installed belly heat that they offer---- Is that all I will need as far as heating is concerned? I live in CA where the room temp is between 70-80 all the time.
I was planning on ordering a T3 for my future baby boa and I can upgrade at a later date. What else will I need for a good cage setup besides the UVB light and the belly heat? Thermostat an absolute must? Sorry this will be my first snake and the only subject I can't seem to get clear answers on is how to heat a cage properly.

Belly heat should be enought to provide a good hot side cool side balance. You always need to have at least 2 thermostats.

akroflyer · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 10:38 PM

2 thermostats? thats just for added safety right?

I see a lot of people debate between dimmers and thermostats---- some say that a thermostat can be bad if the probe moves off the heated area.

Others say a dimmer is bad if the room temp raises since the ambient temp in the cage will be too warm.

What is the recommended setup using a thermostat? If I'm just using one heat source (flexwatt installed in an AP cage) what is the need of a thermostat? If the thermostat measures the floor temp of the hotspot... and you generally want that basking area to be a fairly constant 90... what is the thermostat really doing?

Like I said before, I'm fortunate to live in a house that is between 70-80 all year so would a dimmer work for this situation?

Thanks for the patience with a newbie

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