Vents for cage

[vetstudent82]

I'm in the process of collecting info before I start my cage building process (Xmas vacation).
I will be housing ball pythons, and I was wondering if the cage would need vents. My idea for the cage would be: build out of wood, probably plywood, with a mirror on the back wall, a glass front (also the opening). On top I would have another opening and it would have a mesh body <--- I will get some plexiglas for the winter to retain humidity and heat.
Would I need to install vents on the sides? I'd think it has enough ventitation with the mesh top.
Also, I will use flexwire heating for the basking spot, and may install a light in there, no sure [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
[addsig]

	Cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and (usually) genital tracts of certain animal species.All birds, reptiles, and amphibians possess this orifice, from which they excrete both urine and feces

[shady1]

speaking of cages, anyone know where i can get some good blue prints of different cages???
[addsig]

[herm]

cagesbydesign.com has some for $24.95, just give them the dimensions.
[addsig]

[nomadbean]

My only thought is you may want to rethink the mirror idea, some reptiles get stressed or hostile when they think they see another snake. You don't want to put any undo pressure on your little guys.....just a thought I am not sure how balls feel about it, but you may want to reuse it later for another species.
Trina
[addsig]

[pjmartin]

The mesh top would be more than enough ventilation. From what it sounds like, your cage would provide an environment similar to an aquarium...except for the mirror.
[addsig]

[Nyte]

Instead of a mesh top, I would use a more solid top, and place a few vents about midway up the sides and/or back. A mesh top is going to make it difficult to maintain humidity, and burn more energy to keep warm, as all the heat will dissipate out the mesh top. I haven't heard of anything bad about the mirror back, and I know Vosjolli uses mirrored backs and sides on his stuff. I would perhaps try it first, but make it so you can get it back out if if causes a problem.

Brian
[addsig]

	Cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and (usually) genital tracts of certain animal species.All birds, reptiles, and amphibians possess this orifice, from which they excrete both urine and feces

[XzyluM]

I would also recommend a more solid top and go with two vents, one on each side. As for the mirror idea, I would toss that out.
[addsig]

	TOS Term of Service - the rules for participating on redtailboa.net

[XzyluM]

Also, about using the flexwatt for heating, I don't think that would be a very good idea. I've never heard of anyone using it on wood enclosures, but to me it seems it would not put out enough heat and maybe even cause a fire?