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Caging suggestions
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by earthguy on September 13, 2010
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It's been a while since we got a really good discussion going here, so let's give it a shot...
I just salvaged an old jewelers display case, and I would like to convert it into a display cage for the native pitvipers that I have. It's stainless steel and has a good set of wheels, so it should be sturdy enough to stand up to all the talks that I do.
1) The L x W dimensions are 24" x 24". I think that 11.5" tall should be enough for my Sistrurus and A. contortrix, but do you think that is enough for the larger crotalids? (piscivorus, adamanteus, and horridus)
2)What about separate compartments for hide boxes? Are those important/necessary?
3)I would like to know what your suggestions are for the following (bearing in mind that this will be an apartment complex on wheels
a) lighting (florescent, halogen, other?)
b) vertical separation (wood, plastic, other?)
c) heat source (pads, rocks, lamps, heat panel, other?)
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RE: Caging suggestions
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by CanadianSnakeMan on September 13, 2010
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Hi Joshua,
Here's my humble opinion... but first acouple of questions:
Do you mean that the whole display case is 24x24x11.5 or will each compartment be that size after you've divided it?
What are you doing for ventilation? Your biggest problem with this setup is going to be trmperature control. I've seen stuff like that overheat very quickly.
In my opinion, those dimensions would be fine for the smaller Sistrurus or A. contortrix, but I'd avoid permanently housing larger species in something like that.
I don't really understand why you'd need a seperate compartment for a hide box. Why not use one of the hollowed-out logs you can buy at the pet store. That way the animals can be seen at all times while having the comfort of a hiding spot.
Lighting - I'd use flourescent. I believe it's the best lighting for display and it won't give off too much heat.
Dividers - I'd use plastic. It's less likely to crack or shatter and it's pretty easy to disinfect.
Heat source - I'd go with heat tape with a dimmer switch so it doesn't get too hot when you don't want it too.
Perhaps I'm wrong but I think you mentioned that you display these snakes to the public? If you let anyone get close to your setup, you might want to consider replacing the glass for plexiglass. You can fit plexi in place more securely with screws and it's almost impossible to shatter. One person falling, smashing their head on the glass and being bitten could cause you (and them) a major headache!
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RE: Caging suggestions
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by earthguy on September 13, 2010
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three separate 24x24x11.5 units stacked vertically
What are you doing for ventilation? excellent question. Any suggestions?
My horridus and adamanteus are still smallish. What would you suggest as a sqare footage/snake?
"I don't really understand why you'd need a seperate compartment for a hide box." I dunno. I was thinking about shift boxes, but that would take up valuable cubic footage.
"Dividers - I'd use plastic. It's less likely to crack or shatter and it's pretty easy to disinfect." Remember these would be separating the snakes horizontally, so they need to have some structural integrity. Any idea how to get 3/4" structural pastic?
"consider replacing the glass for plexiglass".I had already planned on the front being plexiglass. I still haven't decided what to do for the sides.
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RE: Caging suggestions
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by CanadianSnakeMan on September 13, 2010
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As for ventilation... if you do decide to go with plexiglass sides, you can always drill or burn a series of small holes in them for ventilation. You could also try running a PVC pipe vertically with lots of holes drilled into it down all 3 enclosures with a computer chip fan at the bottom for airflow. This would act like a kind of ductwork for the stackable enclosures and it eliminates chance of taking a bite throuch a ventilation screen or holes in the plexiglass front/sides.
As for square footage, I believe the bare minimum for most ground-dwelling snakes is the length + width of the enclosure should be no smaller than equal to the length of the snake. The more space the better. I am the type of person who likes seeing snakes housed in spatious enclosures, so they'll be OK for a juvenile/sub adult but an adult should be in something a little bigger (in my opinion).
I must have misunderstood you about the dividers. I thought you meant that they were vertical, not horizontal. Some specialty enclosures are made of thick PVC sheets. If you can find that I think it'd be ideal... otherwise melamine coated wood is probably your best bet. Melamine can absorb water over time, but I've had good results with giving a few thick coats of high quality bathroom paint (especially to the exposed cut ends) before putting it in.
I hope this helps. How much time do you have to get these display cases up to snuff?
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RE: Caging suggestions
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by earthguy on September 14, 2010
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I have all the time in the world. All my snakes have good enclosures...I just want a little something special for them. Once I get this built (if it turns out as I envision it)I will likely keep the smaller species in it permanently, and just put the big boys in when I get asked to do a talk.
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