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Need advice on racks for Copperheads...
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by vampire on December 12, 2004
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I am going to either buy or build, a series of racks, in the next month or so. I only keep Copperheads, and am in the process of trying to aquire breeders of all 5 subspecies. That said, I am looking to house neonates, and adults in a simple but efficient manner, that being racks. I will probably never keep more than 3 or 4 dozen specimans. Would I be better off to build my own or buy some of the prefabricated racks available? I like the looks of the racks by Animal Plastics, better than any of the others, currently offered. Has anyone here ever used their racks? As far as heating racks, either built or bought, which is the most suitable, back heat or belly heat? I apologize for the length of this post, any advice is appreciated. Thanks
Best regards,
Mike
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RE: Need advice on racks for Copperheads...
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Anonymous post on December 12, 2004
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There are both advantages and disadvantages each to purchasing versus constructing your own rack systems. Purchasing commercially fabricated units are more costly, but offer convenience (which is something paid for), consistency, and an overall product which is often more esthetically pleasing. Animal Plastics recieves good reviews. Plastic is so much easier to clean than wood.
The homemade rack system can fill the same need as any commercial system for the fraction of the cost. Manufacturers and dealers must pay for employees, rent/mortgage, tools, materials, etc. All these elements must be paid for as the manufacturer is seeking profit to earn a living. Convenience is something that we must pay for. Then you have shipping to calculate. Depending on your needs, the homemade option lends the ease offering custom design, while simultaneously allowing the designer to calculate the approximate costs to finish the design. What works for you?
Heat tape or padding, set on a thermostat is recommended to heat each housing unit. The heat placement should be arranged underneath, on bias, to heat one extreme end of each unit. Take care that each housing unit is adequately ventilated allowing the heat to escape. Otherwise, temperatures escalate within the unit and you and the animal will forfeit the thermal gradient.
Follow typical Colubrid husbandry methods and your Agkistrodon should produce readily. Good luck!
-The Phantom
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