Caging Question

[Jonathon]

hi i am new here and i have gotten interested in redtail boas. about caging the bigger the better. well would a 6 L * 2 D * 2 H be a good size cage for the rest of a snake's life? also about heating, what would be the best source of heat? thanks for any replys.

ps i have heard of it being slow around here. so hopefully this will jumpstart the forums.

[Red]

Re: Caging Question

That is a great size cage for you boa... May I sugest putting in a shelf the lill' tike... I would have to say that a radeant heat pannel is probley the best but also the most expensive... I all depend's on what you cage is going to made out of and what it is going to look like.... Give some spec's on what type of cage and where the opening's are stuff like that and I will be able to help you further...
Eric aka...REd

[Jonathon]

Re: Caging Question

well i thought about making it out of melamine. because of it holding heat well and its already got a water resistance coating. i know it will probably be real heavy. but once i get the cage were i want it, i am going to leave it be. umm for the openings i thought about front opening. i dont know how think the pexi glass should be. i might use heat panel. and i will probably place heat tape under the shelf. the shelf might be on the cool side. and have the warm side for basking. thanks for any help.

[Red]

Re: Caging Question

Ok so what you are going to want to do is get all the heat coming from one side.. I would not put the heat tape on the shelf inless it is on the warm side.. I have a shelf in my boa phile cage and it is along the back the full lenth of the cage... this almost doubles the amount of floor space...(boas as they get bigger tend to not clime so haveing alot of head room is kinda waste of space... heat pannel is probley the best way to go with your cage... You would bolt it to the top inside(I think) You will also want to put it on a thermastate or reostat. You can get them in just about any size you need.. I always say get one a lil' bigger then you think you might need... the worst that might happen is that it spends more time off.. Melamane is heavy I would make it so when you have to move it (like to another house) You can take it apart..
Well that is about all I have to say
Eric aka...REd
The plexiglass is a good idea.. I would put it on a hinge though so when/if the wood ever sags it wont get pinched...