Your favorite Snake Racks

[ErikBush97]

Hi! Now that I actually have money, I want to buy a snake rack. I need something big enough for two adult BCI's, and one/two Ball Python(s). I'm also trying not to go over 1k. Anyone know a good brand/model, etc for me to look at?

[Mikoh4792]

Freedom breeders? I've never used racks big enough for Bci but I use RBI racks for bp's.

Why use tubs with Bci? They'll just get fat and lazy with the little height that tubs provide

[BoaBoy91]

Animal Plastics use to have a nice 1996 sterilite rack that housed 74 quart tubs that were perfect for bci's. idk if they still make it tho

[ErikBush97]

I was thinking about putting perches in their tubs, and making a custom rack, but Idk. I'm not great with building things..

[ErikBush97]

Lots of height to build a few perches and maybe an upper levels. 13" to be exact

[Mikoh4792]

I was thinking about putting perches in their tubs, and making a custom rack, but Idk. I'm not great with building things..

Go for it. Shouldn't be too hard. I know tubs can be made tall but I don't know how well one with a perch for a full grown bci would work. I'd imagine it wouldn't be able to support the weight.

[ErikBush97]

Go for it. Shouldn't be too hard. I know tubs can be made tall but I don't know how well one with a perch for a full grown bci would work. I'd imagine it wouldn't be able to support the weight.

I could put some sort of support beams under the perches, right? That might help support a full grown BCI. And there are these Christmas tree storage tubs I plan on buying that are like 6' x 3' x 1'-2'. So they would provide a lot of space to make a perch. I was thinking I could make a few pillar type things under the perch, out of something strong, like PVC.

[Mikoh4792]

I could put some sort of support beams under the perches, right? That might help support a full grown BCI. And there are these Christmas tree storage tubs I plan on buying that are like 6' x 3' x 1'-2'. So they would provide a lot of space to make a perch. I was thinking I could make a few pillar type things under the perch, out of something strong, like PVC.

That could work.

[ErikBush97]

That could work.

Awesome. Thanks, man.

[B_Aller]

Why racks? Are you trying to become a volume breeder? What is the advantage of a rack system for you? Have you considered other housing alternatives?
Not trying to be rude or start an argument, really interested in why a rack system would even be a consideration for hobbyists, as I just flat out don't get it.
Thanks.

[smy_749]

Why racks? Are you trying to become a volume breeder? What is the advantage of a rack system for you? Have you considered other housing alternatives?
Not trying to be rude or start an argument, really interested in why a rack system would even be a consideration for hobbyists, as I just flat out don't get it.
Thanks.

Its hip, duh.

[B_Aller]

Its hip, duh.

it is? Why? what is the advantage? What makes it "hip"? I'm really interested in why racks are seen as a positive by hobbyists, I'm planning on writing a series of articles about reptile husbandry and it's history and I'm very curious as to the mentality of keepers who see racks as a viable alternative.
Thanks.

[smy_749]

it is? Why? what is the advantage? What makes it "hip"? I'm really interested in why racks are seen as a positive by hobbyists, I'm planning on writing a series of articles about reptile husbandry and it's history and I'm very curious as to the mentality of keepers who see racks as a viable alternative.
Thanks.

I don't think its hip. But I just feel like within the hobby, people thinking having a rack system is cooler and makes them feel more hobbyist. Maybe I'm wrong but I just get that vibe when I hear people talk about rack systems. I use a rack, and I hate it honestly. I've been keeping an eye out for display enclosures for sale, the rack is so damn boring.

[B_Aller]

the rack is so damn boring.
Ding! Throw that boy a fish!
My sentiments exactly, I just don't get it, why would you keep an amazing animal with interesting behaviors in a drawer? That you can't even see into no less? Boggles my mind.
But I am serious about hearing peoples honest opinions, I'm really curious as to why the rack mentality is so pervasive in our hobby. I'm not upset and will not flame anyone who is into them, I'm very interested in rack keepers mindset.
Thanks!

[Lankyrob]

I understand breeders using racks to maximise space efficiency.

But as a hobbyist who sees my reptiles as pets if i havent got the space to put a decent sized enclosure then i just wouldnt get anymore animals. I already see my vivs as too small and before anything else comes into the house my corns will have upgraded housing, and any future intake will also have much bigger vivariums to live in.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I'm building a rack, and for me it is just so that it takes up less space than a thousand enclosures littering the reptile room :D.

[Mikoh4792]

I'm building a rack, and for me it is just so that it takes up less space than a thousand enclosures littering the reptile room :D.

You could still get an enclosure similar in size to the tubs with front viewing glass/acrylic.

For example my ball pythons are in tubs that are about 2ft x 1.5ft. I just ordered some 2x2x1's with hinged doors. So they are essentially the same sizes except with the actual enclosures I can observe my snakes/have more access.

Although for ball pythons I can't really complain about tubs. I don't see them do much anyways.

[ErikBush97]

Actually... I don't think racks are 'cool'. I'm just limited on space, and I plan on breeding my Boas, and I've been looking into JCP's and CCP's (just as pets. Not breeders).

[ErikBush97]

Also, snakes are solitary animals. If anything, display enclosures are greedy. It sacrifices their privacy more than a rack.

[Mikoh4792]

Also, snakes are solitary animals. If anything, display enclosures are greedy. It sacrifices their privacy more than a rack.

I wouldn't go that far. It depends on the snake. An enclosure with all sides solid except one, I wouldn't call that sacrificing privacy.

I know it's not in the wild, but in the wild where they come from they are not surrounded by solid or translucent walls. If you provide hides they have access to as much privacy as they need.

Plus I have snakes that don't care for privacy such as my russian rat who prefers to relax outside his hides during the day and doesn't mind my presence. Very rarely will he choose to hide.

[ErikBush97]

I wouldn't go that far. It depends on the snake. An enclosure with all sides solid except one, I wouldn't call that sacrificing privacy.

I know it's not in the wild, but in the wild where they come from they are not surrounded by solid or translucent walls. If you provide hides they have access to as much privacy as they need.

Plus I have snakes that don't care for privacy such as my russian rat who prefers to relax outside his hides during the day and doesn't mind my presence. Very rarely will he choose to hide.

Good point. Either way... Which is going to be cheaper? A four tier rack or a four tier display enclosure? I don't care which I get. I just need one or the other (whatever's cheapest)

[Mikoh4792]

Good point. Either way... Which is going to be cheaper? A four tier rack or a four tier display enclosure? I don't care which I get. I just need one or the other (whatever's cheapest)

I am not trying to be rude but this is where you go wrong. Why would you choose one over the other in terms of price?

You also said you were planning on getting more animals. Why not just use the money on your current animals instead of buying the cheapest options for several more?

[ErikBush97]

I am not trying to be rude but this is where you go wrong. Why would you choose one over the other in terms of price?
I work at a Fast Food restaurant. It's already going to take like.. Three whole checks for a rack. And everyone jumps in raving about display cases. Both are used by many, and work perfectly, correct? So at this point, price is the only convenient factor.
You also said you were planning on getting more animals. no.... I said I was looking into JCP's and CCP's. I took in two BCI's in like one week. I definitely won't be getting more snakes until I've had these ones for awhile.

[ErikBush97]

I think I'm going with four Boaphile 421D's.

[marvelfreak]

I could put some sort of support beams under the perches, right? That might help support a full grown BCI. And there are these Christmas tree storage tubs I plan on buying that are like 6' x 3' x 1'-2'. So they would provide a lot of space to make a perch. I was thinking I could make a few pillar type things under the perch, out of something strong, like PVC.
I have 12 they are 4' x2' x16" the inside measures 4'x20"x 14". They work great for my Carpets, Bloods, and BRB plus a few of my other snakes. I have perches in them no problem.

http://imageshack.us/a/img834/2025/img0661eat.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/img0661eat.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img72/2163/img0512gl.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/72/img0512gl.jpg/)


http://imageshack.us/a/img41/61/20120805101904.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/20120805101904.jpg/)



I think I'm going with four Boaphile 421D's.
I actually have four of these to. I bought them used. Dang now that i thing about these are over 10 years old and still work great. Mine have lights in them but i never turn them on. Two of mine have the removable sides for joining together and making a big 8 footer. The other two i cut a hole in the sides and screwed them together to make me another 8 footer for my anaconda.


This is how they looked when i use to have them stacked.

http://imageshack.us/a/img98/9482/snakesandlana538.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/98/snakesandlana538.jpg/)

And now that i have them join together as 8 foot cages.

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/4131/img0767cr.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/img0767cr.jpg/)

[ErikBush97]

Nice, man. So is there any difference between the 421D, and the Christmas Box... performance wise? Because the Christmas boxes are $92, and the 421D's are $250 each brand new.

[B_Aller]

Very interesting discussion, thanks.
So obviously price is a major factor for many using rack systems. Is this because the goal of keepers here is more to have lots of animals vs. observing behavior or sharing space/connecting with the animals?
What is the breaking point for needing a rack for you guys? i.e how many animals did you get to to start thinking "I need a rack"
Marvel Freak- do you notice behavioral differences in the animals you keep in set ups that require top opening? Meaning when you pop open an enclosure and are looming over the animals does it affect behavior in your opinion? Vs say a front opening "display" style set up.
Thanks for the discussion guys!
Best.

[exwizard]

Animal Plastics use to have a nice 1996 sterilite rack that housed 74 quart tubs that were perfect for bci's. idk if they still make it tho
I have one of these and I just bought it last year so it is still available.
I was thinking about putting perches in their tubs, and making a custom rack, but Idk. I'm not great with building things..
You could also get a Arboreal from AP. they have those available as well.
Why racks? Are you trying to become a volume breeder? What is the advantage of a rack system for you? Have you considered other housing alternatives?
Not trying to be rude or start an argument, really interested in why a rack system would even be a consideration for hobbyists, as I just flat out don't get it.
Thanks.
I use racks myself for 2 reasons. I have a large collection of snakes and limited space plus the tubs hooks humidity very well.
Very interesting discussion, thanks.
So obviously price is a major factor for many using rack systems. Is this because the goal of keepers here is more to have lots of animals vs. observing behavior or sharing space/connecting with the animals?
What is the breaking point for needing a rack for you guys? i.e how many animals did you get to to start thinking "I need a rack"
Marvel Freak- do you notice behavioral differences in the animals you keep in set ups that require top opening? Meaning when you pop open an enclosure and are looming over the animals does it affect behavior in your opinion? Vs say a front opening "display" style set up.
Thanks for the discussion guys!
Best.Price isn't the only factor. I've also seen certain snakes' cage aggression disappear when in racks. Like I said, space is an issue. I rent a room in another guy's house and this room doubles as my bedroom/snake room and with all 37 snakes in my room, having racks is critical for me.

[KORBIN5895]

I personally don't buy into racks or tubs. I have all of my snakes in either terrariums, custom built wooden enclosures or converted display cases. I personally love looking into my snake room and seeing nice displays with snakes visible. I only use totes for very small snakes.

Oh, I currently own fourteen snakes: six boas, two womas, two royals and four garters.

[exwizard]

I understand that and don't get me wrong a few of my snakes are in more visible setup, e.g. Medusa, my 8' 2yr. old Burm is in a AP T25 terrestrial cage, Black Betty my 9' Dums is in a 6' Neodesha and Pindari my Scrub is in a Neodesha Arboreal. These suit the individual snakes' needs well but because of space issues, racks are much more efficient when it comes to having everybody in my room.

[KORBIN5895]

I understand that and don't get me wrong a few of my snakes are in more visible setup, e.g. Medusa, my 8' 2yr. old Burm is in a AP T25 terrestrial cage, Black Betty my 9' Dums is in a 6' Neodesha and Pindari my Scrub is in a Neodesha Arboreal. These suit the individual snakes' needs well but because of space issues, racks are much more efficient when it comes to having everybody in my room.

I wasn't directing it at you. We were actually posting at the same time I think.

[exwizard]

It's all good. :)

[B_Aller]

so...(bear with me here) your goal as a reptile keeper is efficiency? Is that why you started keeping herps?
If space is a concern for some, what is the added value of adding more animals to the collection vs. bigger/better caging options for less animals?
Again, not trying to give anyone crap for this style of caging, just trying to understand the mentality.
Thanks guys!
B

[BoaBoy91]

I dont think you can put say just one or the other its more preference i think. some people enjoy looking at the few snakes through a glass and others like having a big selection of animals that they can look at when they want. thats not including space, money, humidity/temp.

[infernalis]

I am more of a display fan myself. I chose spirited active snakes on purpose, I want to see animal behavior, and fancy paint jobs do not thrill me. When I see frog faced, bug eyed snow specimens being sold as "fancy" for high price tags, I get nausiated.

f5, f6, f12 belongs on the side of a jet, not a deli cup.

[KORBIN5895]

Most of mine are in 4'x2'x2'.

[exwizard]

What you don't know is I went through a divorce last year, not my choice. Also, I pull my snakes out and handle them. I don't just look at them. I enjoy my snakes and I will not give them up because of circumstances beyond my control. That said, I take care of them, making sure their tubs/cages are clean, fresh water and I feed them regularly, in addition to giving each one of them personal attention. Racks aren't for everybody, but they have been and continue to be useful in housing most of my snakes. Besides, a snake in a secluded tub with only the front being visible gives a measure of security for the snake, a glass tank never will. You asked why.. These are my reasons I'm giving you in answer to your question.

[B_Aller]

What you don't know is I went through a divorce last year, not my choice. Also, I pull my snakes out and handle them. I don't just look at them. I enjoy my snakes and I will not give them up because of circumstances beyond my control. That said, I take care of them, making sure their tubs/cages are clean, fresh water and I feed them regularly, in addition to giving each one of them personal attention. Racks aren't for everybody, but they have been and continue to be useful in housing most of my snakes. Besides, a snake in a secluded tub with only the front being visible gives a measure of security for the snake, a glass tank never will. You asked why.. These are my reasons I'm giving you in answer to your question.

Sorry to hear that man, been there myself, divorced, looking for a place with nearly 20 adult varanids and a full grown pair of retics. Divorce is a life changer for sure. I always say I'm glad I went through mine as it caused me to refocus my life and priorities, course I said the same thing about fighting cancer, so maybe I'm nuts.
I will disagree about the security issue though, with a display cage you (should) have deep substrate that allows for natural, secure hides. I follow the mindset that an animals enclosure is NOT it's home it is it's environment and it must have a home (or homes) within it's environment.
Thanks for the response, good luck with your animals.
B

[Mikoh4792]

I don't mean to make light of your situations but I was watching one of Louis CK's stand ups, thought this would cheer ya'll up.

J1eAfpekWgQ

[exwizard]

That video's funny. Thank you posting that. It put a smile on my face. :)

My situation as the result of last year is one of many examples of when I see things the way they are, I decide what I want to do in response to it. I'm ok and it's all good. My snakes are my main focus now, outside my job, and that's the way I want it. I'm happier that way. :)

[smy_749]

I've had my rack for a few months now, and its starting to drive me completely nuts but I haven't found any appropriately sized enclosures I like to replace it with. Every time I open a tub and see the snakes cruising around or sitting out in the open, I get all bummed that I had to open the tub to see them. IMO, if I had the choice between 10 of my favorite species in lame enclosures, or 2 in awesome setups, I would take the 2 every time. Even if you COULD see into your tubs, the lack of 'environment' just completely eliminates any possibility to observe interesting behavior. For people supplying the rest of us with snakes and have breeding facilities, I completely understand and get the reasons. But 1 rack in my living room for a few snakes, I feel like an idiot honestly :P

[exwizard]

If you only have a few snakes, display enclosures work better. I agree with that and I do have a few snakes who are in display enclosures. As stated earlier, I handle almost all my snakes. The only one I don't is my Scrub because of his temperament. If I had gotten him as a baby, I would've had a chance with him but it is what it is. That said, I do get to interact with these snakes as I handle them so it's not like they are totally cut off because I can't see them as well as a display enclosure. Pindari, my Scrub is in one of these cages and that's a good thing because of the lack of handling with him but Medusa, my 2 yr old Burm and Black Betty are also in display enclosures and I handle them anyway because I enjoy them. The only downside to racks that I can see from the point of view of a hobbyist is if the snakes not handled at all. Then there is no interaction or observing the snake at all. In your case, smy_749, don't feel weird or bad for having 1 rack in your living room to house a few snakes. Instead, look to see what's available in enclosures that you would like to have for them and get them. In my case, I have 5 racks of various styles and sizes, and 4 display enclosures to house 37 snakes in my bedroom. I do what I need to do to get it done. :)

[infernalis]

I backed off and intentionally limit the number of snakes I keep. I want display enclosures.

However I do not breed (on any scale) and prefer the more active diurnal species, so tubs would just not work.

Imagine opening a tub with a 4 foot black racer in it! the snake would be either hanging off your face by it's mouth, on the other side of the room or up on the ceiling fan laughing at you.

[franks]

I understand the necessity of tubs, I even use a 5 bin 51 qt rack for my ball pythons. I do however have two problems/concerns with rack systems.
One: many people who implement rack systems provide tubs that are way too small for their snake to do much of anything other than live a life of bed-rest. Kudos to Chuck (captain america) for providing his snakes with tubs the equivalence in size to a suitable viewing enclosure. I feel that he is more the exception than the norm when it comes to people who implement racks. Many purchase racks that are suitable for the animals they currently have and not the animals they will soon grow into. This problem is made bigger because most tend to buy a few baby snakes at a time in spurts of purchasing.

My second problem is that I believe that the existence of rack systems lowers the overall quality of our hobby. Granted, I do understand that there are many breeders who simply cannot conduct their business without owning rack systems, however, the implementation of rack systems allows any person to really cram 10 snakes into their living room under their TV and start cranking out babies. At the end of the day, the point of keeping reptiles is to enjoy and respect them, and it is our responsibility as "omnipotent" keepers to provide for them. I feel that the value of the lives we assume responsibility for is cheapened overall by this mindset of reptiles being a commodity that can be bought sold and traded for, and we easily loose track of the concept of the beating hearts and the live animals living in our house.

I am not singling any one person out, like I said, I myself have a 5 51qt rack I use for ball pythons. I do not feel great about it, and am in the process of converting them into a stack of wooden display cages. Regardless, they are useful, I just believe they also can serve as a venue to aide a person who has barely learned to care for one snake, to house a dozen, and create dozens more.

[marvelfreak]

Nice, man. So is there any difference between the 421D, and the Christmas Box... performance wise? Because the Christmas boxes are $92, and the 421D's are $250 each brand new. Actually you can get the totes for much cheaper. I think i paid around $300.00 for 5 that's with the shipping to. I got mine from this site. IRIS Holiday Tree Box :: Welcome to NeatlySmart? :: Good things for your home & family? (http://www.neatlysmart.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=107329&catid=1521)
Real the cages are a bit bigger, but the totes give them more security.



Very interesting discussion, thanks.
So obviously price is a major factor for many using rack systems. Is this because the goal of keepers here is more to have lots of animals vs. observing behavior or sharing space/connecting with the animals?
What is the breaking point for needing a rack for you guys? i.e how many animals did you get to to start thinking "I need a rack"
Marvel Freak- do you notice behavioral differences in the animals you keep in set ups that require top opening? Meaning when you pop open an enclosure and are looming over the animals does it affect behavior in your opinion? Vs say a front opening "display" style set up.
Thanks for the discussion guys!
Best.

For me it was i wanted something bigger for my snakes but i wanted to save money and still be able to display them. That why i have mine set up side ways. When i first started using the big totes i had them stacked on each other. That became a real pain fast because if the snake in the bottom cage crapped i have to remove the others to get to it's cage. So then i got the idea to get the metal racks that they are on now. This way i can just pull the cage right out without having to move the rest. Plus by moving two of my snake out of the boaphile cages into totes i was able to combined the boaphile and make two 8 foot cages for my Yellow Anaconda and 8.5 Jungle Carpet. Now i do know that some day i will have to get bigger cages for my Argentine Boas and Dumerli Boa. At which time they will go into a front open cage.

As for behavior. My Borneo got very aggressive when he was in a front open cage i moved him back to a tote and he became mellow again. My Blood tend to prefer the totes but my Blacks are just to big for them and do ok in the cages. They were a lot more active though in the totes.

My Carpets love the totes because i have perches at the top of the cages. With the way the Christmas tree totes are build if they are on the perch you have to bend down to see them. As the lid help hide them which they seem to love. Basically the lid and perch work as a hide. In fact they all quit using their hide on the floor. The only time they get on the floor is to sit on the heat after eating.

As for the opening the cage from the top compares to the front opening effecting their behavior it all depends on the snake. My Yellow Andie and Blacks Bloods seem to not hiss and be mellower when i go to get them out of their front opening cages. They like the cages because they can watch your every move. My Carpets will come strolling right out of the cage and up my arm no matter which kind they are in. Three of them have been kept in both kinds of cages and their behavior was the same. I think you just have to figure out what works best for each snake.


I understand the necessity of tubs, I even use a 5 bin 51 qt rack for my ball pythons. I do however have two problems/concerns with rack systems.
One: many people who implement rack systems provide tubs that are way too small for their snake to do much of anything other than live a life of bed-rest. Kudos to Chuck (captain america) for providing his snakes with tubs the equivalence in size to a suitable viewing enclosure. I feel that he is more the exception than the norm when it comes to people who implement racks. Many purchase racks that are suitable for the animals they currently have and not the animals they will soon grow into. This problem is made bigger because most tend to buy a few baby snakes at a time in spurts of purchasing.

Thank you Frank. One of the thing i love about how i have my totes set up is i can still view them. I am lucky in that i have such a big snake room that i was able to set it up like i have it or i would probably have less snakes. I love to watch my snakes. Also my snake room has something i am sure no other has a toilet. For what ever reason they put a toilet right in the middle of the room on one side. So when i am on the john i can sit and watch my snakes. I fine it much more relaxing than reading a paper.lol

[franks]

For what ever reason they put a toilet right in the middle of the room on one side. So when i am on the john i can sit and watch my snakes. I fine it much more relaxing than reading a paper.lol

That is awesome! Every snake room should have one. You never have to leave lol.

[TheZoo]

I like tubs I do not like tubs I can not see in. I feel they are the best there light and portable and keep everything suitable for the snake and heck I have payed less than 40$ for 5 small tubs and when my snakes grow out of them they can be used pretty much for anything as long as its size appropriate. Also you can buy tubs and use that as a opportunity to save up for a really cool enclosure later on when your snake is done growing so you can buy the biggest and nicest there is. Just my thoughts I feel all options are good as long as they work.

[B_Aller]

I understand the necessity of tubs, I even use a 5 bin 51 qt rack for my ball pythons. I do however have two problems/concerns with rack systems.
One: many people who implement rack systems provide tubs that are way too small for their snake to do much of anything other than live a life of bed-rest. Kudos to Chuck (captain america) for providing his snakes with tubs the equivalence in size to a suitable viewing enclosure. I feel that he is more the exception than the norm when it comes to people who implement racks. Many purchase racks that are suitable for the animals they currently have and not the animals they will soon grow into. This problem is made bigger because most tend to buy a few baby snakes at a time in spurts of purchasing.

My second problem is that I believe that the existence of rack systems lowers the overall quality of our hobby. Granted, I do understand that there are many breeders who simply cannot conduct their business without owning rack systems, however, the implementation of rack systems allows any person to really cram 10 snakes into their living room under their TV and start cranking out babies. At the end of the day, the point of keeping reptiles is to enjoy and respect them, and it is our responsibility as "omnipotent" keepers to provide for them. I feel that the value of the lives we assume responsibility for is cheapened overall by this mindset of reptiles being a commodity that can be bought sold and traded for, and we easily loose track of the concept of the beating hearts and the live animals living in our house.

I am not singling any one person out, like I said, I myself have a 5 51qt rack I use for ball pythons. I do not feel great about it, and am in the process of converting them into a stack of wooden display cages. Regardless, they are useful, I just believe they also can serve as a venue to aide a person who has barely learned to care for one snake, to house a dozen, and create dozens more.

What a great post Franks, thanks for this, I really couldn't agree more and appreciate the way you stated it here.
These are wild animals that we forced to live in a box in our houses for our pleasure. I know why I put a alligator lizard in a jar when I was 8, it wasn't so I could put it in a drawer and never observe it, that's for sure.
I was speaking with an old time herp keeper at a large zoo last week and we both agreed that one of the major changes with keepers now is the lack of time or desire to be in the field. We both said that it used to be when you got into keeping reptiles you also got into camping!
Now it's a pyramid scheme to sell "investment" animals to ....who???
Thanks.

[B_Aller]

I've had my rack for a few months now, and its starting to drive me completely nuts but I haven't found any appropriately sized enclosures I like to replace it with. Every time I open a tub and see the snakes cruising around or sitting out in the open, I get all bummed that I had to open the tub to see them. IMO, if I had the choice between 10 of my favorite species in lame enclosures, or 2 in awesome setups, I would take the 2 every time. Even if you COULD see into your tubs, the lack of 'environment' just completely eliminates any possibility to observe interesting behavior. For people supplying the rest of us with snakes and have breeding facilities, I completely understand and get the reasons. But 1 rack in my living room for a few snakes, I feel like an idiot honestly :P

Well, the one nice thing is that there is starting to be a small movement of people who feel the same way you do Sam. I think the tide is slowly turning and many , many keepers are wondering why they are keeping animals in racks or tiny tubs, never observing behavior.
Unfortunately we have a long climb up a steep hill to get the conversation going in the right direction. I'm with you though, after years of keeping WAY TOO MANY animals I reassessed my keeping priorities about 10 years ago and went a different route, more space, less animals, more complex environments, less animals, more time for observing behaviors, less animals.
I think there are big changes coming for reptile keeping, I hope there will continue to be a contingent of keepers showing different ways of housing these animals, in contrast to the hoarders/rack style "investment" mentality.

[B_Aller]

For me it was i wanted something bigger for my snakes but i wanted to save money and still be able to display them. That why i have mine set up side ways. When i first started using the big totes i had them stacked on each other. That became a real pain fast because if the snake in the bottom cage crapped i have to remove the others to get to it's cage. So then i got the idea to get the metal racks that they are on now. This way i can just pull the cage right out without having to move the rest. Plus by moving two of my snake out of the boaphile cages into totes i was able to combined the boaphile and make two 8 foot cages for my Yellow Anaconda and 8.5 Jungle Carpet. Now i do know that some day i will have to get bigger cages for my Argentine Boas and Dumerli Boa. At which time they will go into a front open cage.

As for behavior. My Borneo got very aggressive when he was in a front open cage i moved him back to a tote and he became mellow again. My Blood tend to prefer the totes but my Blacks are just to big for them and do ok in the cages. They were a lot more active though in the totes.

My Carpets love the totes because i have perches at the top of the cages. With the way the Christmas tree totes are build if they are on the perch you have to bend down to see them. As the lid help hide them which they seem to love. Basically the lid and perch work as a hide. In fact they all quit using their hide on the floor. The only time they get on the floor is to sit on the heat after eating.

As for the opening the cage from the top compares to the front opening effecting their behavior it all depends on the snake. My Yellow Andie and Blacks Bloods seem to not hiss and be mellower when i go to get them out of their front opening cages. They like the cages because they can watch your every move. My Carpets will come strolling right out of the cage and up my arm no matter which kind they are in. Three of them have been kept in both kinds of cages and their behavior was the same. I think you just have to figure out what works best for each snake.


I like your idea of setting them up sideways and your observations and work show that you have a good grasp of what your doing and an ability to make changes as needed. This sets you apart from the norm for sure and I think you are doing a great job of finding a balance between what works for the animals and what works for you. The nice thing about your post is that you are observing your animals and adjusting the enclosures as needed, not something that most rack or tub set ups allow. Good job.
The fun thing about keeping is that it is not static, these are living animals and their needs change over seasons and lifetimes, as do the needs of the keepers. My guess is that you will keep evolving and finding things that work better and better.
Thanks.

[exwizard]

...I hope there will continue to be a contingent of keepers showing different ways of housing these animals, in contrast to the hoarders/rack style "investment" mentality.I have no issue with anything else you said in this post. This is why I did not quote the rest of it. I am aware of the different ways to keep snakes and I do employ almost all of them. Yes, I have 5 racks but I also have 4 display oriented enclosures as well. Next week, I am getting another Arboreal that is currently used for an IJ Carpet, so that will be 5 display enclosures. The housing I use for my snakes is as widely varied as the snakes themselves. My racks are all different sizes as are the display enclosures depending on the size snake that will fit in each of them. I know I said this before but I also need to say it again just to stress the point. I spend time giving each and every snake individual attention and not just by watching them. I pull them out and handle them all except my Scrub. Now he is in a display Arboreal and soon he will be in a bigger one. My other snakes that are in Display enclosures all get handled in addition to me being able to see them better. I am not a hoarder and I am not in this as a business. This is my own collection that I alone enjoy and take care of.

[ErikBush97]

Not only space but money... I work 40 hours a week for $600 a month. That's two decent display enclosures with only $100 to spare. For $500 I can get a nice rack that'll house all my snakes.

[marvelfreak]

Not only space but money... I work 40 hours a week for $600 a month. That's two decent display enclosures with only $100 to spare. For $500 I can get a nice rack that'll house all my snakes.
http://imageshack.us/a/img834/2025/img0661eat.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/img0661eat.jpg/)

The two racks with three shelves $90.00 at Lowe's. Actually it's one big six shelve rack that's 8 foot tall. I didn't want to have shelves above my head so i set it up as two four foot shelves. The Five totes with red lids $300.00 Shipped from the site i posted earlier.

[marvelfreak]

I like your idea of setting them up sideways and your observations and work show that you have a good grasp of what your doing and an ability to make changes as needed. This sets you apart from the norm for sure and I think you are doing a great job of finding a balance between what works for the animals and what works for you. The nice thing about your post is that you are observing your animals and adjusting the enclosures as needed, not something that most rack or tub set ups allow. Good job.
The fun thing about keeping is that it is not static, these are living animals and their needs change over seasons and lifetimes, as do the needs of the keepers. My guess is that you will keep evolving and finding things that work better and better.
Thanks.
Thank you. I am always taking note and make mental notes about how my snakes act and behave to different thing, so i know what works best for each individual snake. Then i adjust the environment to what they like to keep them happy and healthy.

[ErikBush97]

The Five totes with red lids $300.00 Shipped from the site i posted earlier.

Why so much? I thought the site said $35.00 a piece

[marvelfreak]

Why so much? I thought the site said $35.00 a piece
My bad i went and checked my records and for the 5 it was $219.00 shipped. These is why i keep records some day my memory skips town.

[B_Aller]

I have no issue with anything else you said in this post. This is why I did not quote the rest of it. I am aware of the different ways to keep snakes and I do employ almost all of them. Yes, I have 5 racks but I also have 4 display oriented enclosures as well. Next week, I am getting another Arboreal that is currently used for an IJ Carpet, so that will be 5 display enclosures. The housing I use for my snakes is as widely varied as the snakes themselves. My racks are all different sizes as are the display enclosures depending on the size snake that will fit in each of them. I know I said this before but I also need to say it again just to stress the point. I spend time giving each and every snake individual attention and not just by watching them. I pull them out and handle them all except my Scrub. Now he is in a display Arboreal and soon he will be in a bigger one. My other snakes that are in Display enclosures all get handled in addition to me being able to see them better. I am not a hoarder and I am not in this as a business. This is my own collection that I alone enjoy and take care of.

I did not mean to single you out exwizard, sorry if you felt I did. I understand the reasons for rack style keeping and am not saying that there is only one way to do this. I do think one side of keeping (racks/tubs) gets the most attention and time and I think it would be nice to see another mindset represented on these type of forums.
I am truly interested in the driving force behind keeping reptiles in racks or small tubs, as I honestly don't see the attraction, necessity, convenience,
sure, I get that. The desire, I don't get... and I want to, so I don't make assumptions about why we are where we are.
Thank you.

[ErikBush97]

My bad i went and checked my records and for the 5 it was $219.00 shipped. TheseNew is why i keep records some day my memory skips town.

Haha. My memory likes to do that as well. It's $174 at those prices for 5 of them, so shippings like $50? Not too bad.

[smy_749]

Stupidity deleted, continue on. Nothing to see here

[KORBIN5895]

That link said it was only 33"....

[smy_749]

That link said it was only 33"....

Thats because I'm an idiot. Its been a long day, pretend you didnt see that.

[KORBIN5895]

See what??

[Mikoh4792]

See what??

His post


The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

[KORBIN5895]

I'm not sure what you are talking about Mikoh......

[Mikoh4792]

I'm not sure what you are talking about Mikoh......

lmao.

Im saying that SMY was telling you to pretend that you didn't see his post, which he deleted since he posted it by mistake.

I then added the last line because my post was too short to be posted, I just copied pasta'd " the message you entered was too short...etc"

[KORBIN5895]

lmao.

Im saying that SMY was telling you to pretend that you didn't see his post, which he deleted since he posted it by mistake.

I then added the last line because my post was too short to be posted, I just copied pasta'd " the message you entered was too short...etc"

I think you're losing it.

[Mikoh4792]

I think you're losing it.

Am I being trolled?

[ErikBush97]

Am I being trolled?

He told Korbin to pretend like he didn't see that, so that's what Korbins doing lol

[smy_749]

I didnt post by mistake, I was being stupid by mistake and posted on purpose.

[Mikoh4792]

Damn well I guess I'm losing it.