Adult cage size for single Emerald

[world_so_cold]

I am having a debate with a few friends over an enclosure size for an adult emerald tree boa.

I say it should be large,at LEAST (LxWxH) 4x3x6. My friends are saying that they can be housed comfortably in a smaller enclosure. But is it fair to the animal?

Opinions please.

[Zoe]

I have read they can be kept in something as small as a 30 gallon, but I really think that is unreasonable. 3H x 3W x 2D is a good size... its big enough for a few dowels, a big water dish, some plants etc but not so big that the emmie stresses.

Zoe

[BoidKeeper]

Mine was 4 when I got it and 5 when I sold it and it was always in a 27g. Three perches elevated water bowl and a heat lamp over head. You can see pics of him in his cage by clicking on the camera next to my avtar. A lot of people keep em in 2Hx2Wx2L.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Jeff_Favelle]

A LOT of breeders keep them in 2x2x2. Emmies don't require the large amount of space a lot of people give them. I'd be more worried about creating usable space as well as good temperatures and heat gradients, rather than a large cage.

[CraigC]

I have been keeping adults in 22" acrylic cubes and using larger acrylic enclosures for breeding. I have now decided on an adult all purpose enclosure of 45"L x 22"H x 20"D. this seems to be the best for me both structurally and asthetically. Since the cages are clear, the animals don't get a "cramped" feeling.
CraigC
http://photo.redtailboa.net/albums/albuq36/mb_1_26_03a.jpg

[asphyxia]

That is one sweet cage Craig, is it home made?, can you tell me more please

Thanks
Brian

[CraigC]

Hey Brian,
Yes, it is homemade. What would you like to know?
CraigC

[Lisa]

How are you heating the cage? and how did you attach the edges corners? glue? melting?

[CraigC]

Hey Lisa,
I use pro-heat panels , controlled with a Helix as the primary heat source. Since we use water for substrate, I also have 11" flex-watt under each cage. The flex-watt stays on all the time and is not so much for heat as humidity.
CraigC

[reptile boi]

Hey Craig,
How did you build that enclosure? Where did you get the acrylic from?



Thanks,
Ben

[CraigC]

Hey Ben,
I got the acrylic from a local wholesaler and the design is based on enclosures I've seen others use.
CraigC

[LILCREEP]

you use water for substrate? do you fill the drawers and just take them out and dump and fill?
thats an awesome cage you gonna take orders for some in the future?

[CraigC]

Lilcreep,
Sorry I've not replied sooner, I was in Vancouver, BC all last week working. Man you Canadians have some really beautiful summer temps! Yes, we use water as a substrate. It helps maintain humidity without the necessity of misting. Sorry, I have no intention of marketing the enclosures. I hardly have time to build enough for my own use! LOL
CraigC