alcatraz enclosure needed

[matrix1829]

ok you guys I need help, I need Ideas and pics if possible of an alcatraz like enclosure for my burm. my wife has been reading those stupid articales about a burm attacking there owner or kids, and know she wants me to get rid of him. no way I,m getting rid of it so I really need your help on this one.

[Linds]

The only people that get injured/killed by their giant pythons, are those people that do not know how to handle their pythons safely. They shouldn't even own them. Its the people that handle their big snakes while they have food smell on them, or think its a dandy idea to parade around with it around their necks, or worse yet those that think its ok to let their snakes free roam.
The only burms that escape are from those cages that are not suitable. Cages that are not secured AND locked. Bungies, heavy objects, etc. are not suitable devices to keep lids/doors closed.

All you need is a well-built cage, and use sliding glass doors with a lock on them. No snake can escape those. You can also use open close doors (framed) with latches to secure them. A well-built reptile enclosure is completely escape-proof, if that wasn't the case I'm sure my cat would've been eaten by now :eek:

[matrix1829]

thanks, but my wife is really scared for our 2 year old son. that is why I want to build a mega solid cage!!!!!!!!!!

[LadyHawke]

kids have to be taught as well, its just like teaching them to stay away from roads or something you don't want them to touch, I taught my son at an early age, on anything that coud be harmful to him...including dogs, never too young to start.

[Invictus]

My daughter knows all the rules for being around snakes - no loud noises, no sudden movements, no moving your hand towards their head or eyes, etc. Mind you , she's 9 years old... but your son can be taught too. 2 years old isn't too young to be taught how to behave around certain animals.

[matrix1829]

thanks guys!!!!!!!

[Linds]

As LadyHawke and Invictus said, children need to be taught how to behave safely around animals, and it is never too soon to start. However, they are kids and whenever there are kids accidents can happen and so forth. As long as you keep the key out of reach of your son, which isn't at all difficult, there is no way your kid would be able to open that enclosure...

[The_Omen]

Well, at least burms are too lazy in most cases to try and escape.

If it was a cornsnake tho.. you can freeze it solid, chain it to concrete blocks and sink it in a pit of quick dry cement and it will still escape...

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi matrix1829,

I make custom cages for all types of reptiles. I've made several cages for myself, and I have never had any of my boas escape from them. If something like this will work for you just e-mail me what size cage you need and I will get an estimate together for you.
There are more picture and info on my website about my cages.

My cages have sliding tempered glass doors with locks, to ensure that animals stay in, and children stay out.


Each cage in this 3 cage system measures.
72" wide, 24" deep and 20" high.
<img src="http://www.mccarthyboas.com/SeaninFrontOf6FootCage.jpg">

This custom cage measures.
8' wide, X 2' deep, the top cage is 48" high, and the bottom is 20" high.
<img src="http://www.mccarthyboas.com/Tomscage3red.jpg">

This custom cage measures.
48" wide X 30"deep X 72" high.
<img src="http://www.mccarthyboas.com/ShannonCage04_28_2003_03.JPG">

Take care,
Tom

[dan2492]

Hey Tom what do you use to coat the inside of your enclosures??
Dan

[matrix1829]

I don't think you can compare a corn snake to a burm. I've never heard of a corn snake killing someone!!!!!!!!!!!

[The_Omen]

I don't think you can compare a corn snake to a burm. I've never heard of a corn snake killing someone!!!!!!!!!!!

To anyone that is deathly scared of snakes, then it wouldn't matter if you tossed a dekayi at them, in their mind, still deadly.

[matrix1829]

if people are scared of my snake, that is not my worry. my worry is the saftey of my family!!!!!!!!

[Vanan]

Keeping your snake in a locked room might help.

Something to keep in mind when building a big cage for a big burm. Glass has to be thick enough withstand the force of a hungry burm stricking at outside movement. Thick enough glass may even be too heavy. Lexan is a good alternative as it's shatter proof, scratch proof and I think it's even bulletproof. Although I dunno what size gauge it would be able to withstand. Lexan is light too. Lil pricey but then again thick glass is also pricey.

[matrix1829]

thanks vanan I will look into it. I will let you know the price for the lexan!!!!!

[Linds]

For the Lexan, go directly to a plastics manufacturer instedad of a building supply place, it is A LOT cheaper ;) Just look in the yellow pages of you phone book and you should be able to find several int he area.

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi dan2492,

I use Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane to seal the cages inside and outside.
http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/helmsman.cfm
The bottom of each cage is sealed with a clear, high build epoxy finish to aid in cleaning, and prevent water damage to the cages.
http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/envlite.htm


Hi matrix1829

I use 1/4" tempered glass in all my cage now. I can punch tempered glass and it will not break. However if you hit the edge of the glass it will break.
Lexan and Acrylic are just brand names they are the same thing.
They do scratch and after some time they do start to look bad.
You can buff the scratches out if you want to.

Take care,
Tom

[matrix1829]

thanks tom, can you give me some ideas on what wood to use.

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi matrix1829

I all depends on what you like.
I use 3/4" oak plywood for my cages.

[matrix1829]

thanks tom you are a great help.

[matrix1829]

tom is it better to use envirotex or minwax. can I use these products inside and outside the enclosure.
thamks pat........

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi matrix1829,

I seal the whole cage inside and outside first with the Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
3 to 4 coats of this. Then after it has dried I coat the inside bottom of the cage with
envirotex. (The clear, high build epoxy finish)

If you do use the envirotex e-mail me and I can give you some tips on using it.
Or if you want to I can e-mail you my phone number and we can talk over the phone.

If you change your mind on make the cage your self I could always make it for you.:)

Take care,
Tom

[Linds]

What exactly is "spar urethane" versus regular urethane?

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi Linds,

This is from Minwax's website.

http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/helmsman.cfm

Description: A protective clear finish for interior or exterior wood that is exposed to sunlight, water or temperature changes.


Ideal For: Doors, Windowsills, Bar Tops, Outdoor Furniture, Planters

Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane is specially formulated to withstand the worst environmental conditions. Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane provides a finish that protects wood from the damages of rain and moisture. Special ultraviolet absorbers help protect wood from the graying and fading effects of the sun. Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane also contains special oils to help the finish expand and contract with wood as the seasons and the temperature change.

Take care,
Tom