My new BP Cage

[snakebeginner]

I just got back from the mall and I picked up a rubbermaid. and it is a 62 QT. cage. It is 14"x18"x23" is this big enough for a baby BP? Please help.

[snakebeginner]

here is a picture of it! :)

[snakebeginner]

its a bad picture but it gives you an idea

[lostwithin]

hey thatll work great for a bp, id suggest cutting out the top plastic center and attaching wire, then itll alow airflow and you can stick a 75 watt bulb too keep it warm in there, with mine, (which no long holds my bp shes a big girl now) but ive drilles 2 layers of holes at the top on the sides, too alow more air flow, ive also cut up wooden broom handles at 18 inches, and screwed through the plactic into the wood, on or 2 of thoses and shes got something too climb on, and then youve gotta cage that should do her a while,
Devon

[marisa]

lostwithin no offense but that is like WAY more work than he needs to do, to have a suitable Ball Python enclosure. Also if you are screwing dowels into the rubbermaid you will never be able to remove them for cleaning and it will be difficult putting things underneath them and lifting them back out to clean eventually.

That is MORE than enough space for a baby ball python. They like small secure cages and this ups your chances of feeding success. I'd cut/drill/melt around 10-20 small holes, in a couple days if thats not enough, do more. Add a hiding spot, water dish and use a heating pad underneath with heat controlling device.

Marisa

[Jeff_Favelle]

It "can" suffice, bu the dimensions suck. No need to be 14" high for a baby. Babies will hide in the thinnest crevice or under a clay pot holder, etc etc. You're better off with an 11.4L Rubbermaid until about 4-8 months of age (depending on feeding). That looks like a square box, which is fine for fish that use volume, but not a snake.

[tHeGiNo]

I agree with Jeff. The length is fine, the height is unnecessary, and it will need to be replaced shortly after. Honestly, I would invest in, as Jeff suggested, a 11.4L rubbermaid or something more suitable then what you purchased. Also as suggested, melt/drill holes around the sides of the rubbermaid to allow for ventilation. Use some sort of heat pad as a heating device, do not use a bulb as someone else suggested. Make sure to attach a temperature control device (ie. rheostat) and set your proper temperatures prior to purchasing the snake (90F hot spot, cold side in the lower 80's and an ambient around 85F). Be sure to provide proper hides and humidity as well, all prior to purchasing the snake. Let us know if you have anymore questions.

[beaglegod]

how long would a rubbermaid with inside dimensions of 31"long 13" wide and 12" deep house a BP in your estimation?

[tHeGiNo]

I would say start small then progress. Ball pythons, especially while young, like small environments as it contributes to their security (ie. lower stress levels).

[mykee]

I would have to agree that that size rubbermaid is not the best idea. You want something that is more rectangular than square. The height is not necessary, and the smaller the better. I keep my babies until their 600g in an 11.4 liter rubbermaid (14x8x6 if I'm not mistaken). The tighter, the more secure they feel, the better they'll eat. Cover 1/4 to 1/3 of the bottom with a heat source and allow for a hot spot of 92-95. I would NOT recommend replacing the top with a mesh screen. Bad idea. leave the top on it and drill 12-20 1/2" holes 2 inches below the top lip. That will allow for good humidity retention, and equally good airflow. Good luck.

[snakebeginner]

Now im not to sure what to do cause everyone said a different opinion. But so far I know to poke 15-20 holes in it. I thought it would have been a good cage cause then I could put a couple of big sticks to crawl around on. Thats why I got a taller cage. any more ideas or opinions? please it would help me out more. Thanks everyone for all the advice! :)

[snakebeginner]

and if I get a smaller cage when should I put the BP in the cage i have now?

[sapphire_moon]

you can get a smaller one. Everyone will have their own opinon, but you have to go with what you want.

Ball pythons are more ground snakes than tree snakes. But some of them will use more height if it is given to them.

The cage you have now is fine for a while. Or you can use that for storage and get something more rectangular in shape.

there is no set amount of holes to poke. Just go around the cage and drill (or if you poke holes you will need to heat up the end of a screwdriver, and it WILL take forever! lol) and go about ever 1-2 inches and poke a hole.......I did mine in a zig zag motion all the way around on both my bp's cages.

And no need for wire (some snakes might rub their noses on it and their noses will get raw and sore, so unless you know the snakes "attitude" towards wire I wouldn't suggest wire)


If you want a smaller rubbermaid for an adult bp I would personally go with what mykee uses for his large(r) ball pythons.


EDIT:

If you are going to use sticks from outside then don't forget to sanatize them......just do a search and you will come up with a few threads telling you how.

[tHeGiNo]

you can get a smaller one. Everyone will have their own opinon, but you have to go with what you want.

But that is not the way to approach husbandry! It is not what we want that should matter, its what the snake needs! :)

Snakebegginer, the length of the enclosure isn't really the problem, it is the unnecessary height that is being questioned. I would still suggest the 11.4L. You could use the one you have now for storage, and another rubbermaid isn't too expensive.