BP enclosures

[smeagel]

right now i have my BP in a 50 galon tank, and i've heard that rubbermaids are better to keep BP in than glass tanks. Problem is that i have no idea what size of Rubbermaid i need and what to heat it with. my BP is doing fine in her tank, but i have space problems and it would be much easier and better on space with a rack system.

[Bartman]

Im no expert, but i thought the only reason people use rubbermaids was to save space if they bred many reptiles? It would actually benefit the animal to live in a rubbermaid?

[nita]

Rubbermaids are much easier to maintain proper husbandry. They hold heat and humidity much better that the fish tanks and are super easy to clean. Personally I love the look though of tanks or Melmine Enclosures. They are great space savers too of course. Stackable melamine enclosures though are great too, they are what I plan to use for Bloods, I dont' think rubbermaid makes tubs big enough for bloods anyway!! LOL.

[sapphire_moon]

alot of people say the minimum enclosure size is a 30gal tank for a bp, thats about 3ft long (I think), so a 3ft rubbermaid with heat tape (you said a rack) controlled to the proper temps.

[mykee]

Better, no. Easier to maintain, yes. IF you can maintain proper husbandry in a glass tank and you prefer it to rubbermaids, then keep it. Most people keep their collections in rubbermaids because they are relatively easy to maintain. Humidity is easier to hold in a rubbermaid, glass is a poor conductor of heat, etc. It's all about what works best for the snake in your persponal environment.

[Jeff_Favelle]

I moved all my Ball Pythons to a rack system not to sabe space. I had them all in custom 36x2x1 glass-front cages and they were just adequate. As soon as I moved to the rack system with Rubbermaids, the non-feeders became feeders, and the feeders fed MORE aggressively!

I switched to Rubbermaids not to save space. I have TONS of space. I did it because the Ball Pythons reacted POSITIVELY to the change. And knowing their natural history, I knew they would.

[nita]

Completely forgot about that Jeff. Mine were poor feeders last year and didnt' gain much but are eating great since the switch. Didnt' even equate that to the move to the rubbermaids!! DUH. :)

[Jeff_Favelle]

Exactly nita! Space schmace. I moved mine to be more successful with them. With the babies being worth so much, if having them in open-front custom-built enclosures resulted in just ONE more clutch per year, I would have left them there.

But it doesn't. Rubbermaids rock. Simple fact is, they changed my success with BP's pretty much over night.

[smeagel]

thanks for the tips guys, i'll change over and see what difference it makes.

[Linds]

Yup... not only is is it easier to maintain proper conditions, but it also provides a lot more security than a clear glass tank with screened top. I usually use the 11.3 gallon rubbermaids for adults. You can also go as large as an underbed unit, in the case of a larger snake or if you want to put several hides in.

[ReptiliansDOTca]

Im no expert, but i thought the only reason people use rubbermaids was to save space if they bred many reptiles? It would actually benefit the animal to live in a rubbermaid?

When I think something like that, I try to look at it this way: would people with snakes, worth up to and over $30,000 american, do what is easiest for them, rather then what is best for the snake?

I learned quickly, however, that rubbermaids are THE most efficient way of raising ball pythons, hands down.

And knowing their natural history, I knew they would.

Precisely, and in fact this is what it ALL boils down to, whichever way you look at it. You do not see anyone suggesting to keep adult boa constrictors in rubbermaids, do you?