Too Big?

[Vengeance]

My first Ball python has been in my Care for 1 year coming this Dec 4th. He has always been a sporadic eater, shed well, and been growing, but not as well as he should be. He has also been kept in a 50 gallon glass tank. Recently I got a trio of Balls from Markus Jayne and they have been in a Rubbermaid setup and have been thriving and haven't missed a meal. So I've come to the realization that gets pounded into everyone else’s head on a daily basics, Aquariums aren’t for Ball pythons. So I'm in the process of switching him over to a Rubbermaid and wanted to make sure the one I picked isn't too big. He is currently about a little over a year in age because he wasn't fresh outta the egg when I got him and weighs about 800 grams which to me seems underweight. But given he has never been a great eater that would be why and also he was bought from the Menagerie in Toronto at Parliament and Dundas so he is from an unknown breeder so possibly quality of animal also comes into play. So here is his current size and the Rubbermaid I'm thinking of using.

The pocket PC is being used as a point of reference.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606size1-med.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606size2-med.JPG

and this is the Rubbermaid

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606rubbermaid-med.JPG

Too big? Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

Adam

[BoidKeeper]

I say give him to hide boxes and he shoud be fine. That being said though I do have some that size and a little bigger in my sweater box size rack.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Vengeance]

I was actually going to use more like 4 hide boxes, but yea there would deffenitly be hide boxes inside.

[Tim_Cranwill]

My vote is: Too big.

Once the snake is feeding well on a regular basis, I would move it to that size but until then, keep it in a smaller enclosure. That's what I would do. I would even keep it in a box half that size unil then.

[BoidKeeper]

Yeah I think Tim is right. Like I said I have balls that size in sweater boxes. But you know what, sometimes it doesn't matter what size cage they are in. If they are going to eat they'll eat, if they are going to fast they'll fast. But I would try the sweater box size any way though it might help.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Jeff_Favelle]

If the snake is established and doing ok, that cage is fine. Cages of that floor space seem to become a problem when they are 2 feet high (ala aquarium). But with a nice flat board on 1-inch legs for a hide on the warm end, and a gradient of 92F - 80F, I don't think that cage will give you too many problems. I'd go for it.

[Bristen]

that is the same tubs I am using in my rack.. just a friendly warning about those... the second picture you posted, bottom left.. see those two little holes in the tubs rim? Plug them! I used Trevor's ingenious idea of drilling a hole and filling it up with silicon so that the silicon that leaks through the hole acts as a pin and the snake can't push out the plugs..

For an 800g snake, that's a very big tub.. provide two hide boxes.. I have animals that are close to 3000g that are comfortable in those tubs, but my 800g female was not that great of an eater until I provided two hide boxes (one was not enough).

I assume you are going to use that tub in a rack of some sort right? If not, what are you going to use as a cover? I don't think I'd attempt to use the cover that came with the tub, as the snake will most likely push it up and could potentially injure itself squeezing itself out...

Best of luck and keep us posted!
Bristen.

ps: great looking snake by the way!

[Vengeance]

Well the snake is established, during it's fasts it has never lost a substantial amount of weight, but as it has never been a great feeder so that is the problem I'm trying to correct. I'm begning to understand his behavior a little better, he has only ever eaten inside his hide, even if the prey is an inch or 2 away from his hide he won't go for it, the head of the prey item has to be in the hole or he won't snatch it up. Problem is, he is allways roaming at night when I usually feed. So he is roaming but doesn't feel secure enough to eat, so I'm trying to offer him more secure suroundings.

Do any of you guys have the product number for the container your talking about? I went to walmart and home depot and couldn't find a container that had a nice length, but not as long as that one without too much height.

[Vengeance]

Bristen, thanks for the advice, I will be using the lid if I use the container but I will be secureing the lid with S hooks as I did for my baby balls. It takes away any give from the lid so they can't push against it to get out. I'm not seeing the holes you are refering too thought, I'll have to take a closer look at the actual container.

[mykee]

Seems to be about the same floor space as a 50 gallon, no? I would go with the smaller 2221's, (23x16x6). That's a big sterlite for a male in my opinion.

[Bristen]

Originally posted by Vengeance
Bristen, thanks for the advice, I will be using the lid if I use the container but I will be secureing the lid with S hooks as I did for my baby balls. It takes away any give from the lid so they can't push against it to get out. I'm not seeing the holes you are refering too thought, I'll have to take a closer look at the actual container.

the holes I am refering to is exactly what you see in the second picture you posted.. look on the bottom left of that picture.. there are two notches in the rim of the tub.. they are on both sides of the tub (total of 4 notches).. the snake can squeeze her head in there.. I would be afraid of injury!

Bristen.

[Vengeance]

Ahhh I see um, I think I'm going to go with a smaller unit, I'm actually thinking about changeing the whole room around, this is my setup for my neonate ball's right now

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606DSCF0034-med.JPG

I'm thinking about takinging out that shelving unit and just turning that closet into 1 big rack storage, that way I can accomidate the neonates, have bigger tubs ready for when they grow have room for my older Ball python and room for the hatclings when they come.

[Manitoban Herps]

Maybe b/c I am a used to housing lizards but I think that cage would be fine. Put a couple of hides in the cage a large waterdish and that won't leave half as much room.

As some of you said "it has a floor space of 50 gallons". I keep my 44" male ball in a 50 gallon, with a large rock hide, a large papertowel tube and a large waterdish, the obstacles in the cage don't leave much floor space.

I am not as experienced with ball pythons or snakes for the matter, I got my first in 01' which was a ball python.

Good luck :)

[BoidKeeper]

I used Trevor's ingenious idea of drilling a hole and filling it up with silicon so that the silicon that leaks through the hole acts as a pin and the snake can't push out the plugs..
I came up with that idea? If you say so.lol I must have had my wheaties that day.
Cheers,
Trevor

[guitrage]

So do you guys think housing a baby in a 36 X 18 acrylic tank would be stressful for it (I would have several hides, a large water bowl, and some branches)? What size do you recommend for a 5 or 6 month old?

[Vengeance]

Where do you guys get your rubbermaids? I've been to 2 walmarts and a Home Depot and none of them carry the rubbermaid you are refering too, I got one that I think will be suitable, a little taller then I wanted but the only thing I could find that wasn't overly large that still has some good floor space, I'll post pics when it's ready.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Super Store
WalMart
Zellers
Canadian Tire
Home Depot (limited selection of sizes/types)

Just about anywhere, man. :D You must live near some strange WalMarts if they don't carry a wide variety of bins! lol :p

[Bristen]

well, that's quite a problem in my opinion.. finding tubs is not always easy.. I don't live in the big cities like downtown Toronto or anything.. here in Moncton, the Wal-Marts (we have two) are fairly large, but even though they often have a variety of tubs, they only have a few of each.. so if I want to build a hatchling rack for 40 ball pythons for example, it's going to be more than complicated to get 40 tubs of all the same size.. actually, now that I think of it.. I better start shopping :-( I wish I could order them online somewheres and just get a bunch of tubs all the same size delivered to my door instead of running around like crazy to find some...

but like Tim said, run around in the stores he mentionned and you should find what you're looking for.. just not necessarily in the quantity you want though...

Later,
Bristen.

[Vengeance]

I don't know what is wrong with my Wal Marts, I live in Keswick which is a small town, but NewMarket and Richmond Hill are fairly large, and I've been to the Walmart's in both thos citys and nothing. The Home Depot too, Guess I'll have to try Zhers or Zellers or something, it would be nice if you could just order them online.

[joey]

what's the best way to make holes in the rubermaids??

[Vengeance]

I've used a soddering iron, and a drill, both work well.

[Oni5000]

I used a soldering iron. Make sure you do it somewhere with good air flow...it stinks.

[joey]

how many holes? how big should they be? where is the best place to drill them?

[marisa]

I get the 34 by 6 tall by 16 deep underbed rubbermaid at the Walmart in Newmarket Ontario.

I am not sure why you couldn't find them there, because I have never bought them anywhere else.

Marisa

[joey]

anyone?

how many holes?

size?

where?

[Tim_Cranwill]

Joey, just use your judgment. How many holes you'll need depends on the humidity and ambient temps in your room. Put a few holes in and if you need more, put a few more in! lol :D

[Vengeance]

Originally posted by marisa
I get the 34 by 6 tall by 16 deep underbed rubbermaid at the Walmart in Newmarket Ontario.

I am not sure why you couldn't find them there, because I have never bought them anywhere else.

Marisa

Mabye I'm just on crack and I'm not seeing them. I ended up with this, same pocket pc for size comparison.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606tub1-med.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606tub2-med.jpg

A little taller then I wanted but it should do untill I build my rack.

*edit*

On second thought, now comparing it to my current rubbermaids, it has the same floor space only taller, man I suck at eyeing size properly.

[hhw]

Bristen, try the Canadian Tire by the mall or the Superstore by the theatre on the other side of town?

Mmm... I sure do miss deep fried clam strips.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Mabye I'm just on crack and I'm not seeing them. I ended up with this, same pocket pc for size comparison.

Bad dimensions for a BP cage.


The model # for the one you want is 2119-87. They are EVERYWHERE out here. Cheapest price I've seen them at is $7, but they generally go for $12.

[Bristen]

Originally posted by hhw
Bristen, try the Canadian Tire by the mall or the Superstore by the theatre on the other side of town?

Mmm... I sure do miss deep fried clam strips.

tried both already :-( zellers and wal-mart are normally my favorite for tubs though... I've been to Canadian Tire a few times, but for some reason never found tubs that I liked... looks like you've lived here before? What are you doing at the other end of the country?

Thanks,
Bristen.

[Vengeance]

Originally posted by Jeff_Favelle
Bad dimensions for a BP cage.


The model # for the one you want is 2119-87. They are EVERYWHERE out here. Cheapest price I've seen them at is $7, but they generally go for $12.

Yea I was thinking the same thing, I guess I'll have to give a few more places a shot, try that Walmart at Newmarket again. No big deal can allways use more rubbermaids for storage as well.

[marisa]

Home Hardware sells a couple of the same line of rubbermaids as well and sometimes they have them in stock. But most times I just get them at that Walmart. Mind you I haven't been in over a month or so....so...I dunno either your missing them or they dont have anymore...i hope they didnt discontinue them! :)

Marisa

[hhw]

Originally posted by Bristen
tried both already :-( zellers and wal-mart are normally my favorite for tubs though... I've been to Canadian Tire a few times, but for some reason never found tubs that I liked... looks like you've lived here before? What are you doing at the other end of the country?

Thanks,
Bristen.

I went to Mt. A and just graduated last spring =)

[Jeff_Favelle]

Vengenance, that would be a GREAT Rubbermaid for sub-adult GTP's, Carpets, Emmies, or a wicked top-down frog cage! Its limitless!

[Vengeance]

Jeff

Don't give me any ideas :D

I'm going to stick with just ball pythons for now. I really enjoy working with them and I'd like to see how my current project pans out and see how I handle the hatclings when and if they come. I'd rather wait then take on some more snakes that I may or may not have time for once or if my trio starts breeding.

Adam

[Jeff_Favelle]

Good idea. SO next year we can start planning the new additions then?

;)

[Vengeance]

Lol! I'm in no rush, if my little guys are ready to go by next year this time great, but I'm not going to push it, I'd rather they be in great condition for breeding then boarderline.

[Vengeance]

Here is what I ended up with....

Old Cage first....

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606Old_Cage-med.JPG

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606Old_cage_2-med.JPG

Now for the new cage...

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606New_cage1.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606new_cage3.JPG

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/3606new_cage2-med.JPG

I guess the proof will be in the pudding as they say, I'm going to leave him alone for the next 2 weeks, to give him a chance to settle in, just changing water and cleaning and checking temps as needed. We will see if this changes his attitude toward feeding.

Also another good thing that has come with this is that I took my Cali King out of that room and moved him into another one, so all my Ball pythons are in the same room, so I've started to heat the room so I can gain a better measuer of control. Anyway thanks for the help and thanks for looking.

Adam