Rubbermaids for colubrids

[Dirty]

What would be a good size rubbermaid for colubrids? More specifically for like adult california kings or hondurans. Would they be comfortable in a rubbermaid or are they just not big enough?

[vanderkm]

Some people certainly keep them successfully in rubbermaids, but in my opinion there aren't any that are large enough to permit any exercise. Our adults cal king and honduran females are in the 6 foot range and even the males are almost 5 feet long - the underbed tubs are 3 feet, but have almost no height (6-7 inches) and I just don't feel comfortable confining these guys to that size.

Our males and growing females are in cages that are 36 X 18 inches, the adult females are in custom built plywood cages 5 X 2 feet.

mary v.

[Dirty]

thanks for your reply. Anyone else?

[Jeff_Favelle]

I use the same containers for adult Ball Pythons that I use for my Hondos. I only have about 20 adults and 40 yearlings, but they all reside in Rubbermaids. They are active snakes though, so I may go up a size for the biggie-female Hondos.

[Dirty]

Thanks jeff. What size rubbermaids do you use? Those ones that are like 23"X16"?

[timfriesen32]

If you're not stuck on the rubbermaid brand....Sterilite makes some that are a bit bigger (according to their web site). They are model # 1990-116 and measure 33.12"L x 20.25"W x 14.75"H.

I think that this would be plenty of room for an adult colubrid. They have latching handles on the ends as well for added security. You still may want to figure something else to lock them down more solid though. In a previous thread some people were mentioning using "S" shaped things through a hole drilled through the lid and main enclosure as well.

Hope that helps. Sterilite is sold at the local Walmart as well.

TIm

[Jeff_Favelle]

33 x 17 x 6 are the ones I use.

[timfriesen32]

If you don't mind me asking Jeff, how do you heat those the best? I'm hoping to add a few things to the collection, and am searching out the best way to heat rubbermaids?

TIm

[RB420]

i have one my 9 month bci in a 32x14x16 rubbermaid

[Jeff_Favelle]

I run a rack system with heat tape down the back on a thermostat!!!

[timfriesen32]

Thanks Jeff.

Do you use 4" or 11" heat tape?

TIm

[Cerastes]

" Our adults cal king and honduran females are in the 6 foot range and even the males are almost 5 feet long "

WOAH!! I would kill to see a California Kingsnake approach ANYWHERE NEAR six feet!! :0

[tHeGiNo]

I only have about 20 adults and 40 yearlings, but they all reside in Rubbermaids.

Only, eh? So when do you go past the 'only' mark? 3000? LOL!

[Jeff_Favelle]

11-inch all the way. It provides a SERIOUS pocket of heat at the back. Works totally awesome!

Cheers. :)

[timfriesen32]

Thanks for the help.

TIm

[Jeff_Favelle]

LOL geeeenoh! ;) That's enough colubrids for me man!! I'm a boid guy! All the way!

[kill3r843]

ok so does anyone use colors rubbermaids for all clear could u use colored ones

thnaks,
daniel

[SCReptiles]

The classic formula is the size of the cage needs to be the length + width of 2 sides equal to or greater then the total length of the snake. So, if you have a cage 40” long and 20” wide it could safely house a 60” snake. There are exceptions to the rule, such as pine or cribos that are so strong and active they need a little more space, but for the most part this formula has worked well for me. I start babies in the very small containers, then adjust for size as they grow. I have noticed if you get much larger then the formula, you get a lower feeding rate. As where at the formula size your snake eats 9 out of 10 mice, in a larger cage, you may only get 7 out of 10. If you get smaller then the formula, you tend to have problems knocking over water or filling the bowl with litter. I like the slide rack with the 11” flex watt tape running down the back, but they are a large investment. Most of mine are in sterlite boxes with locking lids sitting on plastic walmart shelves. The ones that need excess heat, get a 4” stretch of flex watt tape run along ½ of the back bottom of the box. I buy the containers at Lowes, $8/each and they shelves at walmart (of course) for $9/each. It’s a low teck set up, but working with much success. I have never had to treat one for repertory infections or the like. Growth rates are good and some breeding success. Hope this helps.

[Dirty]

thanks man it does