When is an enclosure too big?

[Strutter769]

Ok, so if you remember my previous post (don't worry, it was months ago. I barely remember it.) you know that I'm kind of extreme when it comes to "vivs." So this past weekend I bought a bazillion gallon tank for Nona. I'll get pics up soon. Anyway, I understand small snakes seem to prefer smaller enclosures, but nature is REALLY REALLY BIG! So, why would a juvenile snake be uncomfortable in a gargantuan enclosure? So again I ask, when is an enclosure too big?

Thanks for your time and feedback. Now I've gotta talkin' that picture I promised.

[FauxMako]

I put both my JCP and Texas Rat Snake directly into 55G enclosures. Both were in the 12-14" range at that time. IMHO as long as they have plenty of places to hide I don't think a larger enclosure will cause them to get stressed. My take is that the normal "2 hides per enclosure" should really be more like "2 hides per 10G." I've got about 6 places to hide on the bottom and a big branch that runs from bottom of one end to top of the other end with lots of plastic vines wrapped around it to provide places to hide when climbing.

[NennaMeerkat]

As long as you can regulate the temperature and give plenty of hides then I see no problem in using a big tank. I know for lizards it isn't always a good idea because of them getting "lost" and not finding food/water bowls easily. Since you feed snakes outside of the tank it won't matter about them not finding food.

[stephanbakir]

Snakes don't necessarily need a small enclosure to feel safe, they just need a few good hiding locations and they are fine

[Strutter769]

(Since you feed snakes outside of the tank it won't matter about them not finding food.

I think with a little creativity I should be able to keep it warm enough for her since BRB's are a fairly moderate temperature snake. I'm sure I'll get some grief for it but I've always fed everyone in their cages. My feeling is they see my hands far more often than just feeding I'm not worried about a reflex strike. (Yes, I know, that's only cuz I haven't been bitten yet.). Oh, I'll get those pics up tomorrow. Sorry. Bedtime. Good night world.

[infernalis]

Certain more active species will use every inch of a bigger enclosure.

My black racer "Toby" is getting big. That species is lean and slender, they often climb, burrow and swim all in the same short period of time, so I really want to give him some insane space and see what happens.

My friend gave me a 4 foot square window made from 1/3 inch thick safety glass, I'm thinking about a 4 foot cube with a glass front with a huge water bowl, lots of limbs and a couple hides down low and one up high.

[Lankyrob]

Large enclosures are fine as long as there are plenty of hides. My BP baby went straight into a 4x2x2 foot viv - just with 60% of the floor space covered in "hides". (i also feed in their enclosures :) - there is no issue with that)

[whoaxmary]

Mhm, My BP is in a fairly large viv, and has been it in almost since the day I got her. She seems more than comfortable, but it is loaded with plants and places to hide. She especially likes sitting right in the middle under one big fake leaf that lays right over her and stares out at the room. She often moves from side to side, up her log, and what not. So, I think they are only to large when you're unable to control temps & humidity / your snakes seems uncomfortable because you are not able to make it secure enough inside.

[Strutter769]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll definitely make sure she has plenty of hides when we do finally set up the cage. The enclosure is hex-shaped, about 4' tall and I wanna say 46" wide at the widest points (I'll measure when I take the pictures this afternoon). The top had spaces for heat lights/ceramic bulbs. And I'll probably end up with a UTH also. I have a fountain that used to be in Lucy's cage I'll use to keep the humidity up, along with some boxes with damp moss (Forgot the jargon term) built into the floor.

Question: I know most snakes don't need it, but should I consider a Vita-Lite for a BRB? The top of the cage has two huge florescent light fixtures. Maybe even too much light. Ok, any and all feedback is appreciated.

[stephanbakir]

Snakes don't need UV, the only time natural light is great is when you are taking photos

[Strutter769]

The enclosure itself is 33" tall and 50" from point to point of the hexagon. There is screen atop the glass, that has two holes for heat lights. Inside the black to that you see are the florescent fixtures I mentioned previously. Who has some feedback for me?

[stephanbakir]

Looks amazing, any way of attaching branches to it and allowing them to climb?
Are those booster seats for kiddies?

[Strutter769]

Yes, those are booster chairs on the table. I do have a huge piece of driftwood that'll go in, and most likely a large branch if it doesn't look too bulky. Under the "Hood" it has a screen top that should allow me to hang vines etc for a true jungle look and feel. It'll be awesome! You'll see.

[stephanbakir]

Lookin forward to it!

[SnakeManKyle]

Nice! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Aaron_S]

I wouldn't want to clean that size of enclosure! Looks awkward.

It does look like it would be fun to own though. My only concern is the heat. It's very tall so be sure to make basking spots since you're using lighting.

Personally, I'd use that for a lizard or something that really likes to climb by nature like an ETB or GTP. More reason to buy new animals ;)