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Norm66
12-18-11, 10:31 AM
I won an auction for a baby hypo boa. He'll be delivered one day this week and will start out in a rubbermaid tub. I love boas and have wanted one for a while and when my wife won an auction for a male pastel BP I decided to try for the boa and piggyback shipping prices. Definitely got a good deal.

Long term I'm thinking about enclosing the bottom part of my 125 gallon aquarium stand as an enclosure. It already has sides, put a back on it, some nice sliding doors, some insulation at the top, seal it all up and it would be a pretty cool enclosure I think. Snake on bottom, fish on top. It's about 6 1/2' long, 2' wide and about 2 1/2' tall. The only dimension I worry about is that it's only 2' deep. Would that be a deal breaker?

Haven't even thought of a name yet. I'll get to it.

alessia55
12-18-11, 10:32 AM
Congrats! Can't wait to see pics of both new snakes :yes:

EasternGirl
12-18-11, 10:34 AM
Congrats! Yes...post pics!

marvelfreak
12-18-11, 10:36 AM
It's about 6 1/2' long, 2' wide and about 2 1/2' tall. The only dimension I worry about is that it's only 2' deep. Would that be a deal breaker?

Haven't even thought of a name yet. I'll get to it.
Congrats! On the size it should work. It just depends on how big it gets.

CK SandBoas
12-18-11, 12:22 PM
Congrats on the new additions!:D

KORBIN5895
12-18-11, 12:51 PM
Is it a hogg island? If it is and it is a male that should be plenty big. I converted the aquarium stand one of my terrariums is on into a ferret cage.

Rogue628
12-18-11, 01:50 PM
Congrats and don't forget pics!

Snakes are addictive :D

jarich
12-18-11, 04:08 PM
Is it a hogg island? If it is and it is a male that should be plenty big. I converted the aquarium stand one of my terrariums is on into a ferret cage.

And if it outgrows the enclosure, you can always build a larger one (and then youll just have to find something to go in the smaller one again :D) Oh the temptations of having an empty enclosure...

KORBIN5895
12-18-11, 05:07 PM
You know Jarich something must be wrong with people like us. I was thinking the exact same thing. I am sure we aren't the only two.

It'sKourtneyYo
12-18-11, 05:11 PM
Oh the temptations of having an empty enclosure...

i know right? I have 3 empty 10 gallons right now but I don't know what do do with them!
I want to start a mini fishtank with one for sure and get a firebellied newt in there. The other 2 it can't be fish because they have little cracks in them but I'm not sure what would be small enough to put in there.

does anyone think a green anole or 2 would live in there happily? I've been wanting to get a couple.
and I have this wooden thing that would be perfect for house geckos wants I fix it up. I plan on making it "glow in the dark" themed, I have some glow in the dark stars I'm going to put inside it so when the lights go out you can see them.

feel free to throw out any ideas anyone! I might make a thread about it when I get back. I'm going on a hunt for some drift wood for Vlad to climb on :D

Norm66
12-18-11, 06:41 PM
It's nor a Hog Island. In fact I just realized i don't know what it is, BCI o BCC. The auction said hypo boa constrictor male and that's it. Hmmmm...I just fell in love with the look of the thing.

I like the way you think Jarich. Lol.

Pics when he arrives.

alessia55
12-18-11, 07:52 PM
I want picssss :yes: When does he arrive??

Rogue628
12-18-11, 08:38 PM
You know Jarich something must be wrong with people like us. I was thinking the exact same thing. I am sure we aren't the only two.

Nope *waves* :D

While I was out picking up a new home for my PRB (much smaller and she seems to be calming down quicker in it), since they were on sale and really cheap, I picked up a couple more for my kids' ball pythons for Christmas gifts, and a couple of extras for "just in case". Now I have empty "nests" that need to be filled!

Norm, what that the hypo Ben auctioned yesterday or day before? (sorry my days have been running into each other lately)

Norm66
12-19-11, 07:00 AM
Alessia, I'm having them shipped to my friend's house since she's home during the day and is snake-knowledgeable she can take care of them til I get home from work. I'll take her pre set up tubs with a heat mat etc so she just has to unbox/bag and put them in. Just have to find out what day is good for her to do it.

Rogue, yes the hypo from Saturday night. $66. Becky won a pastel BP Thursday I think for $65. We're done now. LOL

I really think the aquarium stand will look great with a climbing branch or two with a boa in it. I think I can even make the conversion without taking down the aquarium as long as I'm careful. It'll require some longer hoses for the filter to sit off to the side, but that's not a big deal at all. Figuring out doors will be the hardest part and even that shouldn't be too bad.

And if he does outgrow it....rainbow boa maybe? LOL

Jacob1750
12-19-11, 07:31 AM
I have a 125 gallon and was keeping my ball python in it. I got petunia, my blood python, and now she is in the tank and the ball is in the enclosure I made out of the stand for the 125. It works very well and I reccomend it as a great way to save money on an enclosure. Congrats, on your new boa dude!!!

Terranaut
12-19-11, 08:07 AM
Boas are great !! You'll love him.

Norm66
12-19-11, 08:16 AM
Yea, I just love boas and am very much looking forward to getting this guy. The look, the attitude, the inquisitiveness, everything. I've been around and handled several over the years. To tell the truth I would have had snakes years ago (probably instead of the fish) had my wife Becky been onboard back then. But she's just lately gotten,the bug (by going over to our friend's house and helping with her collection) and that's opened up some doors for me.

Plus getting a baby and having Becky grow up with it (so to speak) will be to her benefit.

millertime89
12-20-11, 04:44 PM
Congrats Norm! Be sure to post up pics when you get the little one in!

Norm66
12-20-11, 05:12 PM
Just got a shipping notice from FedEx. Woohoo! They're going to my friend's house until I get home from work tomorrow so I'm dropping off a heat lamp and some tubs (all set up) over there this evening to keep them in. I just got done burning holes in the tubs and the house smells a bit like plastic. I couldn't find a soldering gun (haven't seen mine since we moved 10 years ago) so I used a nail in a pair of vise grips heated on the stove. Crude but effective. ;^)

Anyway, I am definitely excited. I've always loved boas and to have my very own is a bit of a dream come true thing. LOL.

jdavy
12-20-11, 05:17 PM
The dimensions that you described should be fine for an adult boa.

The two methods that I think of when considering minimum cage sizing are:

i) Perimeter of the cage must be longer than snakes total length (in this case you are talking about a 17' perimeter for a snake that may grow to be as big as 9 or so feet).

ii) Square footage of enclosure should be greater than snake's total length for heavy bodied species (in this case 13 sq ft).

Of course these are considered to be minimums, but you should be ok either way.

Congrats on the new snakes:)!

Rogue628
12-20-11, 11:24 PM
Just got a shipping notice from FedEx. Woohoo! They're going to my friend's house until I get home from work tomorrow so I'm dropping off a heat lamp and some tubs (all set up) over there this evening to keep them in. I just got done burning holes in the tubs and the house smells a bit like plastic. I couldn't find a soldering gun (haven't seen mine since we moved 10 years ago) so I used a nail in a pair of vise grips heated on the stove. Crude but effective. ;^)

Anyway, I am definitely excited. I've always loved boas and to have my very own is a bit of a dream come true thing. LOL.


Again, congrats! :D I know what it's like to finally get to own a dream animal :)

Wal-Mart has little inexpensive soldering iron for like $8...or that's how much it is at mine. BTW, I HATE the smell of burning plastic. *barf*

When we moved and I couldn't find my soldering iron, we used a heated (by stove) coat hanger (we cut the straight part off). About the time we finished, I found the soldering iron....Doh! :O_o:

Norm66
12-21-11, 06:25 AM
Thanks for the info JDavy. I've seen several different 'thumb rules' for how big an enclosure needs to be. Yours makes as much sense as any. I really think it'll look great all put together.

Rogue, I know. And worse, I was at Wal Mart last night. Oh well, the nail worked and by the time I got home from dropping the tubs off the smell had dissipated. Luckily it was fairly warm outside and I was able to open the kitchen window.

As of 6:00 this morning UPS showed the snakes in Lexington, KY. I'm very excited. My friend has promised to text me pics as soon as she gets them unpacked. LOL.

KORBIN5895
12-21-11, 07:34 AM
I just use my drill for making holes in plastic ............... even a cordless screwdriver or a screwdriver that takes interchangeable bits with a drill bit would work better.

Norm66
12-21-11, 07:58 AM
Yes, it would. However my battery wasn't charged and I needed to get it done. LOL.

I'll definitely use something else and do a neater job when I put the holes in the tubs for the rack. Heck, I might even measure and space them out properly who knows? ;^)

Rogue628
12-21-11, 09:45 AM
I just use my drill for making holes in plastic ............... even a cordless screwdriver or a screwdriver that takes interchangeable bits with a drill bit would work better.


Never thought about that! I'll have to try that next time my soldering iron goes out :D

Norm, can't wait to see the pics! :D

Norm66
12-21-11, 09:49 AM
Norm, can't wait to see the pics! :D

They're here. Arrived safe and sound about 20 minutes ago. Everybody looks good and are safe in their tubs until I get out of here at 3:00.

alessia55
12-21-11, 09:51 AM
They're here. Arrived safe and sound about 20 minutes ago. Everybody looks good and are safe in their tubs until I get out of here at 3:00.

aw c'mon snap some quick cell phone pics at least :D

Norm66
12-21-11, 09:58 AM
Oh, I haven't seen them, they're at my friend's house since she's home during the day and has a warm snake room.

alessia55
12-21-11, 10:06 AM
Oh, I haven't seen them, they're at my friend's house since she's home during the day and has a warm snake room.

Ohhh gotcha. Ok ok I'll wait :blink:

Norm66
12-21-11, 10:42 AM
Ohhh gotcha. Ok ok I'll wait :blink:
Well, if I have to wait so do you. ;^)

millertime89
12-21-11, 11:00 AM
like I said in the other thread Norm, you should hide that new enchi from your wife for a few days.

Norm66
12-21-11, 11:04 AM
I'm actually debating that Kyle. It'll have to wait until Christmas if I wait due to Christmas travel plans. I'd rather have it at home so I'm leaning toward springing it on her tonight.

millertime89
12-21-11, 11:29 AM
its only a few days, maybe Christmas Eve?

Norm66
12-21-11, 11:36 AM
The friend who has the 'hide-out' is out of town Christmas Eve and I'm not sure if I can wait til Christmas day. LOL. It's killing me now having to work for 2 1/2 more hours.

Gungirl
12-21-11, 12:05 PM
Ohh just give it to her. It doesn't matter what day it is she will be just as happy!

millertime89
12-21-11, 12:16 PM
Ohh just give it to her. It doesn't matter what day it is she will be just as happy!
fun hater.

KORBIN5895
12-21-11, 12:46 PM
I say wait til Christmas.

Norm66
12-21-11, 12:51 PM
LOL. Too funny. Don't you think it would be even more of a surprise if it was a Christmas gift that she didn't get on Christmas? ;^)

KORBIN5895
12-21-11, 01:06 PM
No. I would be like you waited for the day after Christmas sale! Jerk!

Norm66
12-21-11, 04:02 PM
No. I would be like you waited for the day after Christmas sale! Jerk!

LOL. Too funny.

Here's the new boa! I'm honestly pretty impressed. I bought him on the strength of one picture so I was a little hesitant obviously. I'm glad I got him though. Super stoked actually. :freakedout:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V84qcSdOBF8/TvJSb7RvmyI/AAAAAAAAA0U/kary596IAmQ/s640/023.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_tdLoWeiSVY/TvJSY5tQk8I/AAAAAAAAA0M/dhtURUq1-ik/s640/021.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M2Owrslirw4/TvJSUZqnXjI/AAAAAAAAA0E/rKUcRwEdCUE/s640/016.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xOxDhkZxaQ/TvJSTHdod6I/AAAAAAAAAz8/fONyqqoqwUU/s640/015.JPG

He was a squirmy little sucker, wanted to do everything but get his picture taken. He's curled up in his water dish now so he may have been a bit dehydrated. I gave a cursory exam for mites to all 3 and found nothing but I'll keep a close eye on them.

KORBIN5895
12-21-11, 05:10 PM
That first pic makes him look higher than a kite with the bug eyes and little smile ..

alessia55
12-21-11, 05:39 PM
Amazing. I love that boa you got! What a looker :yes: Congrats

Norm66
12-21-11, 06:05 PM
That first pic makes him look higher than a kite with the bug eyes and little smile ..

Lol. Yea he does. Hadn't noticed before.

Thanks Alessia!

When I opened the tub to check temp he was coiled up on top of his hide. Too cute.

Rogue628
12-21-11, 06:05 PM
Nice! Congrats! Now I want to get another! I haven't had an RTB in years.

Now....pics of the other two, Mister! :D

Norm66
12-21-11, 06:35 PM
Rogue, check the ball python forum.

Rogue628
12-21-11, 06:48 PM
Headed there now.... :D

Terranaut
12-21-11, 07:46 PM
You have done well. Wait till Christmas. Worth it for sure. Nice BPs as well. Your getting quite a few snakes. I just spent 3 hrs cleaning all of my enclosures. Welcome to the club. Your wife will be stoked!!
Merry Christmas to her!!

Norm66
12-21-11, 09:00 PM
Yea between aquarium maintenance, taking dogs out, cat boxes and now snakes I'll stay busy. It still isn't as bad as when we rescued ferrets. That was a truly labor intensive 10 years or so. But really I enjoy the work that goes along with keeping animals. They're my kids.

Ridge Runner_20
12-23-11, 06:16 PM
NICE little boa! Almost looks like a carmel? Still trying to get all the boa morphs down. Congrats!

RR_20 (Mike)

Norm66
01-16-12, 03:04 PM
Mike, he's a hypomelanistic. Or that's what he was sold to me as anyway. Got him from Ben Siegel and have no reason to doubt his word.

News time, Mario had his first shed for me today. I'm still new enough that a perfect shed makes me really happy. I spent a happy five minutes carefully unrolling it and now it's on display for Becky when she comes home. :)

Rogue628
01-16-12, 06:38 PM
Perfect sheds always make me happy. I still unroll them, check for eye caps and make sure the vent came off as well as anything else that I can learn from the shed. I try to keep them for a few days but the boyfriend usually trashes them as soon as I get done inspecting it. :unhappy: