Several 4x2x2 enclosures. Buy or make?

medicinhed · 03-07-13, 12:19 AM

Situation: In a year to two years I am going to need 3 - 4 larger high humidity capable enclosures.

Potentially housing: 0.1 BCI, 1.1 Woma pythons, 1.1 BRB, 1.1 BPs.

Which is more cost effective:

Buy commercially made Boa/Python enclosure. (3-4 separate 4x2x2, or Condominium style with 3-4 built together in one big rack.

Build my own.

Commercial steel rack systems. 4 x 2 x 3 (Each shelf can hold 400 lbs.) and use large acrylic or glass enclosures. With this option I can fit an enclosure on each shelf.

If, although unlikely, that I would get an albino male burm, would I need a
6 x 2 x 2?

I am in no rush to either acquire the specimens, or acquire the enclosures. I'm just planning for far down the road.

Thanks for any tips or pro tricks.

stephanbakir · 03-07-13, 12:38 AM

Rack systems are more cost effective generally. Why 3-4 cages for 7 snakes?
PVCX enclosures are generally better for high humidity snakes as they don't risk rotting.
Regarding the burm, if you want to buy him a forever cage (you could buy/make him a cost effective 8 foot cage for about 400-500$) but you will end up replacing it in 5-10 years, or sooner if he decides to break it. A sentec cage will last him forever for 50% more money.

KORBIN5895 · 03-07-13, 01:31 AM

Honestly you could make an 8'x4'x2' stack containing four enclosures dirt cheap. You would need four 8'x4' sheets of plywood. I used one side finished birch which cost me $45 a sheet ( it would be cheaper state side). So at that cost it would cost you $180 for the basic shell. Your doors and glass ( or Plexiglas) cost will be affected by the style you choose. I could see you making a nice stack for $400-$500.

medicinhed · 03-07-13, 03:52 AM

The BPs would just stay in 40 breeder tanks. They don't need much bigger, and I'm not planning any BP breeding. There's enough amateur backyard BP breeders out there.

The large enclosures would be for the Womas, BCI, and BRBs. I prefer display enclosures rather than XXL sterilite tubs.

If and when a burm comes across my path, and I'm ready, I would probably spring for a pro style, completely secure enclosure.

medicinhed · 03-07-13, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Honestly you could make an 8'x4'x2' stack containing four enclosures dirt cheap. You would need four 8'x4' sheets of plywood. I used one side finished birch which cost me $45 a sheet ( it would be cheaper state side). So at that cost it would cost you $180 for the basic shell. Your doors and glass ( or Plexiglas) cost will be affected by the style you choose. I could see you making a nice stack for $400-$500.

This was along the lines I was thinking of. Plus, I like working with tools. I enjoy the whole craftsman touches that I could incorporate. There's plans out there for sure.

$100-$150 each for a good enclosure system would be good.

Would you suggest formica sheeting to line the interior?

I was also looking at industrial racks. At 48 x 18 x72 I could fit 4 55 gallon tanks in one rack. I know tanks are inefficient, but they are readily available for pretty low cost.

I would then get a 36 x 18 x 24 for my 20 longs/40 breeders. (juves, amphibs, and colubrids).

KORBIN5895 · 03-07-13, 04:55 AM

I just stained and sealed my interior.

Mine is basically a plywood box and some finish trim.

medicinhed · 03-07-13, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

I just stained and sealed my interior.

Mine is basically a plywood box and some finish trim.

Nice. I was wondering if a stain and seal would work. 'Ppreciate the tips .

KORBIN5895 · 03-07-13, 06:07 PM

The seal works great for me. Just silicone the joints.