Snake Rack Opinions?

SWDK · 09-07-12, 09:39 AM

What's everyone's take in using racks/tubs instead of a cage type enclosure? Personally, I'm torn on which way to think. Part of me feels they're unethical due to size. Another part of me feels that they can provide a nice calm environment for the snakes. Let's hear your thought, opinions, etc.

StudentoReptile · 09-07-12, 10:04 AM

It depends on the species and also what you want. Many snakes are perfectly content with and actually prefer the tight, comfy quarters of a tub as opposed to a open, spacious tank or cage. You can control the temps and humidity a lot better in a tub. And in most cases, snakes tend to breed better.

Most people who make the unethical comparison know little about snakes in general or the set-ups, much less ever used on themselves. They often even compare this to puppy mills, which is like comparing apples to...screwdrivers. Backyard breeder/puppy mills are nothing like keeping a large collection of snakes in racks. We comparing a warm-blooded, social pack mammalian omnivore to a cold-blooded, solitary carnivore. Completely different organisms with completely different needs and anatomy/physiology.

Now, if you want to see your snake all the time, by all means, house it in a cool, spacious display enclosure. Just be sure it has everything for it to feel comfortable: plenty of hides, decorations, water, etc.

Norm66 · 09-07-12, 10:16 AM

I love my rack and wouldn't keep more than one or two snakes without one.

exwizard · 09-07-12, 10:24 AM

I have an Arboreal, a 6' Neodesha, a Boaphile, glass tanks as well as 3 racks, all housing 30 snakes. These racks are what makes it all possible. My snakes are comfortable and will continue to be so. As they grow, they will move into bigger racks like I one I have on order now.

Lankyrob · 09-07-12, 03:17 PM

I understand why people use racks but they are just not for me, i like to give all my snakes as much space as practically possible so "full size" vivs are the way i go

SWDK · 09-07-12, 03:44 PM

I'm thinking about a possible rack system now, thus the point of this thread. I'll be acquiring a few more snakes tomorrow and a rack system would work out well.

StudentoReptile · 09-07-12, 03:48 PM

When it comes to housing a large number of snakes and trying to save some space, you won't regret it.

UwabamiReptiles · 09-07-12, 03:52 PM

I really like my racks. It really depends on what animal you're housing though. Some species do great in racks and others would do better in a bigger cage. I have both and I like both.

exwizard · 09-07-12, 04:10 PM

This is what I mean by using the combination of the 3 racks (1753(6) Economy, CB70(4) and Sterilite 1860/1960(4) plus the 6' Neodesha, the Arboreal, the Boaphile and the glass tanks). The new rack on order is also an AP but its a 6 shelf with 74qt tubs because my snakes are growing. Racks are a big help when it comes to having multiple snakes but they dont have to be used exclusively.

Snickers · 09-07-12, 10:59 PM

Racks were designed specifically for ball pythons. For all other types of herps you should keep them in a viv.

red ink · 09-08-12, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWDK

What's everyone's take in using racks/tubs instead of a cage type enclosure? Personally, I'm torn on which way to think. Part of me feels they're unethical due to size. Another part of me feels that they can provide a nice calm environment for the snakes. Let's hear your thought, opinions, etc.

Racks are perfectly suitable for some species.... "some species"

shaunyboy · 09-08-12, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I understand why people use racks but they are just not for me, i like to give all my snakes as much space as practically possible so "full size" vivs are the way i go

Quote:

Originally Posted by red ink

Racks are perfectly suitable for some species.... "some species"

^^^^^
i agree with the above

cheers shaun

knox · 09-08-12, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snickers

Racks were designed specifically for ball pythons. For all other types of herps you should keep them in a viv.

Corn Snake breeders across the U.S. wold disagree.

I have used both, and my snakes don't seem to have a preference. For what it's worth - in my current Animal Plastics 32qt rack, my snakes have more floor space than in a 20 Gallon long aquarium.

SWDK · 09-08-12, 08:43 AM

What about for carpets? Will they be ok in a large rack system? I was supposed to only get a new pair of carpets today, but the guy ended up giving me another mixed pair at 1/2 price. Now I'm out if caged so I thought racks would work out.

red ink · 09-08-12, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWDK

What about for carpets? Will they be ok in a large rack system? I was supposed to only get a new pair of carpets today, but the guy ended up giving me another mixed pair at 1/2 price. Now I'm out if caged so I thought racks would work out.

Carpets IMO are definitely not a rack and stack species... People do do it but as a Morelia enthusiast this is one species that I personally would never ever put in a rack.