keeping carpets in 12" cages

Moreau · 07-25-14, 08:33 PM

Anyone keep carpets in 12" cages? I would prefer to keep them in taller cages, but I am in need of more cages and can get a great deal on some 4x2x1 cages and don't want to pass it up. I plan to use RHPs and hopefully perches if I can fit any in there.

**millertime89** · 07-25-14, 09:00 PM

I have and I know quite a few other people that do. More room than a rack that some people keep them in.

aaron_cg · 07-25-14, 09:03 PM

You can, up to you. Size wife, it's fine. Although, I would personally go with at least 2 feet tall, if not 3.

franks · 07-25-14, 09:25 PM

I think 12" is pretty small. They are your snakes and it's your call, but I think your animals would be more comfortable with more height.

Mikoh4792 · 07-25-14, 10:52 PM

People have different opinions, so here are some pics of cages of different heights. Your choice

12 inches

18 inches

2 foot

franks · 07-26-14, 06:20 AM

The snake is going to burn itself on the bulb in the middle picture. Those are some cool reptile rooms.

Mikoh4792 · 07-26-14, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

The snake is going to burn itself on the bulb in the middle picture. Those are some cool reptile rooms.

Didn't even notice that. Not safe at all without a guard.

franks · 07-26-14, 07:11 AM

I stupidly injured my monitor that way. I use an array of 4 bulbs. This winter in my old apartment temps would go down to the 60s and I had 2 bulbs go on me at once. I put in a 150watt ceramic bulb for a temporary fix. Those things get freaking hot man. No joke my lizard moved a piece of slate under it and was able to grab onto the bulb next to the ceramic one putting his back in contact with it. Nasty blisters. I felt like an idiot. Carpets look to go up and climb (you know that). That snake is definitely going to contact that bulb.

marvelfreak · 07-26-14, 07:41 AM

Even in a 12" cage you can put perches at different heights and they will use them. The best way is to do one like 6" then another around 9" or 10" high. Then put on towards the front and the other towards the back of the cage. I use UTH for mine. Also another idea is you can always stand the cage on the end. Making it 4' high x 2' deep x 1' wide then you could do multiply perches or shelves. if you did it this way then i would use a RHP.

What kind of Carpet are you putting into it? If it something that will get big you might want more floor space than high.

Moreau · 07-26-14, 11:46 AM

Well I have two that could go in them, a young coastal, and an unknown carpet.
I have been thinking though that I might buy them and seal them together, cut a hole in the roof / floor and make a two level two foot high cage for one of them.

Mikoh4792 · 07-26-14, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

Even in a 12" cage you can put perches at different heights and they will use them. The best way is to do one like 6" then another around 9" or 10" high. Then put on towards the front and the other towards the back of the cage. I use UTH for mine. Also another idea is you can always stand the cage on the end. Making it 4' high x 2' deep x 1' wide then you could do multiply perches or shelves. if you did it this way then i would use a RHP.

What kind of Carpet are you putting into it? If it something that will get big you might want more floor space than high.

+1 Chuck has good examples of 1 foot high enclosures with perching.

David VB · 07-27-14, 07:16 AM

Those picture are awefull... No perches or plants, which they love. They also like some more height and will use it when given.

franks · 07-27-14, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David VB

Those picture are awefull... No perches or plants, which they love. They also like some more height and will use it when given.

The bottom picture has a shelf perch in it. I agree with you David overall. I don't judge anyone who keeps their snakes like this, but I do find it a little perplexing that someone would rather keep 4 snakes cramped than 1 in a (what we think is an "appropriately" sized) box. I understand that breeders just simply do not have room, but I think that the practice sets a bad example for our hobby.
Chuck: I do not think it would be a good idea to stand the enclosure up- that would leave the snake with a 1'x2' floor space. It would give the snake adequate height but the snake would not really be able to stretch out at all.

Mikoh4792 · 07-27-14, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David VB

Those picture are awefull... No perches or plants, which they love. They also like some more height and will use it when given.

Then you will love this one

Mikoh4792 · 07-27-14, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

I understand that breeders just simply do not have room, but I think that the practice sets a bad example for our hobby.

I agree. I think many breeders are looking at it the wrong way. Instead of giving your snakes less room so you can breed more snakes, you should breed less snakes so you can provide more room for each one.