Future snake thoughts

NewHerp293 · 02-05-15, 12:45 PM

Hey everyone, im bored sitting in class so ive been doing some research on the next two types of snakes i will eventually be getting. Ive decided upon a BRB and a JCP (possibly jag) but i was looking at general enclosure things and had a couple questions. I really like the look of animal plastics t10 cages, would i be able to keep these two snakes with correct environment in this enclosure? Each would have there own t10 of course but is that enough room/too much room? Also what is the best way to heat this type of cage, i really have only used UTHs. And any opinions on sliding vs. hinged doors?

Mikoh4792 · 02-05-15, 02:18 PM

No such thing as too much room for any animal. Security is key(lots of hides, branches, plants...etc). There is however such a thing as too little room.

A t-10 is fine. Most carpet breeders use 3x2 of floorspace as a minimum for jungle carpet pythons.

IW17 · 02-05-15, 08:33 PM

Ap10 will work fine for these animals unless you wind up with one of the exceptionally large carpets. But those are not common so I wouldn't be to concerned.

NewHerp293 · 02-05-15, 08:38 PM

Right i figured that they are too big as babies so i would only use half of the cage until they needed the whole thing. I would have plenty of hides and security items. Whats the best type of substrate for keeping humidity up. The aspen has been great for my rosy but ive heard it molds easy, so is there something that will hold moisture without molding quickly?

toddnbecka · 02-06-15, 12:30 AM

Cypress mulch works well for holding moisture/humidity and doesn't mold. Sphagnum moss works well too.

IW17 · 02-06-15, 06:35 AM

You could use those enclosures right away. Just fill up the empty space so the feel comfortable. Size doesn't matter so long as they don't feel exposed.

Mikoh4792 · 02-06-15, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

You could use those enclosures right away. Just fill up the empty space so the feel comfortable. Size doesn't matter so long as they don't feel exposed.

+1. No such thing as too much room. Empty space that makes your snake feel insecure is what causes stress.

Any substrate is good. Carpets don't need high humidity. Anything above 40% will work fine.

marvelfreak · 02-06-15, 10:46 AM

Two great choices. Reptile Bark work great for holding humidity. Plus it can be wash and reused it tells how to do it on the bag. Also just having a big water bowl will help keep humidity up. As for heat i use UTH with a thermostat and it works perfected. The best heat pad around are Ultratherm Undertank Heater. You can find them here Reptile Heating. As far as doors i prefer hinged. this allows me to open it quick and just drop the rat in for my more aggressive feeders.

NewHerp293 · 02-06-15, 11:09 AM

Do you just attach your UTH straight to the bottom on the outside of the PVC cage? Also great info on the substrate, thanks!

marvelfreak · 02-06-15, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewHerp293

Do you just attach your UTH straight to the bottom on the outside of the PVC cage? Also great info on the substrate, thanks!

The UTH that i use don't have the sticky side like others. I just set it under the cage on one side with a thin piece of tile next to it so the cage doesn't pinch it. You want just a slight gab so the weight of the cage doesn't pinch it down making a hot spot. If a heat pad can't breath a little it can over heat and burn out quicker. If you go by the directions on the package you'll be fine.

bigsnakegirl785 · 02-09-15, 10:04 AM

I use sphagnum moss to provide super high humidity with a flexwatt. Otherwise, I use EcoEarth with overhead heating. I personally do not like belly heat at all. I like to be able to heat the air (heating the air also allows more humidity to hang in the air as opposed to room temp air), and since I like to use my bedding to provide humidity, it molds very easily in a belly heat set up, which means for the one enclosure using belly heat I have to maintain humidity completely differently. For a BRB, I personally would use an RHP, for a carpet I'd say an RHP or CHE would be fine.

trailblazer295 · 02-09-15, 05:39 PM

With regards to sticking a UTH to the bottom of the PVC cage I've found that they don't stick for very long, the heat and properties of pvc don't allow from proper adhesion and eventually starts to come off. I started a thread to to fix the issue and it was recommended to use aluminum foil tape used for ductwork on hvac equipment. I happen to be an hvac mechanic so I had it in my truck. But it can be bought at any hardware store. It will secure your UTH and also transfer heat without damage.

jjhill001 · 02-09-15, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

With regards to sticking a UTH to the bottom of the PVC cage I've found that they don't stick for very long, the heat and properties of pvc don't allow from proper adhesion and eventually starts to come off. I started a thread to to fix the issue and it was recommended to use aluminum foil tape used for ductwork on hvac equipment. I happen to be an hvac mechanic so I had it in my truck. But it can be bought at any hardware store. It will secure your UTH and also transfer heat without damage.

Not to mention you can expand heat distribution because the aluminum conducts heat.