Enclosure Size Question

[55Ballin]

Well, I just finished building a melamine enclosure for my ball python. I was so excited to build it and while researching, most care sheets said floor space should be "at least" 36x12 (I made it 48x24). I originally knew it was going to be on the large side for a ball, but figured I'd make it big so he could grow into it. Well, now that I am just about completely finished (temps/humidity correct, hides/substrate in place, just waiting for the glass doors to come in) I have found that the 4'x2'x15" enclosure is entirely too big for my 2' BP. I currently have him in a 20g and everything has been fine. Any suggestions for what I should do?

[Vypyrz]

Well, I just finished building a melamine enclosure for my ball python. I was so excited to build it and while researching, most care sheets said floor space should be "at least" 36x12 (I made it 48x24). I originally knew it was going to be on the large side for a ball, but figured I'd make it big so he could grow into it. Well, now that I am just about completely finished (temps/humidity correct, hides/substrate in place, just waiting for the glass doors to come in) I have found that the 4'x2'x15" enclosure is entirely too big for my 2' BP. I currently have him in a 20g and everything has been fine. Any suggestions for what I should do?

I would keep him in the 20gal until he reaches about 38-40 inches. This would give you enough time to build another enclosure for the BP, or modify the one you have, if possible. 36L X 15H X 18-20W would work. That is about the same size as a 40 gallon breeder tank that is sold in pet stores.

My suggestion for the 4 X 2 enclosure is easy. That is a good size for an adult boa from one of the Central American, Insular Islands, or Mexican localities. They generally stay between 5-7 feet, depending on the sex and genetics of the animal. Or, you could try selling it to get the money to build a smaller enclosure...

[55Ballin]

Your solution for the 4x2 is exactly what I was thinking. I am going to the White Plains show on Sunday and I plan picking up a Colombian Red tail or another smaller BCI. I currently have the BP on a shelving unit with my sister's Hermann's tortoise with the new enclosure right next to is, so if I ever needed to (and the way I'm going I wouldn't put it past me) I could hold up to 2-3 more 30g Breeders without sacrificing ANY floor space.

I was just curious as to how much difficulty would be involved if I were to place the BP such a large enclosure. I expect feeding and other stress related issues which I'm going to avoid at all costs.

[Oxylepy]

Buy a boa/dwarf retic.

[55Ballin]

This is the cage.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...e/tankfull.jpg

Like I said, I'm still waiting on the glass doors to be cut/polished so there isn't anything living in the tank yet. BUT the hot end is at 92, the cool end bounces between 75 and 83 depending on the time of day, and the humidity is at 50%. Soooo...I guess I'll just have to wait till Sunday for a BCI. I feel kinda stupid for not catching this glitch earlier though...kind of a newb mistake :/

[Oxylepy]

Wait you're seriously going to buy a BCI? THAT'S AWESOME!

But dont buy one at a pet store, I'd say either go to a pet show or order online. BCIs are absolutely amazing snakes and one would do well in that tank.

[55Ballin]

Wait you're seriously going to buy a BCI? THAT'S AWESOME!

Yeah, I'm going to an Expo this weekend and was planning on getting another ball. I ORIGINALLY wanted a BCI, not a ball, but went with a ball because I had one before and had no experience with BCI's. So I am going to get a BCI this weekend to fill the big cage.

I stay away from pet stores and only use them for feeders.

[Oxylepy]

Awesome. I wish I could go buy one, haha. I hope it all works out for you and you come home with a gorgeous BCI.

[Vypyrz]

That's a nice enclosure. Good job. Make sure you keep a close eye on the tiles. If one should happen to come loose and gets stuck to your snake, it won't be fun...