Zoo Med Euro cage

[Ghosted]

Hey guys, I just want some opinions on this. I have the opportunity to pick up a Zoo Med Euro cage for a really good price (well good price considering the retail on them is $3k ). I have 5 ball pythons, all sub-adult. I don't know what their weight is individually, however, my smallest one is about 2 ft, and the other 4 are around 3ft. Here is the cage http://www.bigappleherp.com/Zoo-Med-Euro-Cage-Unit . For those who do not want to follow the link, the basics of it is as follows: "this cage unit is ideal for both the serious hobbyist, breeder or as a retail store display. Contains 9 separate cages each 21"H x 17"W x 24"D with an overall size of 7’ 6-1/2”H x 4’ 3-1/4”W x 2’D." Now, how long do you think that would last for my ball pythons? Currently one is housed in a 20L and the rest are in 41qt sterilite tubs. Reasons that I really like this setup is that it just looks fantastic I think, and should make cleaning cages alot easier. Or do you have any other ideas?

[Rawbbeh]

Those are gonna be too small...hard for them to stretch out and whatnot...

If I may...I point you in the direction of these:

http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagessupply.html

Not only are they cheaper, they are bigger, stackable, AND the plastic used in them is marine grade, 110% safe, and impossible to stain. It is also impossible to get anything to "stick" to it too...so glue and whatnot will just chip right off. ITS SUPER EASY TO CLEAN!!

I just got one for my BP..moved him in today and it is AMAZING!

Mounted a ProHeat panel in it from ProProducts (the maker of the cage will pre drill the holes to mount the panel inside it for you!)

The entire cage takes about 10 minutes to build as it comes in pre cut and drilled plastic panels. A quick video on his website is all you need to realize that a Neanderthal could put it together!


There are 2 different cage styles, the modular and the pro stack. The pro stack is an already built column that you can specify the sizes that you want. So if you have a collection, it is its own "display case". Likewise, the modular units are single cages (what I bought) but multiple modular cases stack on top of each other and have pre drilled holes so that you can screw them together for good stability. It's really neat!

[dpal666]

that puts each individual cage at 37g, but they're taller than they are wide, if the was a customization option, I'd be all over it.

[Vypyrz]

I'm not sure what price you have the opportunity to get one at, but here are some things that I see that should be considered.
-While BP's can live in racks without hides, each of those cages is 21" tall, so you will probably have to use hide boxes.
-Each individual cage has a floor space of 24" X 17", which is about the same area as a 32 quart tub, so it would probably work for snakes up to about 3' to 3.5'. But if any of your snakes get any bigger than that, then they would need a more floor space to accomodate the snake and furnishings.
- Also, consider the heat source. Each cage has basically a screen top with heat lamps above it, with no provisions for optional belly heat, so you are looking at potential humidity retention problems, as well as, trying to maintain proper temperatures and gradients along the floor. Not to mention, the replacement costs for the bulbs, which don't have near the life span of Under Tank Heaters, Flexwatt, or Radient Heat Panels. Unless, there is a way to get into the spaces, remove the light fixtures and mount in belly heat, yourself.
Personally, I would go with PVC cages. Most of the cage manufacturers offer multi-unit and dividable cages, if that is what you are looking for. And most offer "combo's" and "stack" packages for about half the price of one of those new Euro cages. And the PVC is going to be alot more durable than that veneer (melamine?) in the Euros. I would suggest browsing around the PVC cage manufacturers websites and compare features, sizes and prices before making a final decision. Here are the links to some of the cage manufacturers websites, in case you need them.

http://www.boaphileplastics.com/multi_cages.html

http://www.animalplastics.com/

http://repti-racks.com/index.php?opt...chk=1&Itemid=6

http://npicages.com/index.html

http://www.pvccages.com/new/?page_id...&product_id=49

http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagessupply.html

http://www.boamaster.com/

http://www.showcasecages.com/

Hope this helps...

[Ghosted]

thanks guys for the info. the zoomed cage I was looking to get was 650. so compared to its retail price, its a killer deal. however, like everyone said, they are going to outgrow it. I think what I may do is go to lowes and home depot tomorrow and start gathering supplies and build out something. If I do, be prepared for massive pic intensive thread tomorrow! lol