Housing for 5-foot Dumeril's Boa

[meowmeowkazoo]

I have the opportunity to adopt an adult female Dumeril's, who is about 5 1/2 feet long. She doesn't come with a cage though, and I was wondering if there are any temporary caging solutions that could be used (i.e. a rubbermaid or sterilite tote that is large enough for a 5 foot boa).

I'm not really in a financial position to buy a really nice cage for her. I have seen some 55 gallon totes that are available, but would those be too small?

Obviously I won't be adopting her if I can't provide adequate housing, so your honest advice is appreciated.

[CCfive]

Iris makes a christmas tree tote that would be big enough. There is also a site that sells plastic bins for reptiles, however, I forget the name, but they make a large size bin for boas and what not. Hopefully you can pick up one of these until you can afford something more appropriate for a larger snake(Boaphile, AP).

[Daybreaker]

As mentioned a Christmas Tree tub would work, but I would personally pass if you cannot afford an actual cage for her right now (I don't think it's fair to stick her in a tub when she needs a cage IMO - "needs" as in I wouldn't put a adult Dumeril's in a tub if I owned an adult myself).

But, have you looked into building your own cage? Or have someone help you with building one? If you're up to the work you could make a nice cage for her at a LOT cheaper price than buying one. That's my plan for my boas Plan to build our own and just buy the actual RHPs for heating and the thermostats to go with them.

[Cameron Lamb Exotics]

I dont see why a tub wouldnt suffice as long as its big enough and the temp and humidty is being taken into consideration.

[meowmeowkazoo]

Hmm, I told the person I didn't think I would be able to get her since I haven't been able to find a large enough enclosure, and they responded with this:

"She's been raised from birth in rack systems and tubs. They prefer hiding spaces. They do not do well in large open enclosures, especially since she was captive born."



As a side note, those christmas tree tubs look awesome, and once christmas rolls around I'm totally snagging some of those. The cheapest I could find online was around $80 with shipping, but I've read that they are as low as $30 at Walmart during the holidays.

[olstyn]

Try *AFTER* the holidays. All holiday-related merchandise goes mega-clearance in a hurry then.

[crepers86]

I have seen them at target and walmart and even home depot for a lot cheaper then that check out Sterilite brand as well. they have the flatter longer containers. You should be able to find something for a decent price at walmart or home depot

[Mike41793]

You could find one for cheaper at target or walmart. I see no problem with keeping her in a tub. Im pretty sure they are a primarily terrestial species so it would be fine for her. In a few months once you save up enough then you can buy her a nice pvc enclosure.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I will be housing my dumeril's boa in an Animal Plastics T12 (4 x 2 x 2)

*the bottom cage*

[fortoday634]

Mine is in a AP T-10 (4'x2'x15"). She is just over 5ft and uses every square inch of her cage. But before this she was in a 40 Breeder and did just fine.

It is to my understanding once Dumeril's reach 5ft you can place them in their "forever" enclosure. Females will need at least a 4'x2' terrestrial cage maybe even a 6'x4' further down the road. Since the one you are looking at is used to a tub I would stick to a bin with the floor space similar to a 40 Breeder and she should be fine for a while.

Then I recommend this...

In a few months once you save up enough then you can buy her a nice pvc enclosure.