Cage VS Rack

[PaulNStubbs]

So I was wondering your guys opinion on a rack or cages. The rack will be more space efficient but ive gotten too many snakes to deal with cages. So what is the best cages that wont have as much plugs for the lights and everything but wont sacrifice the animals activitys? Because i have a ball python that loves to climb and he wont be able to in a rack. All my cages are controlled by thermostat but are all these cages a fire hazard? Thanks for the response guys!

[eatgoodfood]

Im not quite sure what you are asking. If you have too many animals for the space you have then a rack is the answer maybe?? As for your BP liking to climb, he will climb if something is there for it to climb on, but it may not be good, as they are quite clumsy off the ground and could injure themselves. The cages should not be a fire hazard if everything is setup correctly and wired correctly, and everything is kept clean and you have nothing chewing wires or water coming in contact with them.

[Argentra]

Building your own cages, or having a friend do so if you are 'tool challenged', is the best way. I build stacking wood/plexi cages measuring 42"x18"x12". A good size for all but really huge females, and the 12" height allows for some 'vertical roaming' without letting them get so high they would be injured in a fall. I've even made some changes to the plans of mine after a few years of use and will be building Version 2 soon. The new ones will have the lighting (I use closet lights) outside the cage in a recess on top, and the UTH pads will be accessible from the outside via a hinged hatch. The new cages will have 4" of space between them, just enough for access and ventilation.

At these dimensions, and with the light weight of the plywood (1/2"), you can stack 5-6 cages without having to bend or stretch too much. I had a rack (that I built) a while back when I had lots of snakes, but tubs just do not work for me. I much prefer cages or tanks, and cages are stackable and easier to work with.
And, as long as you have a good thermostat and replace your heat elements every 5 years or so, there should never be a fire risk. Even at full power, a UTH doesn't get hot enough to burn a cage, even a wooden one. The only risk of that would be in faulty wiring.

Hope that helps.