An intresting article

[dr del]

http://www.insectivore.co.uk/article...e-housing.html

any thoughts?

[Mike41793]

So i read a ton of benefits to using tubs and the only con is that you're snake isn't seen as easily as it would be in a glass enclosure.... Well if i wanna see my bps i just slide out the tub and pick them up. They're always hiding anyways, there wouldn't really be much to see lol.

[Anya]

Another con was that you'd be looming overhead when you take them out, unlike exoterras. Somehow that doesn't make it worth it to me, lol. Still, interesting article.

[Pyrate81]

Interesting article. I never thought of them as touching "cold" glass, unless the room temp was cooler than the cool side temp of the enclosure. There was also no mention of PVC cages. I wonder what would have been said of them.

It also gave me the idea of using small tubs for hide boxes. hmmm.

[Mephibosheth1]

I think that some types of snakes are designed for use wih plastic tubs (BP, etc) whereas other species (Emrald tree boas) are probably easier housed in a glass tank. Come to think of it, most tanks (non exoterra) still open from the top. So I think it depends on your judgement. Anything CAN be put in a tub, but wether it should depends on your honest, soul searching evaluation of your animal's well being

[Bluebonnet Herp]

Although I'm skeptical about racks due to visibility (I like to keep an eye on my ball pythons' behavior just by being in the room) plus they're kind of ugly, I think specialty reptile cages that just have visible windows for the doors is a good in-between ground. (I'm talking cages like Boaphiles and Animal Plastics) Almost equivalent in comfort, but also with one visibility viewpoint. This is, of course, from the viewpoint that your wallet is real fat.
I personally plan on using those visibility reptile cages for lizards and larger/iconic pet snakes while I would use tub racks for babies and most of my breeders. That's of course when the day comes and I can actually get get more reptiles.

[TheSnakeGeek]

Although I'm skeptical about racks due to visibility (I like to keep an eye on my ball pythons' behavior just by being in the room) plus they're kind of ugly,

i love the look of a fresh rack. if it was up to me, every room in the house would have a couple of jet black racks strategically placed to perfectly accentuate the surrounding decor. even the bathroom.

neat article doc. i love my tubs. save money on the enclosure and get what your snakes really need: a thermostat.
people buy these $200 enclosures and then "cant afford" a thermostat. well now you can! $5 reptile enclosures. located in the home and office section of walmart!

[treeboa]

The article is from Europe, right? Is there a debate about this subject going on there? I know alot of European hobbyists prefer naturalistic vivaria. It seems the article was meant to answer an argument over suitability of plastic tubs. As has already been said I like racks for secretive terrestrial snakes like BPs and Corns. I keep my Carpets in PVC display cages however. They seem to really thrive in them, always out perching or exploring. They never hardly use their hides even though they have plenty!

[Insectivore]

The article is from Europe, right? Is there a debate about this subject going on there? I know alot of European hobbyists prefer naturalistic vivaria. It seems the article was meant to answer an argument over suitability of plastic tubs. As has already been said I like racks for secretive terrestrial snakes like BPs and Corns. I keep my Carpets in PVC display cages however. They seem to really thrive in them, always out perching or exploring. They never hardly use their hides even though they have plenty!

Hello folks,

Great to hear from so many of you regarding this article. Tubs vs glass vivaria is a big debate going on over here in the UK, and many animal rights groups are on the lookout for ways to criticize the hobby. The review certainly isn't definitive, but was written to compare some of the limited literature on snakes in captivity, and take a look at both sides of the debate, so it's wonderful to see it sparking discussion!

PVC cages certainly seem to be the best of both worlds, providing insulated, easy-to-clean enclosures, and improved visibility over plastic storage boxes, however they aren't as common this side of the pond as they should be.

Looking forward to hearing more from everyone here, it's nice to get so much feedback.

Best wishes,
Paul Edmondson (of Insectivore.co.uk)

[galequin]

Interesting read for sure! I'm currently using a glass viv for my girl but when she outgrows it ill def be switching over to a tub just to save $$$. Also tubs make a lot more sense when u get into breeding I really love the plastic draw units found at wal mart n similar stores! For a portion of the price of a glass viv u have a home for a whole clutch of babies