Rack for long term pet Ball Pythons

[Farmer Maggot]

I am new to the rack system and have some questions.

I have three aquariums with three Ball Pythons and space in our small house has become limited with the addition of two kids. So... I though of building a rack system to house our three snakes...and...to perhaps buy a couple more. Obviously, the set up is different: no heat lamps, etc, etc. With only the heat tape in the back and limited tank decor, is this the best setup for long term pet care?

A note: Our family handles our snakes everyday. I also thought of racking larger and deeper tubs to include wood, a cave, and some decor.

Any my advice is appreciated.
FM

[anicatgirl]

I too, would like to read this answer. Following!

[Eric Alan]

With only the heat tape in the back and limited tank decor, is this the best setup for long term pet care?

A note: Our family handles our snakes everyday. I also thought of racking larger and deeper tubs to include wood, a cave, and some decor.

Any my advice is appreciated.
FM

"Best" is relative in this case. They certainly do very well in either type of setup (display enclosures and rack systems). IMO, the best setups are the ones that provide spot-on husbandry and at the same time are easy to maintain. When adding more snakes to the collection, becoming efficient in your maintenance starts to become a priority. If you are able to provide the same cleanliness in a setup with more decor them by all means go all out!

[EasiGregory]

I agree with Eric Alan. As you get more and more animals it not only becomes inconvenient for you as the keeper but also the animals because it takes more work to provide the most optimal husbandry. Figure out what works best for you as well as your current/future animals.

IMO racks work best as they provide an environment that we can fine tune for our animals, have good security, take up less space, while also offering easy cleaning and access.

Good luck

Greg

[MarkS]

A rack system is just a different kind of cage, the snakes really don't care as long as their needs are met. I've found racks to be easier to clean, better for holding heat and humidity and more secure. I believe that the snakes feel more secure as well since most of the sides are covered. If you want to continue decorating or landscaping your cages you can always buy/build rack systems that hold taller tubs that can facilitate climbing branches and other cage furniture. I've even seen racks that had lighting in the form of LED rope lights that were recessed into the ceiling of the shelf above. There is really nothing that you can't do with a rack that you can do with an aquarium. The only real advantage to an aquarium is that the snakes are more visible, which is really only an advantage for us. The snakes for the most part, would really rather be hidden.

[BCS]

I remember the first time I moved to a rack system. I had 6 ball pythons by that time. I built two 5 tub racks so they only stand 4ft tall. It also gave me the opportunity to buy 4 more snakes. I still have room for one more and plan to fill it at the expo on the 2nd of May

You can use decor in your tubs all you want. I do for my most shyest snakes (there is only two but whatever works). Ball pythons seem to like cramped spaces. As long as they have room to move around they should be happy.

When I first started to use my racks I was surprised how much easier they are. Humidity is easier to keep up, and I have not had one shedding issue since. Heat actually stays in the tubs. Cleaning is so easy. The tubs basically weigh nothing so taking them for a hot shower is a cinch and I know some snakes can create huge messes.

I know I would read and watch videos with people placing snakes in these dark, small tubs and I used to think it was unfair for the snakes. But now that I have tried it, the snakes seem just as happy and I am happier.

Either way works, yes but I have to say the rack system is great.

[bcr229]

I know I would read and watch videos with people placing snakes in these dark, small tubs and I used to think it was unfair for the snakes. But now that I have tried it, the snakes seem just as happy and I am happier.

This. In the wild ball pythons live underground in termite mounds during the day and they come out at night to hunt. They like small, dark, humid places and stress out if given too much open space and light.

[Farmer Maggot]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

[Eric Alan]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

Heat tape won't do much for the ambient temp of the rack - maybe a degree or two, but that's about it. When there's a big as of a difference between the room temp and your goal ambient temp (which should be around 80), what you really need is an alternative way to raise ambient temps when using a rack system. Personally, I have a oil filled heater hooked up to a thermostat to keep the snake room's ambient temp from falling below 78.

[Daigga]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

Ambient temps are the only enemy in a rack system. I keep my snakes in a room I heat independently so it isn't that huge a deal, but otherwise you're giving your snakes a 65 degree environment with a hotspot that they'll rarely leave. Another option you could consider would be a stackable set of cages . Racks are nice for breeding purposes, but if you're looking for a nice display system I think a stack might be more to your taste.

Boaphile has a lot of options and it was fairly easy for me to navigate their site for examples, but nearly every other cage maker is going to have a stackable model for you to look at.
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/fatt-staxxs.html
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/cage_packages.html

Animal plastics for comparison.
http://www.apcages.com/home/