Red Tail Enclosure

[abhorrent]

I'm thinking about purchasing a Red Tail in a month or two and was wondering about enclosure size.

I've read that larger females are kept in a 6x2x2 tank, but how quickly do they reach that size? I know that growth rate and size varies from snake to snake - but as a general rule of thumb, what kind of housing can I keep the snake in, and for how long? I want to keep this as simple and inexpensive as possible (aiming to keep this in a tub for as long as I can), while taking up as little space as I possibly can for the next 10 months or so, until I move to another apartment with a bit more space.

I'm looking to get a female, as I would like for a slightly larger snake in the long run, but like I said - space is an issue for the time being. Is there any way to work around this or would I be better off looking into getting a male or even a smaller snake (not looking for another normal BP and can't afford any of the morphs I find attractive).

Thanks

[..panda..]

I keep my females in the large 60 quart sterlite tubs (36"x19") until they are around 4 1/2 feet or seem cramped. If fed properly, ie. not powerfed, that's usually until they are 2-2 1/2 depending on the snake. My 06 females are still in tubs, but are going to need their adult cages in the next few months. As for needing a 6x2 cage, unless you have a huge 8+ foot female, a 4x2 will be fine. You can always go bigger, no harm there, but if space is a big issue a 4 or 5 foot cage is fine. I have a 7 foot 25 pound girl in a 4'x2'x12" cage and she's just fine.

Kayla

[starmom]

I can only speak from my observations of my own, still young, snakes. I have two yearlings and one '08 (all females) and they are all occupying their own 2x3x1 reptile cage. Each cage is heated with a RHP which is controlled by a Helix. Each cage has climbing/lounging structures as I have noticed that these young ones like to elevate

In less than 6 months the two yearlings will each get their own 6x2x2 AP T20 cage with RHP's. I have decided this based upon thermoregulation needs of the snake. It is my observation that the snakes really use the entire thermal gradient; not just hot or cold. I believe that a snake who is cramped in a space is not able to properly therrmoregulate. Also, I have learned that my boas are far more curious and interactive than my ball pythons. This, for me, suggests that when the snakes choose to interact with their external environment, they ought to have a way to do this and I feel that being in a cage with a glass door allows for this.

For these reasons (thermoregulation and their interactivity) I choose a large cage.

Lots of keepers also keep their snakes in 4 foot long enclosures and this has worked very well for them and for the snake. I just figure that a 6 foot long snake could never fully stretch out and see my snakes stretch out now...well, I think they like to stretch out when they want and I feel that I have a responsibility to provide that space for them!

[abhorrent]

Hmm, I think that I may just end up getting a second ball python if anything then, racking my brain for ways to fit these things into my 8x8' room and it's just not working.

Thanks for the help!

[Dcommander]

a 4x2x17'' would be just fine for a 6 foot boa, and they can live in there when they are small...

[..panda..]

You could always go with a male Colombian boa, or some sub-species of dwarf boa. *Most* male boas stay relatively small, and those that are larger are usually not as thick as females. One of my adult males is is just over 5 feet and weighs 8 pounds, and he has plenty of room in his 4x2 cage. I have another male that's a good 2 1/2 longer, but still weighs less than 10 pounds. I also used to have a male Nicaraguan boa, and at two years old he was less than 4 feet and only weighed 650 grams. A boa that size can be housed the same way as a ball python ( 40 gallon tank/ 41 quart tub). Just something to think about.

Kayla

[abhorrent]

I may have to look into a male Nicaraguan then. Thanks!