Boa housing from baby/juvi to adult

[ThyTempest]

Hey everyone,

I am really looking into getting a boa soon, but I wanted to see what was generally accepted or preferred as far as housing goes. I would probably be getting a late 07 or 08 hatchling, but we will see what comes around. I have one bp right now in a 32qt (I dont remember, but pretty sure) and is doing really well.

Basically, what I want to know is what type of housing is....

Most cost effective
Low maintenance
Adaptable...(able to be used easily for other species, different size snakes, etc)
Space saving/ease to move with
Overall preferred

Like I said, right now I only have 1 bp, and I am only looking into getting a boa and/or 1 more bp in the foreseeable future, but my girlfriend is also looking into getting something as well. Eventually I plan to have a rack system, so keep that in mind if you think it may change your suggestions.

Thanks for all the tips, and feel free to just speak your mind off of my questions list.

[qiksilver]

pardon me, but didn't you JUST ask this in different wording?

with that said.
house a snake by size of the snake. plastic housing works fine up until they're too big for it.

Go look at cages like boaphile or animal plastics, they often say the size snake they're suitable for, such as... boaphile has a hatchling rack and such. I have mini boas, they don't take too much space.

[blackcrystal22]

pardon me, but didn't you JUST ask this in different wording?

with that said.
house a snake by size of the snake. plastic housing works fine up until they're too big for it.

Go look at cages like boaphile or animal plastics, they often say the size snake they're suitable for, such as... boaphile has a hatchling rack and such. I have mini boas, they don't take too much space.

Asking types of enclosures rather than husbandry details in an enclosure are two different questions in my book.

You can use tub sizes until they are full grown. My male RTB will be housed in something like this as an adult:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x4-Cag...h-p-16237.html

If you want something smaller, always go for the males. A lot of 'miniature' species are out there too.
You could also use tanks instead of tubs, but it's not a very cost-effective/easy maintenance ordeal when they get bigger.

[ThyTempest]

I do like the animal plastics, rbi and boaphile cages...rbi the most I think, and seems to be the most cost effective. Up to what ~age/weight do stand alone tubs make sense?

And, as far as the whole just asking this question thing....I agree...making sure I caught all of the in's and outs of husbandry and a specific question about types and sizes of enclosures for a specific species is way different, hence why it is in the boa forum. Thanks blackcrystal.

[starmom]

Here's my opinion and it only just that-- my opinion

I have a few ball pythons and they are very different from my few boas. Different personality, different husbandry needs, different climbing needs.

I have my boas (all females) in RBI 2x3x1 cages heated with RHP's. My two yearling boas will go into their permanent enclosures in the next several months and I've chosen the AP A30. This measures 4x2x6. I believe that allowing boas the opportunity to climb (as they do in the wild) is a responsibility as their keeper. I also beleive that such height will allow them uber chances and choices for thermoregulation. There will be a few levels in the cage with shelves that have holes cut through them allowing the boa to climb and, well, be a boa.

I fully realize that there are many people who keep boas in smaller enclosures and their boas thrive and breed and eat. I also understand that male boas might not need such large enclosures (since they don't get as large as females) but I do believe that providing the largest enclosure one can for a large and 'outgoing' snake, such as a boa, ought to at least be considered.

Again, these are just my opinions-- and I'm sticking to them...for now

[PsYcHo_99]

Hey everyone,

I am really looking into getting a boa soon, but I wanted to see what was generally accepted or preferred as far as housing goes. I would probably be getting a late 07 or 08 hatchling, but we will see what comes around. I have one bp right now in a 32qt (I dont remember, but pretty sure) and is doing really well.

Basically, what I want to know is what type of housing is....

Most cost effective
Low maintenance
Adaptable...(able to be used easily for other species, different size snakes, etc)
Space saving/ease to move with
Overall preferred

Like I said, right now I only have 1 bp, and I am only looking into getting a boa and/or 1 more bp in the foreseeable future, but my girlfriend is also looking into getting something as well. Eventually I plan to have a rack system, so keep that in mind if you think it may change your suggestions.

Thanks for all the tips, and feel free to just speak your mind off of my questions list.

look into boaphile plastics.. saves you money in the long run.. there sturdy and will hold a boa..

[sweety314]

Wrigley as my first boa was only 7 mo. when I got him, and he could escape just as quickly as some of the colubrids..he was that fast and that skinny.....hence the name "WRIGLEY". I kept him in a small stearlite tub w/a snap on lid and bungee cord. And THIS tub was tucked inside the 32g breeder tank I had, since I had heat on the 32g, and not small enough for the stearlite tub.

When he outgrew that, he moved into a 42L breeder tank that I had on hand, then a biiiiiiiiiiig, deep plastic tub. I don't remember the size at the moment. Now that he's a big, 8-10+#'er, he's going into a boaphile-type cage (www.constrictorsnw.com cages, called Pro-Line is what I'm looking at the most).