Housing ball pythons

[bsumpter]

I'm looking for a little advice. I'm looking to get a new enclosure for my ball python because I currently use a glass enclosure with a screen top and maintaining the temp and humidity is quite difficult. I've been researching enclosures but they all say they are the best and I don't know what to believe. I was impressed by the vision cages, but I recently ran across some reviews claiming that they bow terribly, the glass is incredibily easy to lift out (which a curious snake would eventually discover) and that they dry rot and crack after just a few years use. Just when I thought I'd figured out exactly what I wanted, I find this info and I'm back at square one. I really need some help. I'm at my wit's end and would like to know what you folks recommend. Thanks in advance.

[starmom]

I recommend without reservation the cages made at Reptile Basics. Here's a link to the 3x2x1 cage that will house a ball python for their lifetime: http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x3-Cag...h-p-16286.html.

I have 6 of these cages and love them for their ease in maintaining temps and humidity as well as their ease of cleaning. Also, due to the drop-down door, a snake could never escape unless the keeper forgot to latch all three latches!!

[bsumpter]

I recommend without reservation the cages made at Reptile Basics. Here's a link to the 3x2x1 cage that will house a ball python for their lifetime: http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x3-Cag...h-p-16286.html.

I have 6 of these cages and love them for their ease in maintaining temps and humidity as well as their ease of cleaning. Also, due to the drop-down door, a snake could never escape unless the keeper forgot to latch all three latches!!

Thank you very much. These cages look very nice.

[rishnack]

i like glass just cover the top with rubber mats it keeps the humidiy and temps just fine, the mat i use is actually made for tool box,s to keep tools from rolling around you can find it at homedepot or shucks auto supply its cheap last,s forever and very pliable and the kicker is it actually clings to the glass so if you wanna cover the back or sides its very simple to do you might need a little double back tape at the top but thats about it

i really want a rack though just for space and ease of use
though they dont look near as cool imo

[Argentra]

Glass tanks are actually just as easy to keep up with a few tricks. Have you foil treated the screen? If not, that is a major contributor to loss of heat and humidity. I have a pic step by step I can PM you if you like.

Also, insulating the back and sides of a glass tank is essential for steady temps as well as snake security.

If you still wish to get a display cage, tho, I also recommend the Reptile Basics cages, and Animal Plastics second (tho you have to assemble those and heat costs extra).

[mainbutter]

question about the reptile basics cages:

What kind of pre-installed heating would you recommend? heat tape or the UTH? How does heat tape differ from UTHs? I've never used heat tape before.

[starmom]

question about the reptile basics cages:

What kind of pre-installed heating would you recommend? heat tape or the UTH? How does heat tape differ from UTHs? I've never used heat tape before.

It all depends on each unique external environment. I love Rich's radiant heat panels. I live in Central Oregon and it is always cool or cold here; even the night time summer temps are low. RHP's work for me since they bump the ambient temps up. I would suggest that you talk to Rich and let him guide you through the discussion and arrive at what will work best for your situation

[mainbutter]

I'm not getting another cage(yet), I was just curious, I'm sure sooner or later I'm going to want more than one snake, just from looking at the pictures of the various reptile basics cages and rack systems and the various BP housing available, I wasn't able to tell from pictures where heat is emitted from.

[bsumpter]

Glass tanks are actually just as easy to keep up with a few tricks. Have you foil treated the screen? If not, that is a major contributor to loss of heat and humidity. I have a pic step by step I can PM you if you like.

Also, insulating the back and sides of a glass tank is essential for steady temps as well as snake security.

If you still wish to get a display cage, tho, I also recommend the Reptile Basics cages, and Animal Plastics second (tho you have to assemble those and heat costs extra).

I would still like to get a display cage soon, but in the meantime, I would appreciate it if you would send me those pics. Thank you for your help.

Brian

[bg1906]

I'm partial to Animal Plastics and have a T-3. Great enclosure.