Keeping a BP in the garage

[mj_romo]

As part of re-organizing the house and making it safer for a 2.5yo, I am thinking of moving my female BP into the garage (and re-homing my male). Currently, she's in a 20gallon terrarium with a UTH, thermostat & warming lamp.

The garage is only used for storage (so no worries about fumes), but I am concerned about the lack of insulation. It does get pretty cold out there, particularly in the winter (though we're in So. California, so cold is subjective).

I'm also thinking of changing her to a tub - for ease of access, cleaning, storing, etc.

Can anyone provide some suggestions/feedback on this idea so that I can provide enough heat for her?

[DM1975]

I dont know about your garage, but mine is insulated and here in Kansas it soars into high tempatures in the summer and freezing temps in the winter. I tried to put one of those room heaters that they sell at wal mart in it last year (garage is my wood shop) but it did not heat the thing at all.

[mrshawt]

I say go for the tub! You'll notice it's a lot easier to heat them over tanks.

But I'm not sure if the garage is the best place, especially if it has poor insulation like you said. However, with a secure tub, even the biggest bp can't escape. I currently have eight 2 inch binder clips securing the lid down on my tub. Or, if you stay with the tank, make sure it has a locking screen lid. They even have a hole for a tiny lock for added security.

[nixer]

your best bet from looking at both threads is to use cages or a rack system...
also note the first post about garage temperatures

[snakecharmer3638]

If the garage is only for storage maybe you could frame up a small room inside the garage and insulate it. Then install a window heat/air unit to keep it at the correct temp. I have been thinking about doing this in my garage to raise rats.

[wilomn]

If you put your snake in the garage, now, in the summer, go ahead and dig the hole you want to bury it in, it's going to die.

We get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter for keeping ball pythons in uninsulated buildings.

What container you use won't matter, the temps are what's going to kill your snake.

[Kaorte]

Why does it need to go in the garage of all places? You can't find space in your bed room or an extra bed room?

If you are putting a living animal in a STORAGE room then you are treating it like STORAGE. Chances are you will forget about it and neglect to take care of it.

It sounds like you just don't want the snake anymore. I would suggest rehoming it before you leave it to die in your garage.

To me this is just asking for trouble

[wolfy-hound]

I'm not sure why you're moving the snake to the garage? I would not feel confortable leaving a animal in a relatively uninsulated area, no matter what sort of tank or tub I had.

If you can't keep it inside as a pet should be, I'd say rehome it like you are the male.

[Vypyrz]

In my opinion, about the only way to do it so that your snake wouldn't have problems would be to fully convert the garage into something like a gameroom with fully insulated walls, flooring and climate control,etc...

I don't know your living situation, but it seems like it would be easier to keep the 2.5 year old out of one room in the house or elevate the enclosure out of reach...



Rob

[Emilio]

Have you monitored your garage temps?