First time breeder

Hey everyone,

I'm brand new to these forums and just had a couple of questions on bp breeding. I'm looking into actually going down to the states and visiting BHB Enterprises and picking a couple up from Brian there to really start my breeding....but first things first, I need a snake rack. I currently have my snakes in their own aquariums but want to move to a rack system. I did find a poor mans version online and I wanted some feed back on it. Whether or not you think its fine for starters, or if I should go all out and buy some professional racks. Please take a look at this other forum post from a guy in Western Canada and see what you think!

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...ck-system.html

Any feed back will be greatly appreciated!

That should work fine. The one place I would not cut any corners though is on a good proportional T-stat. I've built a couple of racks as well and I prefer a lidless slide out system. Either or will work and I have to say that in building mine I started with online plans and I am still perfecting the way I build my racks. It is an evolving process. After your first rack you will see some things you want to improve on and the process continues one rack at a time.

On a side note you would probably get better responce in the DIY or Caging forum areas.

alright thanks a bunch!

Looks good! Make sure you don't rush building it though and get your geometry right the first time!;)

There are plenty of building plans online to make your own rack for a fraction of the cost of the ones you can buy online. You basically go to a lowes or home depot, get a sheet or two of melamine and cut it into the pieces you need to put the rack together. Use heat tape for your heating and 32-40+ qt tubs for your animals to live in. Most expensive part is probably going to be the tstat.

I'm going to build a multi size tub rack since my space is limited. Probably a 12 big tub section 4 feet high and then a hatchling rack attachment on top for the babies whenever they come.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gloryhound

The one place I would not cut any corners though is on a good proportional T-stat.

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One thing to think about when looking at thermostats -- proportional is nice but honestly, I think it's overrated. I actually use Ranco's on most of my racks, and a 1 degree variance really doesn't make much of a difference as far as the animals are concerned. The only thing is that it's a good idea to use a back-up with the Ranco in case it does happen to fail in the on position. But, because it is an on/off style thermostat, it doesn't use nearly as much in electricity. Granted if you're only heating one rack, it might not make a huge difference -- but in the long run it can save you a lot of money.

so in the forum there the guy is using individual heating pads for each snake ... is that a good idea or should I try and get heat tape. My options are very limited as of right now so I might have to go with the pads for starters.

flexwatt will without a doubt be cheaper and safer IMO... you can get it by the foot from reptilebasics.com, rich is amazing and will even wire the heat tape if you ask him to.

Ya know, I think Rich (Reptile Basics) either ships to Canada or works with someone in Canada. Here's the web site; it might be worth emailing Rich and asking. Also, take a gander at his racks ;) http://www.reptilebasics.com/Reptile...p-1-c-251.html

Thanks!