Burm and Retic Cages Size?

Muddy, totally off-topic but I just read your signature and it made me chuckle :)

:hijackd:

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Originally Posted by mumps

For adult burms and retics, the SMALLEST I would go is 8X4X2. This size is okay for anything up to 15 feet. Anything larger and I woud definitely go bigger. The idea of a 20 foot snake in something 6 feet long is akin to animal cruelty in my opinion. Especiallly retics, who are super active by nature. Everyone who owns one knows how exploratory they are when handling; why keep them in such a tiny enclosure? I suppose it depends on your outlook. Are you keeping these animals to enjoy them or to simply make a buck?

I use melamine, and if you seal the edges with aquarium silicone, and then duct tape over that, you will have an enclosure that will last a good number of years. Be sure to include a brace at the midpoint. I cut a U shape and it runs, upside down, from the front to the back.

Again, these are my opinions and that's what you asked for.

Chris

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Animal cruelty? Better become a vegetarian, since they keep 5-10 chickens in 2x2ft cages.

Retics should have cages a bit bigger than burm, that I agree with.
However, we have a 15ft burm at the zoo in a cage 20ft long and 6ft wide. I don't think I've ever seen her move out of the same 5x5ft corner by her water. It's the biggest waste of space I've ever seen.

Burms would be ok in a 6-7ftx3-4ft cage until 18ft. Retics I think should be in 8-9ft cages since they are more active.

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Originally Posted by JCure

A good rule is for every foot of snake, you should have a square foot of floor space. 6X3 is good for an animal up to 18 feet...

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That implies that 18x1 would be suitable for an 18 foot snake.

I highly disagree with this 'rule of thumb', ESPECIALLY when it comes to big snakes.

Could you imagine a theoretical 30 footer in a 10x3?

The supposed "square foot of cage = foot length of snake" really is just a suggestion for, say, corn snakes.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Animal cruelty? Better become a vegetarian, since they keep 5-10 chickens in 2x2ft cages.

Retics should have cages a bit bigger than burm, that I agree with.
However, we have a 15ft burm at the zoo in a cage 20ft long and 6ft wide. I don't think I've ever seen her move out of the same 5x5ft corner by her water. It's the biggest waste of space I've ever seen.

Burms would be ok in a 6-7ftx3-4ft cage until 18ft. Retics I think should be in 8-9ft cages since they are more active.

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Burms are nocturnal, she is probably way more active at night. I have mine in a 3' x 8' cage and the minute I open her doors she wants to come out.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Retics should have cages a bit bigger than burm, that I agree with.
However, we have a 15ft burm at the zoo in a cage 20ft long and 6ft wide. I don't think I've ever seen her move out of the same 5x5ft corner by her water. It's the biggest waste of space I've ever seen.

Burms would be ok in a 6-7ftx3-4ft cage until 18ft. Retics I think should be in 8-9ft cages since they are more active.

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i dont really think a zoo would apply simply because of the level of traffic an animal would have to put up with, and the fact that zoos really dont provide hides because the snake would hide in the hide and would deture visitors from going into the reptile house/room/whatever. with retics its diffrent because of how smart they are and they are just a "braver" snake.. iv read countless reports of even babies not useing hides and never missing a meal, my guy would rather be on his hide then in it so i think this should be takin into account

also if your getting into a retic personally id love to give my guy a cage 8x5x6+ because they are aboreal if givin the chance burms arnt, burms dont need the height but i think 8x4x2 would be more then appropriate for most of em unles your getting into the 18+ foot burms whos actually active

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

That implies that 18x1 would be suitable for an 18 foot snake.

I highly disagree with this 'rule of thumb', ESPECIALLY when it comes to big snakes.

Could you imagine a theoretical 30 footer in a 10x3?

The supposed "square foot of cage = foot length of snake" really is just a suggestion for, say, corn snakes.

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You are right. Every large constrictor breeder out there is wrong.

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Originally Posted by JCure

You are right. Every large constrictor breeder out there is wrong.

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Haha. Though I do disagree with the rule of thumb i believe if you put this "rule" into effect with a min of a 3 foot deep cage it should apply nicely.

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Haha. Though I do disagree with the rule of thumb i believe if you put this "rule" into effect with a min of a 3 foot deep cage it should apply nicely.

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Exactly... Sorry I should have specified that. I thought for giant keepers this was common sense...

You guys talk about 18' and 20+' snakes like they are the norm. Most burms in captivity are well under 16' as adults.

If anyone feels that the 79" x 30" x 18" cages would not be sufficient for 99.999% of burmese pythons then we will just have to agree to disagree.

The world record reticulated python was 32' 9" long. Most retics don't hit half that length.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't be prepared to build any burm or retic an 8' cage, but it won't be necessary for MOST animals.

I can understand for breeders to have 6x3 to save on space as they can do find in them and thrive, ask Sam Bearden.
But if you have the space and you only have 1-2 giving it some extra room by having a 8x3 isn't bad either. I am going this route only b/c I have 1 burm and feel like giving him the extra space (and b/c it will fit nicely on my 8x3x3 tegu cage I am building in June haha)