rubbermaid enclosures?

These racks (a custom 4 shelf and a standard 3 shelf) assembled with tubs and heat and the proportional thermostat was $400 shipped to my door. It holds either 1 32 qt tub per shelf or 2 15 qt tubs per shelf

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SPJ01/racks.jpg

Go with the rack setup. The snakes will be fine in it and you will be able to free up room for MORE snakes. LOL.:D

The folks on this forum have a great deal of information to give, with that said it really boils down to personal preferrence:). IMHO, I'm glad the scale kids are in tubs. It only takes me 5 minutes per tub to scrub clean. Now, if the goal is to show case these fine creatures then spending the extra bucks on custom cages would be the way to go. Either case, its personal preferrence. No choice is wrong provided the essentials are provided for a healthy, thriving BP:sweeet:.

**Tubs still rock**:headbang:

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Originally Posted by Krazybob

It definitely sounds easier to keep up than a large glass viv. What about size? Does a 32 qt plastic container equal a 8 gallon tank? That's just the math of it. I plan to put mine in stacked 40 or 50 gallon tanks from an as yet undetermined manufacturer. I took on a great responsibility when I got my snakes and they will get what that responsibility requires.

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When figuring out space requirements you use the floor space of a tub or tank, not the volume. A 32 qt will be approx. that of a 20 gallon tank and a 41 qt will be approx. the size of a 30 gallon long.

keep in mind, ball pythons may not be the best choice for a dispaly type setup. alot of bp's spend their time just hiding out. in their hides or under the substrate most of the time. each one is different so you may have/find one that is very active and stays out alot. in the end, as long as you can meet their husbandry requirements in a large display setup(this is harder) btw. you and your snake will be ok.


vaughn

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Originally Posted by Wild Bill

What is your definition of "the best life I can give them"?

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That's not an easy thing to explain. in no particular order... As much floor room as they need or could ever want, perfect temperatures on each side of the tank ( I check them all at least three times a day), a climb if it should ever be desired, fresh water daily, substrate changed weekly, cage cleaned when changing substrate, handling daily (except after feeding or when sloughing), plenty of fresh air (I take them outside when handling), lots of hides, the best food I can give them, and other things that I am sure I have forgotten.

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Originally Posted by Krazybob

That's not an easy thing to explain. in no particular order... As much floor room as they need or could ever want, perfect temperatures on each side of the tank ( I check them all at least three times a day), a climb if it should ever be desired, fresh water daily, substrate changed weekly, cage cleaned when changing substrate, handling daily (except after feeding or when sloughing), plenty of fresh air (I take them outside when handling), lots of hides, the best food I can give them, and other things that I am sure I have forgotten.

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First off, you will be able to give them as good or better husbandry in a plastic enclosure than anything else. Second, Ball Pythons don't need anything to climb on. As far as handling, if you are looking for a snake to handle daily, a BP is not it. They are shy snakes and will be easily stressed out from that amount of handling. Just trying to help you out...

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Originally Posted by jglass38

First off, you will be able to give them as good or better husbandry in a plastic enclosure than anything else. ...

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I think the important phrase there is "as good or better" Maybe I am being a bit selfish but I provide a lot for the snakes so I expect to get something out of it myself. I enjoy sitting in a dark room at night and getting some relaxing time by watching my snakes via red light in as close to a natural habitat as possible.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Second, Ball Pythons don't need anything to climb on.

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There have been several times that I have found my ball python laying on the "tree" that I have provided for it, basking under a heat lamp that provides a small amount of heat in that localized area. I understand it is not necessary, but it seems to be enjoyed.


[QUOTE=jglass38]... shy snakes and will be easily stressed out from that amount of handling. [/QUOTE

What are the symptoms of stress? I imagine there are several. After research most people say failure to feed is the most common. Well that certainly is not a problem with her. She eats well and regularly. I may be missing other signs of stress though.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Just trying to help you out...

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Thanks for the help. Anything is appreciated.

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Originally Posted by kavmon

keep in mind, ball pythons may not be the best choice for a dispaly type setup. alot of bp's spend their time just hiding out. in their hides or under the substrate most of the time. each one is different so you may have/find one that is very active and stays out alot.
vaughn

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I enjoy sitting in the dark and watching them under red light at night. It is relaxing for me to see them move about and watch a wild creature in something approaching it's natural habitat. I intend to make it more natural as time goes by.

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Originally Posted by Krazybob

I enjoy sitting in the dark and watching them under red light at night. It is relaxing for me to see them move about and watch a wild creature in something approaching it's natural habitat. I intend to make it more natural as time goes by.

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How do you maintain humidity in you display and how good does your snake shed?

I have a pretty simple way. I use two flukers digital hygrometers (until I can find an easy to read and cage safe sling psychrometer) and then use a sheet of plastic that I have cut to cover the cage. I adjust that to keep the humidity where I want it. I check that when I check the temperatures... three times a day.


I have no problems with sheds at all. They come off in one piece including eye caps.