Great Cages for Ball Pythons But Shipped From Canada

I am in the process of comparing quality and prices on Ball Pythons and all the stuff that goes with them and after looking at tons of Youtube videos have noticed that the friendliest and most active Ball Pythons seem to be the ones kept in the visible type enclosures. The ones kept in racks seem to shut down because their environment is not stimulating enough, and they have less time to get used to the owner because the snake only sees you when you open the drawer. While convenient and space-saving, I would rather be able to watch my snakes and let them see me through the glass so they won't see me as a threat.

What my thought is is to put some things in the cage that look like a natural habitat (some fake foliage and driftwood and things like that) in addition to the hides. That way it wouldn't be like gaping open spaces but would still be visible and allow the snake to move around and explore.

I have heard that terrariums can be a pain to clean if feces gets in a corner, and I also don't really like that in order to take the snake out you have to come at it from way above. If I saw a hand coming down like that I'd be scared too!

I had an idea in my mind of a plexiglass cage made with rounded edges inside, clear all around and opening from the front instead of the top. For weeks I searched and didn't find anything like that. The closest thing was the Exo-Terra ones (which still wasn't quite what I was looking for).

Then the other day I was looking at other snake videos and accidentally stumbled across a small company out of Canada called Ricky's Reptile Enclosures.

I wrote him and he currently has them in clear and in black. The black ones are slightly less expensive but I think they are made the same (waiting to hear back from him to be sure).

They are pretty expensive $299.99 each but with an additional $75.00 shipping and $30.00 import fee that I hadn't counted on. I don't know exactly how that is paid but waiting to hear back about that in the next e-mail.

Here are some video reviews showing the clear cage all set up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpI0B3HbYGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Edw...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9kYr...eature=related

This video is turned sideways for some reason but is basically what I have in mind for my set-up;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S4mP-SY-l0

Black enclosure video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZlZASei6M

The clear is definitely my first choice if I can manage to come up with enough money. This guy in the first video got a payment plan a year ago, but that is no longer offered.

I want to get one for each snake, but may have to get one at a time because of how much of a lump sum I'd have to come up with. He says they are big enough so that they can be used throughout the snake's lifetime (one feature I really like, as it probably saved money in the long-term).

They have two locks on them and the hinge is on the bottom front side.

I have not been able to find out yet whether he sells to any of the Pet store chains in the US. It seems that would be easier, and I could save myself the import fee.

Apparently a large Exo-Terra heating pad fits just right on the bottom of it.

If anybody knows where I can get one in the US please let me know. I'd even get used ones as long as it's clean and in good condition. That might save some money.

Also, if anybody knows of companies here in the US making similar designs please let me know.

Animal Plastics, Reptile Basics, and Boaphile are all good choices for cages, but I don't think any of them use clear acrylic...

Not sure your assumptions are solid on the enclosure providing more stimulus.

I have two BP's in tanks in my living room. They are in the middle of all of the activity. They basically stay in their hides all day and come out after we go to bed. They're fine when we take them out and they do come out to eat but they do not put on a show for us. BP's are not really a display snake.

I've seen some great videos of Ball Pythons that are quite inquisitive. I'm about ready to go to sleep but sometime I'll post some links. One woman lets her snake move around in this obstacle course she made for it and it's really amazing.

I used to think Ball Pythons didn't do much but after I watched enough different ones I realized their temperments vary as much as ours do. It may be partly genetic but the environment could also play a part in shaping their personality.

Thanks, Chris. I'll have to check out Boaphile. I hadn't heard of them before. I think I may have the other two bookmarked.

From my experience, ball pythons do not do well in cages. All of the ball pythons that I have kept in professional plastic cages or glass tanks eventually stop eating. They become very stressed. All of the cages and tanks always had ample hide spots and correct temps. Once switched to rack systems, they started eating again, and were much less stressed.

Just because a snake is not hiding does not mean that it is not stressed out. Often you will see them moving around a lot, but that may be because they are looking for a way out of a cage that they are not comfortable in.

I hope this helps.

My boyfriend and I just got my Ball Python from Petco, we also got a deluxe snake kit. It comes with a little house, a water bowl wood chips, and two lamps(a day lamp and a night lamp). We also bought an extra piece of driftwood, which Salazar likes to lay upon. I keep reading on here that Ball Pythons tend to hide a lot, but I guess that depends on the snake. Salazar is a huge ham and he loves attention and comes out a lot, not just at night. But, of course, not every snake is the same, so decorate your tank according to your snakes needs; If your snake is more of a hider, I'd put more sheltered areas in the tank. If your snake likes to be out more, then place less objects in your cage.

Animal plastics makes the best cages, I personally try to stay as far away from Boaphiles as possible.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/c22733cf.jpg

I don't like the fact that the cages you are talking about are clear. When I've had my BP's in glass tanks I had to cover 3 sides to make them more secure.

Also a BP that is very active during the day is very likely being active because it doesn't feel secure enough to even hide.

Snakes out during the day typically are showing stress and or incorrect husbandry. This is not normal head out of the hide and morning and evening maybe but full out moving around is likely stress.

Generally ball pythons like to see and not be seen. General rule of thumb, hides lots of cover and such lends to a sense of security. Most whom recommend if you use a fish tank to cover the side up to help with security. The RRE enclosures seem silly to me a plastic fish tank. If you want to save cash this might be an option.


http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

The black enclosures are basically an over priced tub. I like to support Canadian, I am from there. But this is not a something I can get behind. The other listed enclosures are very similar, they represent a proven design that works. Three sides that are opaque and glass fronts so you can see in. All clear means you will likely end up covering 3 sides. I guess you have a choice in what you cover them. The others have top doors so if they are on a shelf they are just a black box you cannot sit and look at the enclosure from somewhere else. It too seems to defeat the point, a display enclosure that is a GOOD home and enjoyable to view.

I have had snakes in a variety of enclosures and often move from things like boaphile or vision to a rack and back I have not found a significant difference in feeding in either the snakes all feed and the best feeders are the best feeders no matter where they are. I think that failure to feed is more often than not environmental issues that are the keepers responsibility. Some have real trouble maintaining a enclosure and simply cannot manage the balance of heat air flow and humidity. In my case I have issues with a rack I find it very hard to keep all the factors in hand but then again I have a cool room racks usually NEED an ambient room temp of 80º (give or take).

Giftbearer, who does not yet have a BP, and Rahne, who got her first BP (and deluxe kit) from Petco - welcome to the forum. There are lots of experienced people here who can give you tons of useful information.

Please keep reading, ask questions and keep an OPEN mind. You'll be amazed at what you can learn.

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

I am in the process of comparing quality and prices on Ball Pythons and all the stuff that goes with them and after looking at tons of Youtube videos have noticed that the friendliest and most active Ball Pythons seem to be the ones kept in the visible type enclosures. The ones kept in racks seem to shut down because their environment is not stimulating enough, and they have less time to get used to the owner because the snake only sees you when you open the drawer. While convenient and space-saving, I would rather be able to watch my snakes and let them see me through the glass so they won't see me as a threat.

---

Your assumption are mainly coming from the fact that you do not own a BP yet and you are already starting to compare your snake to other animals such as birds or dog who needs human contact, socialization and stimulation my advice is research the animal you are about to acquire before rushing into buying an enclosure that might not be suitable for your animal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

I've seen some great videos of Ball Pythons that are quite inquisitive. I'm about ready to go to sleep but sometime I'll post some links. One woman lets her snake move around in this obstacle course she made for it and it's really amazing.

---

YouTube is not the place where I would start my research when it comes to setting up proper environment for your snake, the highlighted part above just proves it.

You are getting a snake a BP in particular bare that in mind they are not social they tolerate being handled, handling is for your enjoyment not theirs, they need to be provided with security even if a cage is what you are set on remember that the enclosure needs to grow with your snake if you get a large enclosure and an hatching you will be doomed to have issues.

Again key word is RESEARCH and there are plenty of great stickies on this forum that will help you provide your animal optimum husbandry which will lead to a successful first time owner experience.

Everything that has been said here covers most of what I wanted to say. As someone who is fairly new to keeping BPs, I can tell you that this forum is extremely helpful in coming to understand what your snake needs. A lot of people here have been keeping BPs for a long time, and many people have different experiences, all helpful.

I will say, though, just from my personal experience; I keep my snakes in a rack, and there are some who are friendly and some who would rather be left alone. I think this depends more on the snake than the amount of time they get to see you. BPs like to hide, and once you know how to keep them happy, you can get to know their personalities. Good luck! :)

I've had my BP for about 5 weeks now, and for the first few days he went mental in his aquarium regardless of the wall coverings (fake plants) and hides. Husbandry was within standards (a pain in the ass mind you), but until I lined the back/sides with cardboard (now 1/2" building sheathing R2.5).

Once he is up to size this summer I'll probably opt for an Animal Plastics T8 with a divider (excuse to get another snake, maybe a mojave female for long term?)

Also one thing I have noticed with most is that the second you put a ball python down, they move towards somewhere they can hide. That does not necessarily mean that they are constantly trying to get away while being held, but they seek privacy over exposure instinctively. That being said, if they like to hide, it is unlikely they will enjoy being exposed at all times. I sure wouldn't like my house to have clear walls.

If you would like a tank instead of a tub then definetly get one that opens in the front and is blacked out on the other sides like animal plastics or boaphile. I used to have both my bps in tanks and recently switched them over to tubs. I have noticed very little, if any, change in their temperment. In the wild they spend 90% of their time in rodent burrows or termite mounds. The only time they move is to thermo regulate or go find food and take over another rodent burrow. (except for mating season i would imagine ;) )Typically I wouldnt imagine a bp wanting to eat a meal out in the open bc while theyre eating they would be extremely vulnerable to predators. This is why eating in a tub vs a glass aquarium makes them more willing to eat sometimes. At the very least, like i said before, I would really get a blacked out enclosure. After switching from aquariums i wont go back, at least not for bps. Im far from
an expert but these are just my personal experiences combined with the knowledge i have absorbed from some of the brilliant folks here. :)

I live in Canada and have never seen these cages in store east or west. These tanks are beautiful but I am curious, is an uth enough heat for these snakes? If so I will be getting one as it won't be quite as expensive for shipping. The locking feature is a great idea too as my son is just starting to walk and explore everything.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SludgeRoach

I live in Canada and have never seen these cages in store east or west. These tanks are beautiful but I am curious, is an uth enough heat for these snakes? If so I will be getting one as it won't be quite as expensive for shipping. The locking feature is a great idea too as my son is just starting to walk and explore everything.

---

Plastic cages are best heated with Flexwatt (which is a type of UTH)

These clear cages look nice but aren't best for the animal, I have plastic cages that have glass doors on the front, but the rest is black PVC. This makes the animal feel more secure.

(already posted this picture in this thread, but I'll put it up again)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/c22733cf.jpg

what Aaron said... you might look at sly plastics the site is a mess but the enclosures are great! Cornells world make some killer ones as well.


http://www.slyplastics.com/
http://www.cornelsworld.com/
Both Sylvain and Greg are wonderful to deal with I'd highly recommend them both.

Wow, don't know how I missed that picture. Those are gorgeous enclosures! RRE also does all black with clear door but no way of lighting the inside. The tanks in that pic look a lot more pricy, how much did you pay? Also shipping and all that to Canada could be a lot more costly.

Ideally the top tank from the pic is what I want.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SludgeRoach

Wow, don't know how I missed that picture. Those are gorgeous enclosures! RRE also does all black with clear door but no way of lighting the inside. The tanks in that pic look a lot more pricy, how much did you pay? Also shipping and all that to Canada could be a lot more costly.

Ideally the top tank from the pic is what I want.

---

The top cage is a T8 made by Animal Plastics, they cost $150 plus shipping/accessories. The cage dimensions are 48 inches x 24 inches x 12 inches.

Animal Plastics is based in Iowa, and I live in Florida. I paid $45 for shipping (they come dissembled so the shipping costs less) I.m not sure about shipping to Canada, but if you give them a call they will be happy to help you out.

Here is their website and phone number:

http://www.animalplastics.com/

(515) 276-7387

I say definitely go with animal plastics or a boaphile cage. Overall they are cheaper and just as good if not better built. I dont have a cage but I have a boaphile rack and I love it. It comes standard with belly heat already installed. Eventually I'll need a large cage for my Red Tail and I'll be going with animal plastics or boaphile for that cage. RRE look great, but a LITTLE overpriced in my opinion. You'll get much more bang for your buck by going with AP or Boaphile.

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I will look more into the animal plastics shipping cost as 150$ is fairly cheap.

I'm assuming RRE is more expensive like most Canadian made products because we have much less demand being a country of Less than 35 million people.

I brought in a Vison enclosure from the states and got beaten with shipping and brokerage and duity. The enclosure was about 150 and all told I paid an extra 180 on the top the sly plastics was much less in the long run and has proved to be better made.

Here is one of my Sly ones. It was 230$ (locking as per local law and a couple of extras added on) I saved a bunch in the long run.

http://images17.fotki.com/v147/photo...31/0112-vi.jpgHosted on Fotki

$230 inc S&H? Very nice tank btw.

Greg West at Cornel's World.

http://www.cornelsworld.com/

HANDS DOWN the best person to deal with in Canada.

He is SO fast, and super easy to get hold of. UNLIKE all the horror stories I've heard about Boaphile lately. He's even letting me do a short payment plan.

You can call or email (or Facebook) Greg and he's almost guaranteed to respond within 24 hours. I've never had to wait. His prices are fair, he does really quality work, and will customize literally anything. He ships fast, too. I get a lot of stuff from him. Heat tape, temp gun, I have some PVC racks coming my way at the end of Feb (when I've paid them off).

Here's the link to his photo albums on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cornelsworld?sk=photos

+1 for animal plastics. T8!

I personally have no brand preference w/ enclosures, but I advise as others have that you get a cage/tank that's only clear in the front.. From what I've seen Vision, AP, & similar style enclosures are the best out there, but they come with a hefty price tag. I have Zilla Critter Cages w/ locking tops. I will be blocking out the sides, to provide my 3 snakes w/ a secure feeling... Keep reading and investigating, and decide on what fits your wishes and wallet.. But, I would say all clear isn't the best idea... :snake:

Hi Kitedemon,

I really like the one you show in your picture! $230 is pretty good especially if you got extra features with it? Did the top lighting come with it, and was belly heat already installed or did you have to get those from another source?

The white interior makes it much more visible from the front. Ricky's Reptile has a black one but it's very dark on the inside because it's black there too, and his black ones really seem too low. I want to set mine up with some wood for them to climb on. How tall is yours?

He sent me a picture of his black ones with clear front but I have it saved on my computer. Is there a way to add pictures here directly from my computer or do they have to be on some page like Photobucket in order to post them?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

Hi Kitedemon,

I really like the one you show in your picture! $230 is pretty good especially if you got extra features with it? Did the top lighting come with it, and was belly heat already installed or did you have to get those from another source?

The white interior makes it much more visible from the front. Ricky's Reptile has a black one but it's very dark on the inside because it's black there too, and his black ones really seem too low. I want to set mine up with some wood for them to climb on. How tall is yours?

He sent me a picture of his black ones with clear front but I have it saved on my computer. Is there a way to add pictures here directly from my computer or do they have to be on some page like Photobucket in order to post them?

---

AP cages come in white as well and they cost less

Photobucket is the easiest way to get pictures up

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

Your assumption are mainly coming from the fact that you do not own a BP yet and you are already starting to compare your snake to other animals such as birds or dog who needs human contact, socialization and stimulation my advice is research the animal you are about to acquire before rushing into buying an enclosure that might not be suitable for your animal.

YouTube is not the place where I would start my research when it comes to setting up proper environment for your snake, the highlighted part above just proves it.

You are getting a snake a BP in particular bare that in mind they are not social they tolerate being handled, handling is for your enjoyment not theirs, they need to be provided with security even if a cage is what you are set on remember that the enclosure needs to grow with your snake if you get a large enclosure and an hatching you will be doomed to have issues.

Again key word is RESEARCH and there are plenty of great stickies on this forum that will help you provide your animal optimum husbandry which will lead to a successful first time owner experience.

---

How negative and arrogant. Most of the people here have given me useful and constructive suggestions. This one is just rude and insulting, not to mention presumptuous. Way to make someone feel welcome! And you sure don't give your snakes much credit either.

First, you're way out of line suggesting I'm rushing into getting an enclosure and haven't done my research, and second, I came here for information; not indoctrination! I've been doing 6-8 hours of research every day for a few months about these animals, and no, my observations are not because I don't yet own a BP. I read and I watch, and I have critical thinking skills with which to process that information. I'm consulting way more sources than just here and Youtube.

If you have something practical to offer that's fine but spare me the "newby smackdown" bit. This is not a school yard, a sandbox, or a prison.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

How negative and arrogant. Most of the people here have given me useful and constructive suggestions. This one is just rude and insulting, not to mention presumptuous. Way to make someone feel welcome! And you sure don't give your snakes much credit either.

First, you're way out of line suggesting I'm rushing into getting an enclosure and haven't done my research, and second, I came here for information; not indoctrination! I've been doing 6-8 hours of research every day for a few months about these animals, and no, my observations are not because I don't yet own a BP. I read and I watch, and I have critical thinking skills with which to process that information. I'm consulting way more sources than just here and Youtube.

If you have something practical to offer that's fine but spare me the "newby smackdown" bit. This is not a school yard, a sandbox, or a prison.

---

First off you post was far worse than hers. Second what she was trying to get across to you that you are making assumptions based on poor information (just because it's on YouTube or a "caresheet" doesn't mean that it is true. This forum has many experienced ball python keepers who really do know their animals better than just about anyone else. Some have 20 + years of experiance. Nobody here is trying to bash you, or anything like that, we are trying to help you, but at times it may not come across well.

Please this is one of the most caring communities on the Internet. If you want to keep these wonderfull animals please listen to us... We really do know what we are talking about. Sure we all do things slightly differently but there are some things that we all agree are good and some things are bad. Nobody is trying to indoctrinate you, just help guide you to becoming a good ball python owner.

This one I paid for glass over plexi, lock (required in my region by law) and yes the lighting. Over all it was a great experience. The enclosure is 2 years and have no real complaints with it. well one but it is minor the glass track fits tight to the wall and substrate gets caught in it sometimes and is hard to get out.

Greg West is also a great guy and has similar pricing but the enclosures start with less so there is more add ons he does offer far more options. I have dealt with him many times over the years. He is very fair.

I personally have not ordered directly from AP myself but I have friends whom have the additional fees brokerage (about 40$) Shipping is about 75$ and then duty if the forums are not absolutely correct. 189+40+75=304 duty is about 20% (if charged so 364) so more. The cross border thing is can be a killer the price in my experience needs to be greater than 40% less to be certain it will be a deal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

This one I paid for glass over plexi, lock (required in my region by law) and yes the lighting. Over all it was a great experience. The enclosure is 2 years and have no real complaints with it. well one but it is minor the glass track fits tight to the wall and substrate gets caught in it sometimes and is hard to get out.

Greg West is also a great guy and has similar pricing but the enclosures start with less so there is more add ons he does offer far more options. I have dealt with him many times over the years. He is very fair.

I personally have not ordered directly from AP myself but I have friends whom have the additional fees brokerage (about 40$) Shipping is about 75$ and then duty if the forums are not absolutely correct. 189+40+75=304 duty is about 20% (if charged so 364) so more. The cross border thing is can be a killer the price in my experience needs to be greater than 40% less to be certain it will be a deal.

---

But the OP lives in the US so there won't be any extra fees from AP, and I'm assuming that there will be with any Canadian company. I do like the look of those cages though.

lightbearer, I tend to side with Deborah. I believe research from multiple RELIABLE sources is critical. There are a number of great books and great care sheets out there. Sadly there are a number of very very poor care sheets out there as well I recently read one that had more things incorrect than correct. Multiple sources. My suggestion would be to buy a few good books and read ask questions and read some more. Then start setting up the enclosure it often takes a few weeks to get it stable so that is best done with out snake.

I have my opinions on husbandry we all do. There are things that are just wrong but most are debatable.

Snakes in general are secretive animals and do better seeing than be seen. They NEEd to feel secure in the captive environment hence the idea of small enclosures for small snakes. That is one way I have very successfully placed small snakes in larger enclosures but this requires thought and care to make sure the animal feels secure smaller spaces are easier generally.

Royal aka Ball Pythons will often not eat if they are not 100% secure, if the temps are not correct (either too high or too low) if they are sick, in breeding mode, and a handful of other possibilities.

Research is an important part of keeping exotics, there is often new ideas popping up and old ones discarded so learning is never done. careful observation and notes also is a very good practice it helps to establish norms, so problems may be noticed sooner.

I guess what I am trying to say is never believe any one persons word, everything needs to be cross referenced with others, and not just a forum there is often a follow the leader effect that happens sometimes.

There is one book to my mind stands over almost every other I have seen, I would absolutely recommend it to you and anyone. It is reasonably priced for the amount of information it has and the amount of research it contains. Unfortunately it is the price of many university text books.

Pythons of the World, Vol II: BALL PYTHONS By D and T Barker

http://www.vpi.com/store/products/py...ing_in_usa_can

I would suggest this book over a cage even if it means you need to wait a few months more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

lightbearer, I tend to side with Deborah. I believe research from multiple RELIABLE sources is critical. There are a number of great books and great care sheets out there. Sadly there are a number of very very poor care sheets out there as well I recently read one that had more things incorrect than correct. Multiple sources. My suggestion would be to buy a few good books and read ask questions and read some more. Then start setting up the enclosure it often takes a few weeks to get it stable so that is best done with out snake.

I have my opinions on husbandry we all do. There are things that are just wrong but most are debatable.

Snakes in general are secretive animals and do better seeing than be seen. They NEEd to feel secure in the captive environment hence the idea of small enclosures for small snakes. That is one way I have very successfully placed small snakes in larger enclosures but this requires thought and care to make sure the animal feels secure smaller spaces are easier generally.

Royal aka Ball Pythons will often not eat if they are not 100% secure, if the temps are not correct (either too high or too low) if they are sick, in breeding mode, and a handful of other possibilities.

Research is an important part of keeping exotics, there is often new ideas popping up and old ones discarded so learning is never done. careful observation and notes also is a very good practice it helps to establish norms, so problems may be noticed sooner.

I guess what I am trying to say is never believe any one persons word, everything needs to be cross referenced with others, and not just a forum there is often a follow the leader effect that happens sometimes.

There is one book to my mind stands over almost every other I have seen, I would absolutely recommend it to you and anyone. It is reasonably priced for the amount of information it has and the amount of research it contains. Unfortunately it is the price of many university text books.

Pythons of the World, Vol II: BALL PYTHONS By D and T Barker

http://www.vpi.com/store/products/py...ing_in_usa_can

I would suggest this book over a cage even if it means you need to wait a few months more.

---

I recently purchased this book, I completely agree, it is great and worth every penny.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

But the OP lives in the US so there won't be any extra fees from AP, and I'm assuming that there will be with any Canadian company. I do like the look of those cages though.

---

Sorry Aaron, I stand corrected, I had assumed the OP was in Canada. My mistake. The same could easily be true in reverse. The AP cages I have seen are almost the same very well made and similar design. IMO many times superior to the RRE ones I have seen and looked at on the web site, I have concerns with the basic designs they have been using.

Op you might look at Vision as well David Northcott is a also easy to deal with. The roto moulded design has rounder corners and is easier to clean but the hard corners of my Sly has never caused issue.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

Sorry Aaron, I stand corrected, I had assumed the OP was in Canada. My mistake. The same could easily be true in reverse. The AP cages I have seen are almost the same very well made and similar design. IMO many times superior to the RRE ones I have seen and looked at on the web site, I have concerns with the basic designs they have been using.

Op you might look at Vision as well David Northcott is a also easy to deal with. The roto moulded design has rounder corners and is easier to clean but the hard corners of my Sly has never caused issue.

---

It is understandable, this thread has had a few people asking questions, and a few of them are from Canada.

I don't understand why there needs to be such a big difference in price when shipping internationally. It's such a pain to deal with.

Looked at Animal Plastics. There are a few that look like they would work. I may need to call them though to narrow it down. They do have alot of customization it looks like!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

Looked at Animal Plastics. There are a few that look like they would work. I may need to call them though to narrow it down. They do have alot of customization it looks like!

---

I have 4 of their T8's, they are the cheapest, and the perfect size. Just get it with the divider so when your snake is small, you can keep it in half of the T8 then later remove it and let the snake have the full thing.

OK, thanks. That was one thing I wanted to know. Can two smaller snakes fit in; one on each side of that cage design?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

I took a look at Animal Plastics and I see several that might work. I'll probably need to call them to find out which is going to be the best for the money. There are so many combinations of options.

---

I can show you what works for me:

T8 with sliding glass doors

Sliding glass door locks (not required as the snakes can not open the doors anyway. Its to keep people out)

Flexwatt belly heat

2 florescent lights

and the pop in/pop out divider.

besides the cage all you will need to get is a thermostat ( I like Herpstats, but Hydrofarms work too if money is tight) and cage decor (substrate, hides, water dish)

By smaller I mean if I get 2 babies or sub-adults.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

By smaller I mean if I get 2 babies or sub-adults.

---

Yes, if you get the divider you can keep 1 snake in each side

like so:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/c22733cf.jpg

It may be hard to tell but the top cage is a T8 with the divider in it, and 1 snake in each side

Here is each side individually:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/2c04fa33.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/3f1e76f3.jpg

Oh good! I had really been kind of dreading getting two seperate cages but didn't want a whole rack at least not now.

This looks like it could be the best one to meet my needs, since I'll just be starting out with one pair.

I'll take a look at that book too. I'm not opposed to getting books. In fact that is on my list.

Animal Plastics is in Louisiana, isn't it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

Animal Plastics is in Louisiana, isn't it?

---

No, Iowa

Oh, OK, I thought that I was an L. The initials are sqiushed up in the top corner right near a box below.

Well in anycase, Iowa's alot better than having to deal with getting one from Canada.

Now how long can the snakes fit it each side before it will be too small, or can they fit in there for life?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giftbearer

Oh, OK, I thought that I was an L. The initials are sqiushed up in the top corner right near a box below.

Well in anycase, Iowa's alot better than having to deal with getting one from Canada.

Now how long can the snakes fit it each side before it will be too small, or can they fit in there for life?

---

I know some people who keep Ball Pythons in half of a T8 for their entire life, but I feel that they should be moved to a full T8 after a year or 2.

Oh, when you said you use two Fluorescent lights are you referring to 2 of the white fluorescent fixtures; one on each side, or does one of those go across the whole cage and one bulb fits in each (2 bulbs)?

It's 2 separate fixtures, 1 will light the cage but if you get the divider it doesn't work very well for one side of the cage lol

Kitedemon, what did you mean by it takes a few weeks to get the cage stable? Do you mean to get the temperature in it stable?