Favorite enclosure?

So with the recent purchase of my 0.1 BI, I’ve began looking for enclosures for once she’s begun putting on some serious size. Currently at 3ish feet, I have her in a 20 long and it seems to fit her perfectly. But I’ve definitely come to realize the struggles of heat/humidity in an aquarium style setup.

So what are some of your favorite go-to enclosures for full grown boas? I figured Christmas would be as good a time as any to lock down that future enclosure.


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Animal Plastics cages. Sliding glass doors, locks, shelves, LEDs and flexwatt.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Animal Plastics cages. Sliding glass doors, locks, shelves, LEDs and flexwatt.

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Which size do you recommend? I’d assume any of the 48” models would be fine, but what about height preference? I see where they have a deal going for their 15” model but I feel that might be a little short.


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Everything Sauzo said. For a female boa, if you are wanting to get a cage that will work for her life, then I'd go with something a little bigger than their 4'x2' footprint cages. I'd go with at least a T13 (4'x30"x 18"). A T25 would give you even more assurance that it would be large enough for her as a fully grown adult.

I use T10 and T11 for my boas, but all of mine are males that will typically stay smaller than females will. I get the sliding glass doors with locks, the basking shelves, heat tape, and the recessed LED lighting (that one isn't on the website, you have to call and ask).

I have been extremely happy with my AP cages they are very well made.. Just be prepared to wait the ~3-4 months it will take for it to be built.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Everything Sauzo said. For a female boa, if you are wanting to get a cage that will work for her life, then I'd go with something a little bigger than their 4'x2' footprint cages. I'd go with at least a T13 (4'x30"x 18"). A T25 would give you even more assurance that it would be large enough for her as a fully grown adult.

I use T10 and T11 for my boas, but all of mine are males that will typically stay smaller than females will. I get the sliding glass doors with locks, the basking shelves, heat tape, and the recessed LED lighting (that one isn't on the website, you have to call and ask).

I have been extremely happy with my AP cages they are very well made.. Just be prepared to wait the ~3-4 months it will take for it to be built.

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They seem like some really nice quality enclosures. I doubt I’m going to be able to land $500 worth of product right off for Christmas so maybe I’ll just start with the shell/shelf and work my way up from there. It’s probably going to be over a year before she will need something of that size anyways. I have a 40 gal breeder setup just in case I need a “tweener” cage, but like I said, I’m trying to get away from aquariums.


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Personally, I would do a T25 which is 72x30x18. I have T10s and T8s also but unless you want to upgrade in a few years, might as well just start large now lol. Here is a pic of the T25s. And to give you a size comparison, they boa on the bottom is Rosey who is 6.5' long and you can see she doubles the width and her body stretches back and bends at the edge of the hide. So she has plenty of room in there to stretch out. And on the top, you can Caesar crammed into his hide sleeping lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...5bfddd0f_h.jpg

And here are the T10s and T8s. The T8s are on top. And then I got another mini stack of T10s and T8s but this should give you a size idea between them.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...09460492_h.jpg

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Personally, I would do a T25 which is 72x30x18. I have T10s and T8s also but unless you want to upgrade in a few years, might as well just start large now lol. Here is a pic of the T25s. And to give you a size comparison, they boa on the bottom is Rosey who is 6.5' long and you can see she doubles the width and her body stretches back and bends at the edge of the hide. So she has plenty of room in there to stretch out. And on the top, you can Caesar crammed into his hide sleeping lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...5bfddd0f_h.jpg

And here are the T10s and T8s. The T8s are on top. And then I got another mini stack of T10s and T8s but this should give you a size idea between them.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...09460492_h.jpg

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Yeah that T25 seems to be the right move in the end. I like to have what I need and not have to think twice about upgrading.

So for months I fought this 20 gal long enclosure and did everything I could to try and get the correct temp/humidity and never could get it where I wanted it. Don’t get me wrong, it looked great. It just didn’t give me the results I was looking for. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...25f3f9f7e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c52d1e0dc4.jpg
I tried that setup for a while and eventually ended up switching over to a CHE and moved it to the left side of the enclosure over the heat pad. Still didn’t work right.

Today I got fed up and decided to try the tub system. Funny enough, I managed to get the perfect climate on the first try. This was done with a 60 quart tub. Of course she won’t be able to stay in this forever, but at least her conditions will remain stable and make my life a whole lot easier. I plan to start saving immediately for the T25 so I’ll have that by the time she outgrows this. S/O to the forum for giving me all kinds of great ideas on how to make it work [emoji1303]. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9099d2c0d9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fa59653974.jpg


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Originally Posted by Codil7

Yeah that T25 seems to be the right move in the end. I like to have what I need and not have to think twice about upgrading.

So for months I fought this 20 gal long enclosure and did everything I could to try and get the correct temp/humidity and never could get it where I wanted it. Don’t get me wrong, it looked great. It just didn’t give me the results I was looking for. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...25f3f9f7e5.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...c52d1e0dc4.jpg
I tried that setup for a while and eventually ended up switching over to a CHE and moved it to the left side of the enclosure over the heat pad. Still didn’t work right.

Today I got fed up and decided to try the tub system. Funny enough, I managed to get the perfect climate on the first try. This was done with a 60 quart tub. Of course she won’t be able to stay in this forever, but at least her conditions will remain stable and make my life a whole lot easier. I plan to start saving immediately for the T25 so I’ll have that by the time she outgrows this. S/O to the forum for giving me all kinds of great ideas on how to make it work [emoji1303]. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9099d2c0d9.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...fa59653974.jpg


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Yeah funny part is tubs/racks are probably the 2nd easiest things to set up right. I just hate them because you can see the snake.

Your 20g looks nice but it boils down to the welfare of the snake first and foremost. Kind of why my set ups are more minimalistic. I like being able to find poops and pisses easy and having easy time spot cleaning. The natural look is awesome but again for me with 8 snakes. so much quicker to just slide open the doors, pet the snakes, sniff inside for a poop or piss and then move on to the next cage lol.

As for the cages, not sure where you are but to ship across the mountains to Washington State was pretty expensive. Even with the discount of shipping 3 cages, i think i still paid a little over $300 in shipping alone.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Yeah funny part is tubs/racks are probably the 2nd easiest things to set up right. I just hate them because you can see the snake.

Your 20g looks nice but it boils down to the welfare of the snake first and foremost. Kind of why my set ups are more minimalistic. I like being able to find poops and pisses easy and having easy time spot cleaning. The natural look is awesome but again for me with 8 snakes. so much quicker to just slide open the doors, pet the snakes, sniff inside for a poop or piss and then move on to the next cage lol.

As for the cages, not sure where you are but to ship across the mountains to Washington State was pretty expensive. Even with the discount of shipping 3 cages, i think i still paid a little over $300 in shipping alone.

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Yeah I completely agree with you there. I’m just hours into this tub setup being complete and I can already tell I’m going to like it more than the vivarium attempt. Much easier upkeep for a fraction of the cost. I went from thinking “I can’t imagine trying to do this with multiple snakes”, to “I can’t wait to do this with multiple snakes” haha. Should have went this route long before now.

I live in south central Kentucky. I did a little research and I believe it’s going to cost me about $50-70 to ship. Depending on size. Not awful, but with everything else considered, it’s not exactly pocket change either.


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I'm definitely getting Animal Plastics next for my dumeril's boa and scrub python. They look really nice stacked, especially the white ones imo, and are VERY cheap for their quality!

After having melamine and ugly tubs, I'm kind of over it and just want AP/stackable PVC for everything from now on LOL.

I live in GA and it costs me about $55 to ship each AP cage. It may be a little more for a T25 though, due to size.

Tubs make keeping proper humidity easy and also make cleaning easy... So great to be able to take the tubs outside and hose them out, wash them, etc. I know people that have used the Iris Christmas Tree tub as their male boa's permanent housing (if they stay small enough). I used a large tub to house my BCA and skink while I waited on their adult caging also.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I live in GA and it costs me about $55 to ship each AP cage. It may be a little more for a T25 though, due to size.

Tubs make keeping proper humidity easy and also make cleaning easy... So great to be able to take the tubs outside and hose them out, wash them, etc. I know people that have used the Iris Christmas Tree tub as their male boa's permanent housing (if they stay small enough). I used a large tub to house my BCA and skink while I waited on their adult caging also.

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It also only costs me $55 to ship T8 and T10. T25s are considered 'oversized' and cant be shipped through FedEx or UPS. They have to go through a freight company, Estes Freight to be exact. Thats why its more combined with it having to go over the mountains. Thats what Ali told me.

The T25s come on a huge pallet that has to be pallet jacked. When i got my 3, it weighed a ton. The driver had to pallet jack it from the front while i pushed it from the back so we could get it into my garage. Then he waited while i checked the glass doors to make sure they werent broken and no other damage was done.

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Originally Posted by Codil7

Yeah I completely agree with you there. I’m just hours into this tub setup being complete and I can already tell I’m going to like it more than the vivarium attempt. Much easier upkeep for a fraction of the cost. I went from thinking “I can’t imagine trying to do this with multiple snakes”, to “I can’t wait to do this with multiple snakes” haha. Should have went this route long before now.

I live in south central Kentucky. I did a little research and I believe it’s going to cost me about $50-70 to ship. Depending on size. Not awful, but with everything else considered, it’s not exactly pocket change either.


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Well if you are thinking about the T25s, they arent $50-70. Thats for the T8s and T10s. The T25s and larger, you actually have to call Ali to get a price quote for shipping based on your zip code. Like i mentioned above, they have to go by freight, UPS or FedEx cant ship that big. I'm going to have to call Ali and ask what the shipping is going to be on a T65, the 8x3x18 cage as i will probably need one for my retic next summer haha.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

I'm definitely getting Animal Plastics next for my dumeril's boa and scrub python. They look really nice stacked, especially the white ones imo, and are VERY cheap for their quality!

After having melamine and ugly tubs, I'm kind of over it and just want AP/stackable PVC for everything from now on LOL.

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White cages stain a lot easier and every smudge or anything shows up glaringly on it. That was my experience when i had white Constrictor NW aka Proline cages. Just a little thought. I really didnt think about it until i had them and after a few years, it was clearly apparent. That is why i went with the black ones for AP haha.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Well if you are thinking about the T25s, they arent $50-70. Thats for the T8s and T10s. The T25s and larger, you actually have to call Ali to get a price quote for shipping based on your zip code. Like i mentioned above, they have to go by freight, UPS or FedEx cant ship that big. I'm going to have to call Ali and ask what the shipping is going to be on a T65, the 8x3x18 cage as i will probably need one for my retic next summer haha.

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I really might consider building my own. Yes it would be nice to have something made by s reputable company, but my construction experience I’m sure would allow me to create something of worth for a fraction of the cost. Could be a fun winter project lol. My biggest concern would be making something that would work with manufactured heat panels. Do they just bolt on to the side/top of the enclosure?


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Originally Posted by Codil7

I really might consider building my own. Yes it would be nice to have something made by s reputable company, but my construction experience I’m sure would allow me to create something of worth for a fraction of the cost. Could be a fun winter project lol. My biggest concern would be making something that would work with manufactured heat panels. Do they just bolt on to the side/top of the enclosure?


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Yes, they just bolt or screw onto the inside top of the cage on one side or the other. Then you drill a hole to let the plug wire pass through to the outside and thats it. Pretty much anything will work for them like PVC, wood, acrylic etc.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Yes, they just bolt or screw onto the inside top of the cage on one side or the other. Then you drill a hole to let the plug wire pass through to the outside and thats it. Pretty much anything will work for them like PVC, wood, acrylic etc.

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How does wood hold heat/humidity compared to pvc? I feel like wood would be cheaper all around but if it’s not effective then I would consider all options.


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Originally Posted by Codil7

How does wood hold heat/humidity compared to pvc? I feel like wood would be cheaper all around but if it’s not effective then I would consider all options.


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Wood will hold heat decent as long as you arent trying to heat from the outside in like with flexwatt. Also wood has to be sealed very well or it will warp and rot from the humidity and snake piss. Also wood is a lot heavier than PVC and harder to clean.

PVC is superior imo. Light, easy to drill and work with. Easy to clean and wont absorb liquids or chemicals. Easy to heat through with flexwatt. Also i'm not sure but i think sheets of PVC and wood are about the same or PVC might be cheaper. Now i'm talking good quality wood, not void filled, warped, cheap sheets of siding plywood lol.

Also there is different grades of PVC. You want a dense PVC like the stuff AP uses. I think some other cages use cheaper stuff which is more like a shell with a foam core which is lighter but also not as strong.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Wood will hold heat decent as long as you arent trying to heat from the outside in like with flexwatt. Also wood has to be sealed very well or it will warp and rot from the humidity and snake piss. Also wood is a lot heavier than PVC and harder to clean.

PVC is superior imo. Light, easy to drill and work with. Easy to clean and wont absorb liquids or chemicals. Easy to heat through with flexwatt. Also i'm not sure but i think sheets of PVC and wood are about the same or PVC might be cheaper. Now i'm talking good quality wood, not void filled, warped, cheap sheets of siding plywood lol.

Also there is different grades of PVC. You want a dense PVC like the stuff AP uses. I think some other cages use cheaper stuff which is more like a shell with a foam core which is lighter but also not as strong.

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Gotcha. Thanks for the info! I’m going to spend some time searching for those sheets of PVC then. I checked Lowe’s and they didn’t have any large enough. The biggest they had was roughly 1x8. Almost like slim cut paneling. I’m going to try Home Depot this weekend and see if they have anything that would work. I’ve seen many people make their own with it so clearly this stuff has to be somewhat easily accessible lol.


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Originally Posted by Codil7

How does wood hold heat/humidity compared to pvc? I feel like wood would be cheaper all around but if it’s not effective then I would consider all options.


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I have just finished 4 wooden enclosures for my snakes. My BCI got the biggest one. I sealed them from the inside. I find wood very good, i use belly heating and i had to drill holes to pass the heat cable inside, with wood you can do that. Humidity is not a problem with wooden enclosures. Yes they are heavy. The bigger the enclosure is, the harder will be to move it.

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Originally Posted by Dutti

I have just finished 4 wooden enclosures for my snakes. My BCI got the biggest one. I sealed them from the inside. I find wood very good, i use belly heating and i had to drill holes to pass the heat cable inside, with wood you can do that. Humidity is not a problem with wooden enclosures. Yes they are heavy. The bigger the enclosure is, the harder will be to move it.

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How did you place your heating element inside? Like the above post explained, heating through wood isn’t the easiest thing to do. I considered laying laminate tile down on the inside with the mat/Flexwatt being sealed between the wood and the tile that way it just had to penetrate the laminate and not the wood as well.


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Originally Posted by Codil7

How did you place your heating element inside? Like the above post explained, heating through wood isn’t the easiest thing to do. I considered laying laminate tile down on the inside with the mat/Flexwatt being sealed between the wood and the tile that way it just had to penetrate the laminate and not the wood as well.


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I have drilled 2 holes for 2 heat cables in each enclosure. Only one hole in the small enclosure where i want to use only one heat cable. I have drilled the wholes in the back of the enclosures and in one enclosure in the side, but all very low near the floor of the enclosure where the heat cable was laid. The heat cable passed through the hole from the outside into the inside and is laid on an area on the floor and covered with tiles. That area will be the warm side. The heat cable remains on 12 hours during the day and during the night off.

OP, if you are looking for belly heat that you can put inside the cage, look into Kane Heat mats. They are designed for farm animals and dogs etc. They can get wet and be fine and can be cleaned etc. They arent cheap though but i personally would not want to chance any form of belly heat that wasnt waterproof being put inside the cage or having the chance of coming into connect with a spilled water bowl or piss. Too much of a chance of a fire, shock or death involved lol.