Animal Plastics Alternative?

I want to get a bigger enclosure for my BEL who is outgrowing his 20 gallon. I ordered one from Animal Plastics, but that was over two months ago and not only have I not received it, they won’t answer any of my emails. I really want a PVC enclosure and a really nice set up w/ UTH and ambient heating. Any recs that aren’t AP?

Guess you didn't read this on the AP web site:

"Current ESTIMATED lead times = 18-34 weeks or longer in some cases for all units except "quicker ship" items."

Worth the wait IMHO.

Call them with questions. Leave a message an they will get back to you.

You won't hear anything till they ship.

Two months :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:It was bad before COVID. I waited eight months for two "quick ship" ones. Now, I order cages when I have the funds before I even think about snakes. Have an empty set up an the snake will follow.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by 303_enfield

Guess you didn't read this on the AP web site:

"Current ESTIMATED lead times = 18-34 weeks or longer in some cases for all units except "quicker ship" items."

Worth the wait IMHO.

Call them with questions. Leave a message an they will get back to you.

You won't hear anything till they ship.

Two months :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:It was bad before COVID. I waited eight months for two "quick ship" ones. Now, I order cages when I have the funds before I even think about snakes. Have an empty set up an the snake will follow.

Good luck!

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Yeah, I saw that — I don’t think it was there when I placed the order, but I guess it’s not outside the realm of possibility that I could have missed it. I guess I’m just shocked that they can’t return a damn email. The one I ordered was listed as a quicker ship. If I had seen “18 month lead time” or even “8 month lead time” during the check out process, I would have run for the hills. My dude is getting way too big for his box! Ugh, and I also have humidity issues so the whole thing looks like a science experiment. It’s driving me crazy.

Calling is definitely a better way to get in touch with them
The wait on mine just when Covid started was 16 weeks. XD

Well worth it though. I'm debating on ordering another in the future. >_>;

It was there when I ordered four cages in August. I was well aware and ordered cages I don't even need at the moment so I have them when I actually do.

I called them a few days after ordering with a question and got right through. I've called them a few times over the years to ask something and have never had an issue getting somebody with a call or two.

I've never emailed them so I can't speak on that.

I have a few AP enclosures as well. Besides the long lead times, even on quick ship items, they are really good quality cages.

But... there's many more companies now that make PVC cages. Though, not all are the same. I have a few Herptastic enclosures, and while I made them work for me I don't like their quality. Though, to be honest, I bought them new but off someone else that built then and probably didn't like the quality and sold them for that reason. I got them for such a good price, I didn't mind the "fixes" I had to do. I have heard good reviews on them, but me personally I didn't like them. To be fair, I have also read good reviews on their cages.

Vision Cages gets good reviews... if you like that different look.

And, Kages have good lead times, last I checked, and I have only seen good reviews on them. I think they are in MN.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nycole

My dude is getting way too big for his box! Ugh, and I also have humidity issues so the whole thing looks like a science experiment. It’s driving me crazy.

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This will work until your AP enclosure arrives. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-25-Ga...Lid/1000505547

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Originally Posted by bcr229

This will work until your AP enclosure arrives. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-25-Ga...Lid/1000505547

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I've used these tubs for smaller snakes, but not for the larger ones. Can I ask you how you heat them? Especially in a colder room, in the mid 60s? Or would you recommend against it for such room temps?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

I've used these tubs for smaller snakes, but not for the larger ones. Can I ask you how you heat them? Especially in a colder room, in the mid 60s? Or would you recommend against it for such room temps?

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I've used similar ones. I have just used a bulb on a lamp stand. Worked fine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

I've used these tubs for smaller snakes, but not for the larger ones. Can I ask you how you heat them? Especially in a colder room, in the mid 60s? Or would you recommend against it for such room temps?

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A large UTH, or two of them set to 80 and 90*F.

I got a same day callback when I left AP a voicemail last week. They did admit they're right at the 34 week side of the estimated range though. Not optimal, but I doubled my order anyway.

I have heard great things about AP, but personally use Boaphile cages. I have no idea what Jeff Ronne's lead time is these days, but in the past, it's been about 6 weeks for a "personal/custom" setup with the all heating elements and cage options installed. He does soup to nuts. One of the things I liked about him and why I ordered from him. He uses the same tanks, heat panels, heat tape, etc. with his breeding collection of boas. Also, no assembly required. I tend to glue my fingers together so this was a plus for me, although many don't mind the mild assembly on AP cages.

He is terrible with email, but answers the phone or calls back right away.

His number is on his site, Boaphile Plastics.

Any questions feel free to PM me.

Good luck whichever way you go, although it sounds like you already ordered an AP will probably get it pretty soon.