Enclosure size

Sorry for the new thread on this but I couldn't find the exact answer in other similar threads.

I have read that you need a tank/enclosure with a circumference at least as long as your snake. For an adult BP, 36" x 12" is recommended in a number of care sheets. However, it appears that the tub-systems are smaller than typical tanks. I've looked at the mid-sized snake racks on Reptile Basics web site and the tubs are 16 1/8" x23 3/4" x 6" (approx)/ 30.6 quarts. I assume this is adequate space/size to keep adult BPs in permanently? I'd like to hear from some of you rack-system keepers as I am looking at going that way.

On a separate note, I had to comment that I just received my IR thermometer. Wow! What a great tool! Point and click and I know the exact temp anywhere in the tank. So cool.

Thanks.

I keep my adult ball python females in approximately 41 qt tubs, which are approximately 33" by 15" (floor area.)

Ok. Maybe it was a dumb question since the circumference on the tub system is 6.5 feet. Definitely longer than an adult BP but how about the 6-inch height? Well, I guess they wouldn't build them that way if they didn't work though.....

Ok. I should have looked a little more at the various RB systems. The rack system they have "for larger snakes" is 17.75" x 33.5" x 5.25" (approx)/ 30.6 quarts. They indicate it is suitable for adult BPs. Still seems low though.

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Originally Posted by Nvar

Ok. I should have looked a little more at the various RB systems. The rack system they have "for larger snakes" is 17.75" x 33.5" x 5.25" (approx)/ 30.6 quarts. They indicate it is suitable for adult BPs. Still seems low though.

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Yes, that is what most breeders keep their adult females in. They do not need too much height since they are terrestrial creatures.

32 quart tubs are around 16"x23.75" which actually gives the snake more floor space than a 20 gallon long.

The CB-70 tubs that are used in the largest rack made by RBI are 33.5"x17.75" which is just a tad bit smaller than a 30 gallon long.

The height part isn't really an issue because balls aren't made for climbing.

Thanks. Just want to make sure before I invest.

I have my adult BPs in the 33" X 17" tub rack system. I've found, however, the enclosure size is great for the snakes but....after adding an appropriate size water bowl (4"-6" cir.) and a humid hide or regular hide, it seems to be cramped. Then, if you are planning to breed your BPs, you have to account for a male/female pair in the tub (even if its temporary). I'm currently planning on investing in a larger rack system (ARS) for my big girls.

Hope this helps.

I have Animal Plastics (Ball Room) racks and I do love them. Just keep in mind you might need to upgrade...or, if it becomes an addiction like for most of us you will NEED to upgrade...

:rolleye2:

Both my balls have climbing branches in their vivs, and use them often.Dimissing a whole species of snake "as balls are not made for climbing" is a bit misleading, each animal is different.

My plan is to acquire a high-white female pied since I've wanted one since I first saw one and to breed it with my male spider at first (them willing). Not as a economic enterprise but for the sheer fun of seeing what I get and having the experience of breeding and hatching little unique wigglers.

Since I can reap the benefit of all your expertise, my question is "what rack-system would you buy if you could pick the best for a breeding newbie, ie. lowest maintenance and highest likelihood of success." My only limits are I only want to keep two or maybe three permanent adults but I will need space for the "young-uns" after they leave the incubator but before they find a new home. I want a smaller rack-system. Not one of those with a dozen tubs. That's assuming it's OK to keep the little ones together?

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Originally Posted by scotty99

Both my balls have climbing branches in their vivs, and use them often.Dimissing a whole species of snake "as balls are not made for climbing" is a bit misleading, each animal is different.

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How old are your BPs? Young ones tend to climb a lot more than older ones.

I only have one at the moment and he is a baby (83 days). My plan is to buy a rack system and pick up the second one sometime this summer. Breeding to start in several years I guess.

Animal Plastics has a good selection of racks and not too pricey. I believe they have an adult rack with only three drawers. Perfect for what you are planning on doing.

For the babies, you can house them together till after their first shed, then, what I do is put them all in separate small tubs in rack by them selves. Helps to already have them separated for feeding.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

I keep my adult ball python females in approximately 41 qt tubs, which are approximately 33" by 15" (floor area.)

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Its what I use. Works great. :)

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Originally Posted by jsmorphs2

I have my adult BPs in the 33" X 17" tub rack system. I've found, however, the enclosure size is great for the snakes but....after adding an appropriate size water bowl (4"-6" cir.) and a humid hide or regular hide, it seems to be cramped.

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I agree, that is another reason that I do not use hides. Mine hide under the newsprint if they would like to hide.

Thanks. I will check them all out.

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Originally Posted by scotty99

Both my balls have climbing branches in their vivs, and use them often.Dimissing a whole species of snake "as balls are not made for climbing" is a bit misleading, each animal is different.

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Like Slim asked, how old are your animals? Once balls start putting on the weight they can become quite clumsy when trying to climb. The snake could quite possibly fall of that branch and hurt themselves.

Objects for them to climb on are unnecessary and quite possibly dangerous if high enough up.

Very young. Around 85 days old.

Ok. Just to make sure I have this straight. Would it work to get a RB or AP rack for adults and, when I have juveniles, to put them into smaller, individual shoe-box tubs that are placed inside of one or more of the larger tubs? If that works, I would have the flexibility I need.

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Originally Posted by TMoore

Like Slim asked, how old are your animals? Once balls start putting on the weight they can become quite clumsy when trying to climb. The snake could quite possibly fall of that branch and hurt themselves.

Objects for them to climb on are unnecessary and quite possibly dangerous if high enough up.

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I have a thick arched piece of Java which is about 4-5 inches higher than the top of the hides, so they can't get too high, yep noted that they are not the best climbers (hence keeping it low), but they seem to like getting on there when they feel like it.It adds a bit of interest and fills the viv up, and gives a bit of security for them to hide under outside their hides.

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Originally Posted by Nvar

Ok. Just to make sure I have this straight. Would it work to get a RB or AP rack for adults and, when I have juveniles, to put them into smaller, individual shoe-box tubs that are placed inside of one or more of the larger tubs? If that works, I would have the flexibility I need.

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It would be easier to make dividers that go down the middle of the tubs instead of putting a tub within a tub.

You could also look into the racks that fit 1 32qt tub or 2 15qt tubs on each shelf. AP has one as part of their economy plastics line.

RBI also sells dividers for their 32qt racks.