Husbandry, Care, etc.

Now that I've had the opportunity to own one snake and am still gaining experience from taking care of it, I'm already doing my research for the next snake I want to acquire in the future.

Despite their size, the reading I have done has indicated that Red Tail Boas are ideal follow-up snakes for Ball Python owners (i.e.: beginner snake owners like me).

I wanted to take this opportunity to find out from you guys what measures you take to building and managing a proper cage for a baby Red Tail. I did read that a 10-gallon tank is sufficient for up to a year, but that I'd have to purchase a tank as big as 75-100 gallons eventually, is this right?

Are the living conditions that a Ball must have comparable to what a Red Tail needs?

I followed the same path as you did, and found this site very helpful: http://www.redtailboas.com/general_c...eral_care.html

If you need anything just PM me.

--Meady

When I talked to the breeder, she suggested getting a 20-gallon tank to start with. Seeing as how I probably cannot afford one of the custom made enclosures that the care sheet you provided a link for recommended, I'm going to simply pursue a glass aquarium or terrarium specific tank.

Would this be good to start with?

If its just a hatchling then yes, a 20 gallon should be sufficient for a while. However you must keep in mind that a red tail grows to be a very large animal, and you will eventually need a large enclosure. Another noteworthy point about boas is then tend to grow rather quickly from my experience if you feed them the correct size prey once a week. So a 20 gallon is sufficient for now, however be prepared to upsize that before the year is gone.

--Colin

20's are a good size for baby boas, but keep in mind, it is much tougher to keep the humidity at the necessary levels

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rynpckrd

When I talked to the breeder, she suggested getting a 20-gallon tank to start with. Seeing as how I probably cannot afford one of the custom made enclosures that the care sheet you provided a link for recommended, I'm going to simply pursue a glass aquarium or terrarium specific tank.

Would this be good to start with?

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Then you should not be getting a boa until you can afford to properly take care of it. The snake could outgrow the 20L in less than a year and then you'll be back to square one, only with a 3ft+ rapidly growing boa. And its not like a properly set up 20L will be cheap either...

For multiple animals a rack setup is the way to go anyways. Tanks are probably the worst. I have 1 tank and I will never house a snake in one again after I move her out into the new rack I just built.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottyBoa

Then you should not be getting a boa until you can afford to properly take care of it. The snake could outgrow the 20L in less than a year and then you'll be back to square one, only with a 3ft+ rapidly growing boa. And its not like a properly set up 20L will be cheap either...

For multiple animals a rack setup is the way to go anyways. Tanks are probably the worst. I have 1 tank and I will never house a snake in one again after I move her out into the new rack I just built.

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My intent would not be to settle for a 20-gallon tank throughout its entire lifespan. Simply, I was told by the breeder that this size would suffice for up to a year and then afterwards, I would need to obviously pursue something larger.

However, if there is something better than what I have in mind, then I would rather pursue that, especially since I'd have multiple snakes. Could you refer me to a link that explains a rack setup?

There are a bunch of things you can base off in the DIY and Caging forums. However here is an article which has a sort of walk through included.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=50959

Cheers,
Colin

i would feed every 2 weeks your boas will grow healthier and live longer and they wont get as big as fast

A 20 long glass tank will work just fine for the first year of a boa's life or even an appropriatly sized plastic tub. But be prepared to invest in a larger enclosure after your boa out grows this. My boa is at this stage and I am ordering him a 4'LX2'W15''T Animal Plastic terrarium. Here's a link to their website.
http://animalplastics.com/
Those cages I think are worth investing in. They'll cost you a bit more than a glass tank, but are much better for housing snakes. Here's another helpful link on BCI care.
http://www.vpi.com/publications/boa_constrictor
I love my boa and I think they make excellent pets. If you decide to invest in one i suggest you do all the research you can first and then look for a reputable breeder.

Would it just be easier to skip smaller tanks altogether and bite the bullet and buy an Animal Plastic terrarium of that size right off the bat? Or would I still have to acquire a smaller terrarium until it is bigger (since it might not feel so secure with so much space)?

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Originally Posted by rynpckrd

Would it just be easier to skip smaller tanks altogether and bite the bullet and buy an Animal Plastic terrarium of that size right off the bat? Or would I still have to acquire a smaller terrarium until it is bigger (since it might not feel so secure with so much space)?

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Yes, do not buy a glass tank. Either get a plastic cage or do a rack setup. You can take a look at the DIY forum for a bunch of great threads on DIY setups or you can buy plastic racks from the Boaphile or Animal Plastics. Honestly I think the Boaphile makes better stuff but AP is a good company too.

I'm building a Melamine rack that'll hold up to 8 full size males/subadult females and minus the thermostat it only cost me $120. My "first attempt at a rack" thread is on the first page of the DIY forum near the top if you want to look at what something like that entails. However the tstat I got is one of the best ones and ran me $130. Well worth it since in 2 weeks there will almost $2 grand in animals in there.

Here is a great option for plastic tubs
VE 175 Dimensions: 20 7/8"W x 52 7/8"L x 14 1/16"H
http://www.reptiletubs.com/
It is basicly 4x2 and about $50 comapared to the averange $200 for the for the 4x2 cage.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rynpckrd

Would it just be easier to skip smaller tanks altogether and bite the bullet and buy an Animal Plastic terrarium of that size right off the bat? Or would I still have to acquire a smaller terrarium until it is bigger (since it might not feel so secure with so much space)?

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I have my juvenile boa (approx. 2-2.5') in a 4x2 cage from Reptile Basics already and she is doing fine. I provided two hides which she doesn't use and has been eating just fine. Just my opinion but I say go with the 4x2 if you can afford it or make your own. Glass cages for me were extremely hard to keep temperatures and humidity right when I had my first bp in it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by minguss

Here is a great option for plastic tubs
VE 175 Dimensions: 20 7/8"W x 52 7/8"L x 14 1/16"H
http://www.reptiletubs.com/
It is basicly 4x2 and about $50 comapared to the averange $200 for the for the 4x2 cage.

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walmart offers the same tubs at Xmas time for $20-25 ea labeled as Xmas tree boxes. They are made by Iris.

No need for a tub that big for a loooooooooooooooooong time if ever. The 41qt tubs I'm using are 34.5"x16"x6" and are $8 each at Target.