Considering moving my snakes into the garage.

[rock]

I am considering moving my snakes into the garage for a few reasons. I know it has been done before and I have researched different setups that make it work but I would like some informed opinions on my likely, real world scenario.

1. I live in Florida and have a two car garage with a window but no air conditioning.
2. I have 2 ball pythons and 1 Bredl's python.
3. I am willing to build or buy new enclosures and heat sources.

My garage area is secure but not hermetically sealed so I am worried about ants, bugs, etc... And I am worried about the ambient temperature. I already have fans but would that be enough for air flow and keeping the temperature down?

Please let me know any thoughts, experience or relevant comments, thank you.

[wnateg]

Are you planning on opening the garage? Like for use beyond keeping the snakes?

Stick a thermometer out there, and you should be able to figure out how much you'll need to do to bring the ambient down.

[bcr229]

Personally I would not unless you plan on building an insulated space inside the garage, as overheating will kill snakes faster than getting too cool will.

[rock]

Are you planning on opening the garage? Like for use beyond keeping the snakes?

Stick a thermometer out there, and you should be able to figure out how much you'll need to do to bring the ambient down.

Yes, the garage is opened a few times a day. I agree, thermometer out tomorrow.

[wnateg]

Yes, the garage is opened a few times a day. I agree, thermometer out tomorrow.

Then I don't think it would work. Opening the garage door will let out all the cool air you're trying to keep in to maintain a good ambient. Not to mention, if you're bringing in your car from driving in a hot day, it's going to radiate heat right next to your snakes.

But definitely test all the variables with a thermometer, that's only sure way.

[rock]

Are you planning on opening the garage? Like for use beyond keeping the snakes?

Stick a thermometer out there, and you should be able to figure out how much you'll need to do to bring the ambient down.

If anything, opening the garage would let the hot air out if I did not have a split a/c. No cars are brought inside though.

[303_enfield]

Build a snake room in the garage. Put a window unit or a hotel style unit (heat an air) in the room. A thermostat controls the AC just like in the house.

Now, it's just me, I like watching the snakes. So it's glass, AB T8's so I can see them in the TV room. A tub system works great in garage or shed. I know 20-30 hobby breeders with them. 2X4's an Armax insulation to make a room.

What are the laws about keeping repts in FL?

[Bogertophis]

Is this a finished garage? I mean the walls & ceiling, with insulation? or is it bare beams with no insulation? There's a huge difference.

There's also a much bigger risk of ants & such getting into enclosures that are not observed as often in your normal living space, & they can kill your pets.

The only way I'd see doing this (as already mentioned) is if you enclosed & insulated part of the garage, & installed A/C, but it's still not really ideal.

[Craiga 01453]

Would you be able to build a snake room in your garage? You could just frame it up using wood or metal studs. It would be much easier to regulate temps, you could seal it off properly to keep the bugs out. Maybe an exhaust fan may help? It would also seperate the snakes from any exhaust fumes, paint fumes and other chemicals commonly kept in garages.

Just spitballin...

[dakski]

If you want happy and healthy reptiles, consistency is important, as is avoiding extremes in either. I imagine it would be difficult to maintain consistent temps and humidity, even with proper thermostats and good caging (insulated - like Boaphile, AP, etc), if you are opening the garage door at all. I also think opening the garage door would lead to either spikes or drops in humidity, or in FL, often keep the humidity too high for some species. Both Carpets (Bredli) as well was BP's, are prone to RI's if not given good and ideal conditions. Temp changes and humidity changes can cause these, among other illnesses.

I keep my reptiles in an area where temps are very consistent as is humidity and there is no drafts. I also use top notch caging and thermostats.

If you can insulate, not open the door, and/or build a small area in the garage that is insulated, I think it would be okay. However, probably not a good idea otherwise.