Snake Room??

[diamond123]

Hi,
I'm thinking of breeding ball pythons in a few years and just want to think ahead, as it will probably take some time to set up. How do you make a snake room?? i have a spare room so i was thinking i could turn that into one, and somehow block the window so theres no light and draft?? i was also wondering how to heat it, as i don't want to use a space heater because I've heard bad things about them. any tips and advice would be really helpful!! thanks

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I use the natural light cycle so I do not block out the window.

As for space heater if you pick the right one they can be used safely, I recommend a oiled filled heater which are the safest one and a reliable external thermostat.

I have been running this setup 24/7 every winder for years without any issue.

[sho220]

I also don't block the window in my snake room. I don't see any reason to. Also use an oil filled heater during the winter and it works fine. During the summer I'll block off about 90% of the a/c vent and that seems to keep it just right...

[Expensive hobby]

I block off my window for insulation purposes, and use a daylight 5500k spectrum room light on a timer for light cycle and heat the room with a 1500w ceramic heater controlled by a Ranco 111000 ETC t-stat.
No other heat sources are used.
My energy increase has been minimal due to the insulation of the room. The Window has been eliminated and insulated, the electrical boxes have been insulated, the AC register has been eliminated and insulated and the door has been sealed and insulated.

Been working great with no issues.

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[Tigerhawk]

Along with the oil heater,you may want to put a fan in the room. This will circulate the air there by reducing the amount of time the heater runs as the fan will help keep the air temp even.

[Expensive hobby]

Along with the oil heater,you may want to put a fan in the room. This will circulate the air there by reducing the amount of time the heater runs as the fan will help keep the air temp even.

YES! Totally forgot about this! I run a ceiling fan 24/7 to make the lower levels receive more heat. Otherwise the top rows would be 91° and the bottom racks would be 82°

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[Marrissa]

I currently heat my room (no reptile room yet) with a radiant oil heater. Eventually when I get a reptile room I plan on heating to 85 degrees and no hotspots. Less chance for things to go wrong.

[diamond123]

thank you! all this info has really helped!

[diamond123]

i was also wondering if i should insulate the window or just leave it??

[artgecko]

No answer for the window question as I don't have my own snake room yet... That said, I'd suggest putting in a hard flooring, like linoleum, tile, etc. Snakes can get messy sometimes and cleaning tubs, etc. can too. I'd think having a hard flooring would make cleanup and sanitizing easier. In my ideal snake room, I'd also put in a big wash sink, but I know that will probably not be feasible for me and might not be what you want to do especially if you have limited space.

I know you've probably already checked out racks, etc. But if not, look up Animal plastics and CSerpents. Both are good sources and will give you an idea on price. You might also want to go to a local show where a rack / caging vendor will be attending so that you can see how big the racks are and get an idea of how much room you will need / how to set things up. I saw some for the first time in person a couple weeks ago and they were a lot bigger looking in person that I had realized.

One other suggestion, I'd recommend having a work table of some sort (could be a desk or folding table), a storage area (shelving or drawers), and possibly some hooks (hanging storage for tongs, snake hooks, etc.). One of nicest setups I've seen was in a spare bedroom and the owner had setup storage in the closet for all of their excess supplies, cleaning gear, etc. Kept the room really neat and organized looking.

Good luck setting up your snake room!