First time breeder

[CarnivalCreation27]

Hey everyone,

I'm brand new to these forums and just had a couple of questions on bp breeding. I'm looking into actually going down to the states and visiting BHB Enterprises and picking a couple up from Brian there to really start my breeding....but first things first, I need a snake rack. I currently have my snakes in their own aquariums but want to move to a rack system. I did find a poor mans version online and I wanted some feed back on it. Whether or not you think its fine for starters, or if I should go all out and buy some professional racks. Please take a look at this other forum post from a guy in Western Canada and see what you think!

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...ck-system.html

Any feed back will be greatly appreciated!

[Gloryhound]

That should work fine. The one place I would not cut any corners though is on a good proportional T-stat. I've built a couple of racks as well and I prefer a lidless slide out system. Either or will work and I have to say that in building mine I started with online plans and I am still perfecting the way I build my racks. It is an evolving process. After your first rack you will see some things you want to improve on and the process continues one rack at a time.

On a side note you would probably get better responce in the DIY or Caging forum areas.

[CarnivalCreation27]

alright thanks a bunch!

[stacyx]

Looks good! Make sure you don't rush building it though and get your geometry right the first time!

[ScottyDsntKnow]

There are plenty of building plans online to make your own rack for a fraction of the cost of the ones you can buy online. You basically go to a lowes or home depot, get a sheet or two of melamine and cut it into the pieces you need to put the rack together. Use heat tape for your heating and 32-40+ qt tubs for your animals to live in. Most expensive part is probably going to be the tstat.

I'm going to build a multi size tub rack since my space is limited. Probably a 12 big tub section 4 feet high and then a hatchling rack attachment on top for the babies whenever they come.

[m00kfu]

The one place I would not cut any corners though is on a good proportional T-stat.

One thing to think about when looking at thermostats -- proportional is nice but honestly, I think it's overrated. I actually use Ranco's on most of my racks, and a 1 degree variance really doesn't make much of a difference as far as the animals are concerned. The only thing is that it's a good idea to use a back-up with the Ranco in case it does happen to fail in the on position. But, because it is an on/off style thermostat, it doesn't use nearly as much in electricity. Granted if you're only heating one rack, it might not make a huge difference -- but in the long run it can save you a lot of money.

[CarnivalCreation27]

so in the forum there the guy is using individual heating pads for each snake ... is that a good idea or should I try and get heat tape. My options are very limited as of right now so I might have to go with the pads for starters.

[ADEE]

flexwatt will without a doubt be cheaper and safer IMO... you can get it by the foot from reptilebasics.com, rich is amazing and will even wire the heat tape if you ask him to.

[starmom]

Ya know, I think Rich (Reptile Basics) either ships to Canada or works with someone in Canada. Here's the web site; it might be worth emailing Rich and asking. Also, take a gander at his racks http://www.reptilebasics.com/Reptile...p-1-c-251.html

[CarnivalCreation27]

Thanks!