Racks Vs. Cages?

[archaic37]

I understand racks have a practicality when it comes to breeding and owning a large amount of snakes to save space, but other than that are there any specific reasons why more people prefer racks over custom cages or large enclosures?

Personally if I am going to spend anything more than $100 for a snake I would want to be able to view it and have it in a nice enclosure not a rack system.

1) Reasons for rack system (BESIDES BREEDING)?

2) Your opinion rack or enclosure i.e. custom, large aquarium, vision cage, boaphile cages etc.

[Crazy4Herps]

Racks are cheaper, easier to heat, take up less space, and are easy to clean. But they really only make sense if you have a large number of snakes.

As far as enclosures go, imo aquariums just don't make sense. They're heavy, they build up calcium deposits, and they make it difficult to maintain heat or humidity. I am a BIG fan of custom acrylic cages such as Animal Plastics, Boaphile, Visions, etc. They're easy to maintain, lightweight, provide visibility while keeping the snake feeling secure, and are all-around nice aesthetically and functionally.

I think it's simply a matter of balance. Obviously if you have 20 ball pythons (not the best display snakes to begin with) it doesn't make a whole lot of sense having an expensive acrylic cage for each one, but I know many large-scale breeders will have several display cages for their nicest-looking snakes. I've never used a rack system, and especially now that I'm down to four snakes I have the space and resources to keep all of them in elaborate setups.

[adamsky27]

I like racks because they are easy to heat, as well as the reasons that you already stated. If I had something like an arboreal snake I'd get a nice display enclosure for it, but not for a ball python. If you have both hides in the enclosure there is a good chance that you wouldn't see it very much anyway.

For viewing NPI makes nice cages. The insides aren't black which makes it lighter inside the enclosure. I have a 36" stackable NPI cage and I really like it. The only bad part is the glass rattles back and forth if the stand is bumped into.

http://www.npicages.com

[cmack91]

racks have small tubs, and the snake feels more secure. in a large enclosure they become stressed at all the open space so you really have to bush it up. plus, BP's in particular hide all day so theyre not the best for show snakes, since you will mostly be looking at what looks like an empty enclosure. tanks are also harder to heat and transport, although visions and boaphiles etc. are alot easier

[robeyeshua]

I have one young ball in a 24/12/12 steve doss snake fx enclosure in my living room for display - he is my son's pet of sorts - but my others in sterilites out of view in a walk in closet - i believe they have to be less stressed out of traffic - they are better eaters - maybe a coincedence - just makes sense that they would be more content in the tubs - i guess you gotta form an opinion and then make a decision what matters the most - the snakes needs or yours - just my opinion

[mpkeelee]

Tubs are very easy to clean, other enclosures are not. Racks can hold many animals in a small area, other enclosures take up more room. Tubs hold temps and humidity better than most other choices, I'm sure some of the more expensive enclosures work well but its far more expensive for one snake than a tub. Balls aren't a display animal so why put them on display? They will only hide all the time and the attention and ease of viewing could stress them.

[West Coast Jungle]

Once you go rack you will never go back!

[archaic37]

Agreed balls are not viewing snakes they do hide a fair amount but I think there is something about the aesthetic viewing pleasure of a quality custom cage with a designed interior even if the resident is tucked away in a hide.

But if I go into breeding even just one female I will build a small rack system.

[snake lab]

Aquariums: they are made of thin glass with no insulating properties at all. Harder to keep heat and humidity. Glass causes thermal transfer therefore the heat source has to work harder and cycle more often. Plus most people using aquariums use too big of an aquarium for their animal. They are designed for fish.

Custom cages: most custom reptile cages are designed for reptiles. Therefore more attention to detail is put on housing reptiles. The cages are made of either acrylics, plastic, wood. All better insulating properties then glass aquariums. More emphasis is put on heating and reptiles needs. Holds heat and humidity better then aquariums.

Racks: first and foremost they are designed to house multiple animals in small areas. They hold heat and humidity better then any other system. Racks help keep a collection organized. This makes it easier to do things like cleaning, feeding, breeding, housing, and heating. You use one thermostat for a rack for multiple animals instead of multiple stats for multiple animals. Racks are the most efficient way to own and keep multiple animals. They are also the most versatile way of keeping a collection. Racks give you more bang for your buck.

So i guess the best thing to think about is what works for your plans in the hobby. Are you a pet owner, hobbyist, breeder or collector. If you are planning on having multiple animals or breeding then the first thing anyone has to be prepared for is it is not cheap to do so. You get what you pay for.

[TKByrnes21783]

I have a petstore display and racks. I prefer the racks for ease of cleaning and getting snakes in and out. My display is nice to show off the nice stuff. Put a PITA to clean!