Snake Rack Question

[Lana's_mom]

I just got done building my first snake rack about a month ago, and I love it. I am thinking of building another one. I have some cat litter boxes that were going to be used to build a rodent rack but changed my mind. I was wondering if I could use these litter boxes to build another snake rack? They are a solid color so the snakes wouldn't get any light except for when I pull out the tubs to check on the snakes. I would be interested in using it for ball pythons, but might make 2 racks and use one for ball pythons and the other for rosy boas. Would this be bad for the snakes to not have any light in there tubs?

[xdeus]

I've never heard of anyone keeping their snakes in complete darkness. I know Ball Pythons don't require light as other reptiles do for vitamin synthesis, but I believe they use light to regulate their activity and feeding cycles.

[Lana's_mom]

Ok, thats why I was wondering. My first rack has the normal steralite clear tubs. And I guess it wouldn't be complete darkness since there would be holes for the humidity control. But I wasn't sure it that is enough light or not.

[Slim]

I have no data or research to back up what I'm going to say, but I would not keep BPs in total darkness. I understand they live in holes in the ground in Africa, but they can also come out of that hole anytime they choose.

To me it just seems right to allow a natural day/night cycle to occur with clear tubs.

[dart]

There are freedom breeder racks that have solid gray plastic tubs IIRC. As a matter of fact, I've heard people that have picky eaters become very good eaters when put into tubs that are solid, making them feel very secure. As far as whether or not the cat litter pans will work, I don't see any reason why they wouldn't, but I personally like to be able to see my snakes.

[MasonC2K]

I don't do it but I know those who do. Based on his videos, Justin K keeps at least some of his in the dark. Most ARS racks don't let in any light and they are fairly popular it seems.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Yes you can here is an example where cat litter pans are used http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...r-s-Snake-Rack

I did something similar a few years back as well except that the rack was made of melamine.