T8 setup questions

[davep]

I recently acquired an AP T8, as it seemed to be the most reasonably priced size, though I plan on only having one ball python.

The BP's I've been looking at seem to be around 8-9 months old.

I've read that BP's tend to do well in smaller spaces.
Is it really necessary to put a divider in? Or could I just fill the space with a few more hides or other cage junk to make it feel smaller?

One reason I'd prefer to use the whole cage is the mounting of the thermostat inside the cage, which I planned on screwing to the back, and drilling a hole for the probe to exit, and bring it around the back to another hole where the flexiwatt is. Just would hate to have to keep making holes in the cage as the snake gets bigger.

Also, I think half an empty tank would look quite silly.

I'm sure the true answer is to divide the cage in half and get two BP's.
Though that is not in the cards at this time.

[Rob]

I'm sure the true answer is to divide the cage in half and get two BP's.
Though that is not in the cards at this time.

That is the correct answer! Lol
But really if you do just want one I'd just throw an extra hide in the middle back wall of the t8. If your bp seems to still be stressed throw up the divider until it gets bigger. But I don't think you should have that problem. Good move picking up the t8 AP makes great enclosures.


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[mvptext1]

I have a thought for you. I don't have a T8, but want to get one this year. I keep my BP's in fish tanks right now but want to move them to T8's. To make them feel secure in the fish tanks, I have created tunnel systems out of polystyrene boards you can get at HD or Lowes. Where I live the thickest I can get is 3/4" polystryrene, but up north in Chicago I imagine you could find thicker which would be easier to work with.

The issue for you with the T8 would be fitting the polystryrene sheets in the T8, so you'd have to make this in sections that would fit together in the T8.

I have one of my BP's in a 20 gallon long tank. Basically I cut the polystyrene to fit inside the fish tank. I have about 6 sheets so it goes about half way up the tank. Then I get creative and carve out the inside space of the sheet so that there are natural hides that are connected by a tunnel. The tunnel leads from one side to the other and the exit hole is at the top in the middle of the tank. So when it is feeding time I'll see her head poking out looking for a meal. I'll try and post a picture at some point. You can paint the polystyrene so that it is easier to clean and looks nice.

The point here is by making these tunnel system, my BP's seem really content. They eat well and they use the tunnel systems. The good thing is too the polystyrene keeps in heat and humidity which is good for the BP's. A large sheet of the polystyrene is about $14 which allowed me to make tunnel systems for 2 20 gallon tanks.

If you made one of these for your T8 I'm pretty sure your BP would be happy and feel secure. The only issue with them then becomes getting your BP out when you want to handle it. That take some extra steps which is a pain, but I think the extra steps are worth it as long as the snake seems to like the enclosure. Hope that helps.

[zookeeper]

I just received my t8...very nice material. I still have to seal it and all that. My current BP is in a small Neodesha enclosure. I plan to move her to the T8 this week..I still have to seal it, let it cure , then install glass. I also have to install the 2 40 watt RPHs on each side and the flexwatt on the bottom.Realistically it will be ready this weekend if I get started tonight.

Anyway , though I bought the divider and do plan to get a 2nd BP , due to the quarantine process I too will only have one snake in the T8 for a while.

I plan to put the new snake that I choose in the Neodesha set up in a different room for quarantine. In the meantime I am going to go ahead and set the T8 up for my current snake , but I am setting it up as if I was putting two snakes in there. Divider , 2 40 watt RPHs , and 12 " flexwatt running down the center of the divider ( right where the handy notch for the T stat probe is ). If I definitely was not getting another snake , I would probably just really clutter it up with multiple hides and fake foliage.

I have an OCD about symmetry though , so on the vacant side I am putting in ALL that I would as if 2 snakes were going in. 2 hides , water bowl , any other decor. And- go ahead and laugh hard , I know it is totally funny and that I have a true OCD - I will be putting a rubber snake curled up in one of the hides in the empty side with just the head sticking out . Just as a place holder and just because lol

8 bucks on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Republic-...=rubber+python

[davep]

Thanks for your replies. Still torn on the issue

May just throw another hide or two into the whole thing, and see if that is good enough.
But if a need for a smaller space, I may do like zookeeper and set up the 2nd side as if i had a 2nd snake...minus the fake snake though, because i'm not that OCD

Or...maybe just get two snakes. lol

[zookeeper]

Glad you don't have the OCD , it will spare you having to buy rubber rats too

It will probably look really nice cluttered up. You could get pretty creative with all that room !

[davep]

I've seen photos of what I'd consider elaborate cage setups, but than I read stuff from really experienced people who say BP's don't really need anything, and point out how it's just extra stuff to keep clean, etc.

So I'm leaning towards Kraft paper for the bottom, 2 hides, a water bowl, and that's about it at this time.

The experienced dog owner in me thinks I need a few more toys, some balls, and something soft and furry to lay on.

[Rob]

I've seen photos of what I'd consider elaborate cage setups, but than I read stuff from really experienced people who say BP's don't really need anything, and point out how it's just extra stuff to keep clean, etc.

So I'm leaning towards Kraft paper for the bottom, 2 hides, a water bowl, and that's about it at this time.

The experienced dog owner in me thinks I need a few more toys, some balls, and something soft and furry to lay on.

Personally I can't stand all the "extra" stuff. Not saying having all the branches and all that get up is bad for the animal, to me I like a nice clean look that's easy to maintain all the while the animal is perfectly happy.
One half of my t8 simple and easy to maintain.



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