Kalatoa 100% Pure SD Retic Progression (Pic heavy...)

[jmcrook]

You speak well and from a standpoint of reason.

I see you wanting the best for you, (not constantly stressed) and for the snake, (not destroying herself).

I am holding out hope but no matter how things end up i'm confident your decision will be the right one.

Thank you brother. I want her to stay here more than anything. Aside from the pushing she’s an absolute gentle giant. Even had a two year old neighbor kid playing with her a couple months ago and she was a total sweetheart with him.
Drawing up cut plans for an 8’x3’x2’ birch plywood cage in 4’ sections right now. Not a cheap build but would be less than half the cost of buying a comparable manufactured cage. Hesitant to jump the gun on that just yet but I also know that if Lowe’s has their panel saw in order I could build that cage in a couple days or so. That’s the biggest I can build and still manage to move it into or out of the room if needed.
Also backtracked the pushing records... this all started two years ago in October. The majority of the time I’ve had her.


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[Gio]

Thank you brother. I want her to stay here more than anything. Aside from the pushing she’s an absolute gentle giant. Even had a two year old neighbor kid playing with her a couple months ago and she was a total sweetheart with him.
Drawing up cut plans for an 8’x3’x2’ birch plywood cage in 4’ sections right now. Not a cheap build but would be less than half the cost of buying a comparable manufactured cage. Hesitant to jump the gun on that just yet but I also know that if Lowe’s has their panel saw in order I could build that cage in a couple days or so. That’s the biggest I can build and still manage to move it into or out of the room if needed.
Also backtracked the pushing records... this all started two years ago in October. The majority of the time I’ve had her.


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I think eventually you'll get it figured out.

The "handy" part of you is big!

I am sure you'll skillfully design something that works!

[jmcrook]

I think eventually you'll get it figured out.

The "handy" part of you is big!

I am sure you'll skillfully design something that works!

Good god let’s hope so...
Priced materials for the build. Woof it’s gonna be pricey at that size. Probably $400 for everything if I use birch. Little under $300 if I use melamine but don’t want to go that route with all the time that will be invested. Could also stay at 18” tall and then only need two sheets of wood vs 3. I think she wants the height though. We’ll see. Just trying to keep my options open


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[Stearns84]

Good god let’s hope so...
Priced materials for the build. Woof it’s gonna be pricey at that size. Probably $400 for everything if I use birch. Little under $300 if I use melamine but don’t want to go that route with all the time that will be invested. Could also stay at 18” tall and then only need two sheets of wood vs 3. I think she wants the height though. We’ll see. Just trying to keep my options open


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What are you doing / plans for the doors?

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[jmcrook]

What are you doing / plans for the doors?

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If I actually build this thing then I’m probably going to buy some E shaped door tracks like AP uses and then cut some 1/4” thick acrylic sliding doors. Part of me wants to make framed swinging doors though. That would of course add to cost and complication of the build.
Basically this design but deeper, taller, in two 4’ sections, and with some nicer materials
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R35OoE8unc8


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[Gio]

Go at least 2 feet tall, taller if you can. Its hard to say, maybe a 7 foot wide by 3 deep and 3 tall?

Make her climb and make her busy.

Of course spending $$ is the last thing you want, but I think you will make this thing and it will solve some of the problems, hopefully all!

[jmcrook]

Go at least 2 feet tall, taller if you can. Its hard to say, maybe a 7 foot wide by 3 deep and 3 tall?

Make her climb and make her busy.

Of course spending $$ is the last thing you want, but I think you will make this thing and it will solve some of the problems, hopefully all!

I would like to go taller but that would mean it must be assembled in that room and disassembled in order to get it back out. Standard doorway is about 30”. I could go 8’ long, 2’ deep, and 3’ tall. Basically one dimension has to be 2’ or less to avoid completely disassembling to move it. My local Lowe’s has 3/8” pvc boards too... $15 more per sheet than birch but half the thickness of plywood. Just not sure about using thinner material for a huge build. Could add a simple frame for additional structure in key areas. This is going to have to be a very seriously thought out project with as much cash and time as it will call for if I go through with it


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[Stearns84]

I would like to go taller but that would mean it must be assembled in that room and disassembled in order to get it back out. Standard doorway is about 30”. I could go 8’ long, 2’ deep, and 3’ tall. Basically one dimension has to be 2’ or less to avoid completely disassembling to move it. My local Lowe’s has 3/8” pvc boards too... $15 more per sheet than birch but half the thickness of plywood. Just not sure about using thinner material for a huge build. Could add a simple frame for additional structure in key areas. This is going to have to be a very seriously thought out project with as much cash and time as it will call for if I go through with it


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I think I'm going to wait until the spring to build Gene's. I want to see how the temps are in the basement this year so I can see if I need to bump up my RHP.

Good luck man, I really hope this helps her. You'll figure it out. You have made it two years and countless moves and she's been there. It'll just take you some time.

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[jmcrook]

I think I'm going to wait until the spring to build Gene's. I want to see how the temps are in the basement this year so I can see if I need to bump up my RHP.

Good luck man, I really hope this helps her. You'll figure it out. You have made it two years and countless moves and she's been there. It'll just take you some time.

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Lol I’ve only actually moved twice since I’ve had her. But thanks man! I really think she’s just going to be a moderate meal every 5days kinda gal. I’m gonna try that for a couple months and see how she does


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[Aedryan Methyus]

Hi Jm,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a bad time with this beloved snake of yours. That really sucks! Fortunately, I haven't ever had this problem with either of my SDs yet (knock on wood!), but from what I understand it's a fairly common issue with Retics. I'm sure you've already experimented with everything regarding cage size, temperatures, humidity, prey size and feeding schedules, yeah? And, as has already been mentioned, the desire to breed can also cause them to push, but she shouldn't be sexually mature for 2 - 3 more years, should she? My male is definitely extremely active (and destructive) in his enclosure. I can't keep his tub dry (he's still in a 41 qt. rack), because for some reason the little stinker insists on keeping it soak and wet with the water from his water dish. From what I understand, cage destruction is also pretty common with Retics. Since Retics are such energetic, inquisitive and intelligent animals I have to wonder if it couldn't simply be boredom/desire to be handled that might cause them to push and/or destroy their cages? My boy especially is very sociable and LOVES being out and being handled! How often do you take your girl out and for how long?

I would highly recommend contacting Garrett Hartle of Reach Out Reptiles here in Pittsburgh. He specializes in SD Retics (exclusively) and seems to be one of the authorities on them these days. He's very friendly and helpful and i'm sure he would be happy to share his experience with you.

With regards to building your new enclosures, i'm curious why you wouldn't want to use PVC board instead of birch?