I kept my rattlesnakes in large glass tanks (aquariums, designed to hold the weight of water, are very hard to break, unlike "glass terrariums") with tops I built myself out of wood frames with wire mesh ("hardware cloth"), & on the 4 corners of the tops I installed eye bolts, & on the wood cabinets the tanks sat on was a chain with a snap bolt (like a dog leash) that effectively "locked" the top onto the cabinets underneath. Even Fish & Game was fine with my security, cleanliness & good care. (I had a home check for a "Detrimental species" permit for some non-local rattlesnakes that I ended up with.) I much prefer to work with hots from overhead, not from the front.Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
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Neat! When you had the rattlesnakes: What sort of enclosures did you have them in? I built all my ball python enclosures custom, but I couldn't imagine what size and design I would need for a rattlesnake...
My neighbors do not live close enough to see in my windows to my snake rooms (2nd floor of my house), however one of my neighbors mentioned she had 'noticed' unusual activity through the window (aka she was using binoculars). I just smiled and mentioned that she must have *really good* eyesight...she paused and then did not pursue that line of questioning any further.
Never had a problem, but my methods were my methods.My rattlesnakes were throughout my house too (including my bedroom) & not locked in a snake room, but without kids around I never felt it was any kind of safety issue. Especially since I didn't work them with hooks, where they might slip off & get loose. I made "shift cages" for them- it was much less stress for all concerned, &
I could even safely bathe them with the way my design worked. When I took in some rattlesnakes previously kept by others, they usually stunk from having been kept in filthy cages, & they actually appeared to enjoy a bath, but they were also clearly surprised by it.
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