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edg3516
Snake mite
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 15/02/2011 : 04:04:25
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Hi all, new here.
I've been keeping reptiles for about a year. I've only kept the species in my signature, but I think I'm ready to move to something a little larger. I love the rainbow boas for thier color, but they also seem to be a bit smaller than other boidae species from what I've read.
My biggest concern is housing. I know that minimum adequate housing for a BRB is 4'x2', but where does one find a cage that size at a reasonable price? I found a large enclosure at a local tropical fish store, but the dimensions are a bit different. It measured 72"x18", which by my calculations would be a total square footage of 9', one foot larger than the minimum dimensions, but is the width too small? Also, I realize that most others generally keep younger snakes in smaller enclosures, but I've always kept my snakes in thier adult enclosures with extra hides and cover. With colubrids, this usually works out fine. Is it the same with boidae species, or do they really require smaller enclosures? It's much more cost effective for me to start with the adult enclosure, and add/remove hides and cover accordingly.
Humidity is another concern. The average humidity in my area is around 45%. Would it be beneficial to use an automatic misting system, or to just use an acrylic sheet over the top of the enclosure? Or perhaps to use both together?
Temperature isn't much of a concern for me, as I've learned the best ways to keep my enclosures warm in my house, with it's drafty insulation. I'll probably use a UTH and supplement with lamps.
Sorry for all the beginner questions. I've been doing a lot of research, and trying to find out if it's even feasible for me to own a species that gets to be so large at this time. I don't want to rush in and end up with an animal that I'm not equipped to care for adequately.
Thanks very much in advance for your replies. It's much more reassuring to have actual, experienced people answer questions than to just read from a book or a website.
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1.1 Elaphe guttata (Normal/Ghost; Cicero and Carmen)
0.1 Thamnophis marcianus (Ferox)
1.0 Roommate (Matt; will trade for reptiles) |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2011 : 19:30:00
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Hi edg3516, welcome to the forums! Also, kudos for doing your research in advance; we love to see that!
Yes, rainbows are smaller than the common BCI/BCC pets you see everywhere, but that has some benefits: they are easier to handle, could never hurt anyone, and are much more likely to escape legislative oversight. In addition to their smaller length, they also stay slimmer, which is why they carry the alternate name of the “slender” boa.
Minimum adequate housing is actually 3” x2” for this species. However, bigger is always better. You might want to look at some of the plastic cage manufacturers, as these offer the best combination of good humidity and temperature control, light weight, and reasonable price. Make sure you get one with minimal air exchange. I myself use Boaphiles, but there are certainly other options out there.
You are fine using an adult-size enclosure from the outset; so long as proper-sized hides and cover are available for the baby, it will do fine.
As you have noted, humidity is key with this species. There are several tools that will facilitate this. The first is choosing an enclosure that limits air exchange with the outside world, as otherwise all the humidity you so carefully build inside the viv will just seep away into the room. If you choose a viv with a screen top, this is where modifications like an acrylic sheet come in. The second is placing moisture sources inside the enclosure. The basics are a large, flat water bowl placed over a heat source (the size maximizes surface area, and the heat promotes evaporation) and a moist hide (a hide packed with damp moss, which the snake can use as a fallback if the general viv gets too dry). Many people supplement this with a moisture-retaining substrate and occasional spritzing (which could also come from a misting system, if you have the money for one).
For heat, just be careful of overdoing it. Remember, 82 on the high end, and 85 plus can kill.
Never apologize for questions. That’s what we’re here for!
PS: love the sig. Does Matt know his time is limited? ;-) |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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edg3516
Snake mite
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2011 : 20:13:58
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A smaller boa is a great advantage for me. I've only worked with small colubrids in the past, so I'm a little wary of making the jump to a much larger snake right away. I want to be absolutly positive that I can provide for a larger species before taking on the responsibility. Plus, I think rainbows are much prettier than BCC/BCI anyway.
Thanks very much for all your help. Matt will probably be with me for a while, he's been a long term captive.  |
1.1 Elaphe guttata (Normal/Ghost; Cicero and Carmen)
0.1 Thamnophis marcianus (Ferox)
1.0 Roommate (Matt; will trade for reptiles) |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2011 : 20:48:04
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| Any time. If you have any more questions, let me know! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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edg3516
Snake mite
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2011 : 22:04:17
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| I just got a chance to look at the boaphile plastic cages, and they're much more affordable than I expected for custom cages. I have a few questions, though. Is it possible to use your own heatmats and thermostats? If they're installed just on the bottom of the cage, it would seem like I could just use my regular brand of heatmat and thermostat, but I'm guessing that it's probably molded into the plastic somehow. I always use the BAH-1000DC on/off thermostat made by Big Apple Herpetological Supply, and it's much more inexpensive than the thermostat option provided by boaphile. Even to use their heatmats and my thermostat would save a little money. |
1.1 Elaphe guttata (Normal/Ghost; Cicero and Carmen)
0.1 Thamnophis marcianus (Ferox)
1.0 Roommate (Matt; will trade for reptiles) |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 16/02/2011 : 00:31:33
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| Yes, I believe you can use your own matts and therms. Just to make sure, however, ask on the phone before ordering -- Jeff is really good with support. If you talk to him, tell him I'll be giving him a call in another month or two myself for more cool stuff. ;-) |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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A few rainbow boa questions
