Posted by:
ChrisGilbert
at Fri Sep 7 00:42:52 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by ChrisGilbert ]
Having semi larger bins to start babies in can be nice, simply for the reason you don't have to change up to something new too soon. However, you do have to consider security issue with babies as some prefer if not need smaller enclosures to begin to feed properly.
It seems to me that a shoebox size bin is good for a few months, depending on feeding regimen and type of boa (Subspecies/locale) this may last 3 months to a year. Then move to a CB-70 size. Again, depending on subspecies/locale you may be able to stop here. For boas that get larger you can go from the CB-70 size to a 4' or 6' cage.
At least that's the rotation I go by on my boas as they grow.
Myself, I am not a fan of those racks that use 2 different size bins, the 2 small then 1 larger. Why? Heating. With the 2 small bins the heat is located on the short side of the bin, leaves a good gradient and small heated area. That's fine. However with the larger bin you're heating the long side, leaving only the same gradient as the small bin, but now with a larger snake and less room to get off the heat, and more heat area than needed. Also, your boa may feel more comfortable coiled in a circle over the right size heat area than out length wise along the side of such a bin. If you have the means, separate racks built specifically for the size of bin you use is best.
I've looked around a lot at different racks and the size of bins, what the racks are made out of, heating, cost, etc. etc.
For baby racks, Animal Plastics has a new Economy Plastics rack that uses shoebox sterilite bins. Not on their website, you have to email them about it. 24 bins, and the best price per bin after you factor heat, bins, shipping. Made from 1/2" CDPVC
For CB-70 size, I actually go with the Sterilite 41qt. Boaphile Plastics Rhino RaXX and Herp Enclosures both offer a great option for this size. Herp Enclosures I think cost a little more, but they use 1/2" HDPE instead of the 3/8" HDPE in the Boaphile.
For cages, I personally would go with Animal Plastics as my first choice, second Proline, third Boaphile. Depending what you are looking for the order of the list will vary. AP cages are 1/2" CDPVC, you have to assemble them, but they are very nice looking and super strong. The Proline I think are the best bent and sealed cage. Made from 1/4" HDPE it is stronger than PVC, and MUCH easier to clean. The cleaning part is a big factor here. The Boaphiles are 1/4" PVC (not sure the exact type of PVC). You will have to let these air out when they arrive to let the glue off-gas, but they are very nice cages, little hard to clean in my opinion.
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http://www.GilbertBoas.com/
http://www.BoaList.com/
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RE: Rack system - ChrisGilbert, Fri Sep 7 00:42:52 2007