the largest plastic tubs made are manufactured by iris, they measure 52 x 21 x 14 high. with the lid on. they are intended for use as xmas tree storage. for the majority of male bloods, and a large percentage of female bloods, this sized cage would be adequate. as for a water bowl, you can use anything food safe that will hold water. some bloods like soaking, some dont, so if it can fit in it it might well soak, and no, soaking does not mean the snake needs more humidity! it could mean alot of things, the air is too warm or cold (water is a great buffer, and it can hold warmth longer than the surrounding air.), or that the snake is scared, has mites, just likes to soak, endless reasons.

bloods also do not like big, "open" cages. they are secretive animals by nature. having said that, a cage with 18 square feet of floor space (6 x 3 x 2), could in fact be too big for even a large female. again, i have to disagree with a comment made, "the curve of the back when curled up can take up the 2 feet wide"...now, if its just doubled over on itself that means the snake would be atleast a foot thick...keeping in mind that most of the bloods we see are overweight, remember girthy does not mean fat, 12 inches would be either an overweight blood or a very long blood. let me comment that my female red blood is a solid 4 feet at just over 2.5 years of age, decently well fed, and 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. it is, however, very easy to make a fat blood. they sit around for days, sometimes without the slightest hint of movement. she also resides in a 4 x 2 x 1 foot cage, that will either last her till she passes on or i trade/sell her. either way, 4 x 2 is quite adequate, if she breaks the 6.5 foot mark shell be moved accordingly.

as for substrate...this is easy, very easy. newspaper. paper towels. think easy to clean, cheap to clean, and as a bonus with newspaper, its form of recycling. a substrate of moss could easily promote a huge bacterial issue. bloods can be kept just like burms, newspaper...a few hides...good food...man, id be in heaven! humidity seems to be an issue among blood keepers. some feel that they need 80% or higher humidity or theyll die. truth of the matter is...high humidity and low ventilation cause bacteria to grow. so, if the humidity is too high you stand a good chance of bacterial infections such as dermatitis (often called scale rot), resp. infections, and there are other high humidity related issues. id suggest moderate humidity (50 to 60% with a good hose down around shedding times), and good ventilation. i also supply bloods with a rubbermaid box that they can fit in, on the snug side, filled with damp moss, so if they want to be more humid they can, if not they dont have to be. bloods scales often times "dimple" when the humidity is too high. bloods are amazing snakes to work with, and i hate to criticize someone elses feelings on the subject of their keeping, but, i pay attention when people like Dave and Tracy Barker give information, and i pay very close attention to what the snakes themselves tell me, over the years its added up to some very interesting snakes (bloods carpets and scrub pythons currently) living with me. good luck,

J
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Jaymz
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