>>I have an 18" licorice stick black rat snake (or white sided black rat). I've been told to keep her in something small like a tupperware container...right now she's in a 29 gallon tank and seems to be enjoying it. I was wondering, what is this with everyone keeping their snakes in these tupperware containers/critter keepers? I mean yes, the snake can fit in there, but is the snake really happy in that? I mean I wouldn't be happy locked in my closet! and the respective sizes would be such that i would have more room in my closet than a snake in a tupperware/kritter keeper. Also when this snake is full grown what is a good size tank for her to be kept in? I was thinkin 55/75 or so, but i've been told the 29 will be fine for her life span. This seems extremly smal to me, I was just wondering what most people think on this issue.



As Tempest points out....I can fit the tubs into a rack or shelves and handle even the largest by myself. (unlike the 50 breeder tanks that require two men and a boy to move to wash)I can afford them and usually the dimensions are better than a tank. My adult everglades male, my adult female black ratsnake are fine in their 90 qt. (448sq in footprint, 5376 cubic inches)The younger snakes are in 28qt.(336sq inch footprint, 2016 cubic inches)I am going by guess, but a 29 gal is like 288sq inches (12X24)footprint- the only add is double the height for the smaller tub. (for you I measured my 55, that the 6 salamanders live in....576sq inch footprint (narrow!) and 11520 cubic. Cost per square inch is fractional...especially when you go into the screen tops for tanks, and the replacing demolished glass when you ding it on a doorframe.

Forgetting the cost (fractional of a tank) and only looking at the advantages to the snake (in my twisted mind). They hold humidity and heat better than a tank. The translucent side offers some security. There are fewer rough edges. (I melt holes, not drilling, that can leave burrs). They are such cake to heft that I am WAY more likely to grab a dirty tub and take it to scrub completely than I am to lug a tank anywhere. Because they are cheap I can own a couple 'extra' and change out a dirty one for a clean in seconds. (a double advantage- everyone is happy)

Some of the supposed downsides of plastic tubs.....if you want to put a light on them you have to cut a hole and put in screening so it won't melt any plastic. I hate lamps as they burn all sorts of extra heat, they waste electricity and the bulbs blow. I have UTH that is years old.

They aren't 'pretty'. So all the other snakes are coming to my cellar window to laugh and point at the ugly snake homes......I knew that. My snakes can laugh and point back...they have free food, brought to them still warm.

As for 'happy' snakes....I don't think it is an emotion they are capable of. Their needs are met. They are safe. They have a whole lot more room than most people who have a snake in a tank on display in the livingroom and the snake is covering 3/4 of the tank floor, 'cause tanks are expensive and they are saving up to build something for the poor boa...that is shoehorned in there.

I am not trying to make this sound like I am making fun of you. I am a bit cynical, having worked in the pet trade too long. You are the exception. You want a lovely gymnasium for your snake then by all means do it. As long as it's basic needs are met and you are happy that is great. For some of us with mumble mumble more than one or two snakes the tubs make life incredibly easier and I don't think we are torturing our animals.

Anyone have the site for cage size recommendations? I have one for lab animals only. That in and of itself is scary. My feeders live in hotels compared.
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Sonya



Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?

Mrs. Neutron

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