I think Chris has answered your basic question, however here is another viewpoint to consider:



I think if you have large numbers of snakes [ie. you are a breeder], then rack systems might be for you. However, if you're simply looking at racks as a way to keep as many snakes as possible in a small area, then you might want to look at why you keep snakes. For example, if you keep snakes because you think they're beautiful and you like watching them then a rack is not the best choice. Visibility is limited, the small size of enclosures tends to limit behavioral repretoire. Anyway, racks vs. other methods of housing is a thorny issue at best.



Racks certainly have their advantages on many levels - ease of cleaning, large numbers of animals in a more climatically stable environment. However, overall I dislike them because I don't believe most snakes will exhibit the widest range of behaviors when confined to the smaller size cages typical of most racks, and they're simply utilitarian, ugly-looking things where you can't really see your snakes. I've always been a big proponent of naturalistic vivaria for all herps, including snakes, so naturally I'm biased when it comes to this issue.



There are some arguements that point out some species of snakes tend to do better [ie. eat, breed] in the small, semi-sterile environment of a rack system, whereas in a large well-appointed naturalistic vivarium they didn't eat or breed. It could certainly be argued that more fine tuning of the naturalistic setup is in order before you can completely write it off.



Anyway, I digress. I think racks are okay in some circumstances. However, in most situations careful attention to designing a naturalistic vivarium will go a long ways towards showing you your snakes in a whole new light.
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Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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