Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am in the process of putting everything together in order to get an emerald tree boa. I have a few questions I need anwsered in order for me to provide the best for the emerald and me. First, how are the Animal Plastics cages? I'm thinking of getting the 48L x 24D x 36 H. I know it will be huge for a young emerald, but I like to have lots of room, they seemed trapped in smaller cages. I'm going to use peat moss as a substrate, real perches, fake vines, an incadesent UV light, and a night-time incadesent light. Because emeralds need some air circulation, i was going to use two vents, and place computer fans, one flowing into, and one flowing out of the cage near the top. Also what wattage lights would be good for this cage to provide around a 84 degrees day time temp? The night-time light will be on a thermostat. Also with this vent and lighting, will a fog machine work good for humidity or do I need more? Sorry for the length I just wanted to provide as much info as possible.

Alex

Amazingly I am in the process of designing some cages for GTP's. However I will be strickly using Chris Harpers Storage tub design (perhaps he will post some pics). This enclosure is well suited for the aboreal nature of both animals. If you can find appropriate tubs.

To answer a few questions;

>First, how are the Animal Plastics cages?

Never used hopefully somebody else will fill you in.

>Because emeralds need some air circulation, i was going to use two vents, and place computer fans, one flowing into, and one flowing out of the cage near the top.

If useing fans you will only need one if one draws in air the air will defenetly move out the other.

Also you may consider lossing the fans entirely. If you use a heat source in the ceiling of the enclosure the heat gradient will cause the air to flow in and out of vents. As long as they are oriented verticaly near the floor and ceiling of the enclosure. Without the breeze you will still get the air movement required without the fear of URI.

>Also what wattage lights would be good for this cage to provide around a 84 degrees day time temp?

I am not sure there are others that are better with bulbs than I, however with a GTP or emerald I can only recommend a RHP. They are simply the best for what you need. Pro-products, Helix and a few others make good RHP.

>Also with this vent and lighting, will a fog machine work good for humidity or do I need more?

If you get rid of the fans use peat or cypress mulch for substrate a daily misting with a garden sprayer is sufficent. You will be able to maintain good humidity without the expense of a fogger. I also use a humidifier in my snake room.

There is nothing wrong with length so long as you have an actual care for the animal.

Good Luck
I hoped this helped.
Jeremy
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

I'm thinking of getting the 48L x 24D x 36 H. I know it will be huge for a young emerald, but I like to have lots of room, they seemed trapped in smaller cages.

I think that is a nice size cage for an Emerald Tree Boa. But you should check on the Tree Boa Forum (both main and sub-forum). I think they will tell you that's too big for a "young" ETB. How old is it exactly?

I have not kept Emeralds in years, neat snakes. If I ever got totally burned out on having a collection snakes I could see just keeping one Amazon Basin in a large naturalistic cage.
-----
Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)