Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I'm wondering if a 4' by 4' by 6' tall enclosure is considered to be overdoing it. I would like to put my boa in a cage of that size, but I would just like to hear some other opinions. I understand most people use 4' x 2' x 2' as the minimum, but I always prefer to go larger with my cages, with decorations and all. I also understand that many suggest a horizontal cage over a vertical one, but it's my opinion from experience with mine that Boas can take advantage of provided vertical space. There will be plenty of faux plants and places to hide. I would just like to have a more visually appealing cage that gives my Boa a more open opportunity to explore.

Let me know what you think, good and/or bad.

I'd like to hear from other's that have similar sized cages for their boas as well.

Thanks.

While I keep all mine in smaller cages I don't necessarily think you're wrong. I have many snakes and need to keep the caging simple to help me care for them. I do want to point out a couple of pitfalls to your cage. Nothing you can't get past but items you should plan for. and you may already have thought of just food for thought!

1) overall size. 4' x 4' x 6' will NOT fit through any doorways. Won't even fit through most windows. Some options,
a) build it in place and it never leaves the room.
b) make it modular based on dorway size Like two 2'x4'x6' that bolt together into one cage.
c) Complete break down cage

2) strength, if your boa will be investigating the upper reaches, it will need something VERY strong to climb on. I honestly don't know if it would "climb a tree" if it had the opportunity or would remain a ground dweller.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB, selectively bred from good stock)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
13.26 BRB
11.16 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

with a 4ft depth you are going to have to crawl into the cage to clean it. (unless you have 4ft arms...LOL...)

I think it would be cool cage to build if you do it like a naturalistic display type.
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Ed Lilley, www.constrictorsnw.com
www.reptileinsider.com

Yes, I considered it not being able to fit through a door, lol. I do plan on constructing it into sections, or walls, and then put the pieces together in the room. If I choose to move it to a different location in the room, however, I figure that would be difficult. I don't think there's any conceivable way to move it without taking it apart again. But I hope to find a permanent spot for it.

If my Boa should happen to decide not to climb anymore, I've considered the option of constructing the cage to where it will also be effective when laid on its side.

Thank you both for your input. It's greatly appreciated.

I have one that is 5 ft long, 3 ft tall, and 2 ft deep. This is the biggest I've ever had and I keep a 6 ft suri in there. I have a 2x4 bolted to either side and supported in the middle of the cage as well. She is always up there on the shelf (mildly heated) I installed. She seems to like going up and down as she is more active in this enclosure. I think that your boa would enjoy the room as well. I think we discount the climbing habits/desires of the snakes we own.
If you can find a way to get it in the room, go for it.
Rich
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bigdnutz
1.2 Suriname Boa
1.0 Venezuelan Boa

It's OK to have a bigger enclosure as long as you have many places for the snake to hide and as long as you have enough floor space, and 4' X 4' is more than enough floor space.

I have a suriname female that loves to climb, she is almost always up on a branch near my head where I sit here on the computer, like she is now. She's around 4 feet and thick too. I have a fear of her falling, although she seems to be very coordinated. I got a branch with a fork in it, that is where she likes to hang out. If you can get wood with many forks that are in a vertical manner it would be good because that provides more stable place for her to hang out. It's said that large boas have a fear of falling but so far my girl loves to climb. She spends more and more time up there too. I think if you can provide the right places for some stability like maybe little platforms or many forks it might work. The only problem is if the snake ever falls from that height, they will be injured. My branch is only a foot off the ground. You should seriously think about this aspect of your plan and make it as safe as possible if you go ahead and do this.

My plan is to let my girl climb on a low branch until she stops wanting to or she gets gravid, then I will take her branch out for a while.

Good luck,
Caden