Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im gettin a black milksnake and was wondering if i could get complete instructions on how to make it,heat,vents,and security.all the ones i find eather have gaps in the lid or the lid is easily moved.

thanks for the help

If you just are going to have the one young Black Milk in a "RubberMaid", and don't need a multiple rack system, just put what are called "binder clips" on the two sides like I do with a few of mine. They are spring loaded, and come in different sizes at places like "Staples", and "Office Depot" they are in the stationery dept......they are VERY strong, and attach to the edge of the lip of the container. As for ventilation, I melt small 1/8 to 3/16 holes in the side of the container with a cheap soldering gun from "Radio Shack", or "Home Depot", it works like a charm, and there's no rough edges to mess the hatchlings nose up if it pushes real hard into the holes. It just leaves nice smooth holes with nothing to clean up,as would be the case if you used a drill.....I melt them approx. 1" apart all the way around the container, you can put some in the lid as well, works great!....I live in South Florida, so I don't have to get too crazy with alot of heat sources,...especially if you only have a snake or two, you could just use a heating pad, as long as you monitor the inside temp with a thermometer, and don't guess at the temp.!! Whatever you do.....DO NOT just guess about the temperature, this is a VERY important part of snake husbandry, and is crucial to the well being of the snake!..put the heat source underneath only HALF of the container, and keep the warm side around 82-85 degrees, with a little "hide box" at each end. This will give the snake options as to where it is most comfortable to hide......a heavy little water dish(so it doesn't tip it over) and you are in buisiness!....... good luck with your new snake!....................................Doug

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Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!

Forget Rubbermaid. The best containers I've found are "Iris" brand containers sold at some office supply places. They're clearer than the clear rubbermaids and the tops clip on. A soldering iron works well for making air holes. Heating depends on what you want to use...

I have some pictures of one of the ones I use at the top of my equipment page:
Snake Handling Equipment
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

with many useful tips!,......I got a good "chuckle" out of the rubber snake pic!!LOL.....you're rigs for venomous look VERY handy and practical......also, that's good advise you gave to post a fast message on the door if you accidentally get "zapped" by a "HOT" snake!....also, those clear containers that "clip" look like they are just the ticket for small snakes!......best regards,..........................................Doug

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Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!

>>with many useful tips!,......

Thanks. There's a lot more I'd like to add, but that's one of a thousands projects I keep putting off...
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.