Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a small but growing collection of snakes and am running out of room. I don't have the funds to build or buy a rack but was wondering if the Sterilite boxes with the blue clip on lids would be secure enough for small corns. They seem like they would be tight enough. But, I don't really want to find out the hard way that they aren't. Thanks
Ryan

I have used Sterilite boxes with no problems. I drill several holes along the upper third of the box for ventilation. Take care when drilling as too much pressure can crack the plastic. Also, drill the holes small enough so that the snake can't poke its head into them to the point where it can get its eyes into the holes. I have seen eyes damaged from this. Place sufficient weight on the top of the container and make sure the weight is evenly distributed across the entire lid. A piece of plywood cut to the size of the lid with a couple of pounds of weight works well. An appropriately sized heavy book works well, too. I also make sure my containers are kept clean. With limited ventilation I'm sure that snakes appreciate this! You can even fabricate your own racks from plywood made to the proper deminsions for the Sterilite boxes. Hope this helps.

Jim

I have had snakes escape from the sterilites with the tops on before!! Now I use a bungey chord on any sterilite/rubbermaid bin I use that is not in a rack system. Also, it's easier to use a soddering iron to "melt" holes in the bins than it is to drill them. I bought a cheap soddering iron from walmart for $7.00 and have used it to add holes to over 50 bins now. It's quicker and there is no cracking or mess to clean up afterwards.