Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When creating a HOT room, do you have to have special Cages... I.E. Vision Cages....

Or could you just have the normal Wooden ones?

Thanking you,

Dec

When it comes to keeping hots, I insist on cages that open from the top. I do not like the front opening cages for hots. There are many keepers out there that use front opening cages without incident, but I just think that they are an accident waiting to happen.

Thank you for your post, i was just wondering, due to me buying my Cages from www.vivbuilder.co.uk.
So could i have these cages in a HOT room?

Those would be fine,as long as they are secure. You have to make sure even the smallest crack or spacing is somehow blocked from a snake escaping. Vison cages are notorious for having a 1/4 space between the two pieces of glass, a small snake could easily fit between the two. I personally prefer front open cages, but it depends on the keeper. Neo's are my favorite.
After you're set up, just make sure your room is secure, if you're worried about them getting out. They are snakes after all, and it can happen. It shouldn't, but does. It's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have door sweeps, fill any holes or cracks in the walls and floors, and cover any vents with screen wire. Keep the area clean and clutter-free, give yourself ample room and an exit opposite of where you will be keeping the snakes, and keep stuff off the floor. You don't want to trip or be backed into a corner by a snake that makes it's way to the ground. Label each cage with the common and scientific name and have a bite protocol on the outside of the door, one by your keys, and one by the nearest phone. And, if you have kids or alot of company, make sure the room can be locked AND each individual cage is locked.

There is absolutely nothing about keeping hots that is rocket science, as long as you are responsible and take the REQUIRED safety precautions.
Good luck and post some pics when done.

Thanks alot for your detailed help....

Will be a bit of time yet, but training at the moment...

Thanks again.

Dec

Although this is a personal decision, having worked with many, many different venomous species, I couldn't see myself finding any value in a top opening cage (for the most part). The thought of lifting a large gaboon or any heavy bodied snake up and over a top opening entrance makes no sense. Reaching down towards a cobra whose looking up at you saying "is this thing trying to eat me" will usually elicit a strong flight response. Now, if you are talking about a lidless type of rack system where the drawers are only 6 inches high that's one thing but a normal 2' high enclosure or beyond and you are talking about a major pain in the rear.

Front opening cages provide more versatility and allow the keeper to better manage the snake and the cage. I couldn't see doing it any differently. But, it all goes back to personal preferences.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>Thanks alot for your detailed help....
>>
>>Will be a bit of time yet, but training at the moment...
>>
>>Thanks again.
>>
>>Dec
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL