Reptile & Amphibian Forums

here is a cage i built for my first venomous snake. i haven't acquired my copperhead yet...built the cage first...anyway, i'd like some feedback...does this look like a good design for a venomous? in the center is a frame in which a piece of metal (1/4" thick" slides into to divide the cage in half, seperating the snake in one side, so that i can clean half at a time, without ever having to take the snake out. the metal is inserted on the opposite side of cage not pictured. when not divided, a door covers the slit for the metal to slide into. 1/4" plexiglass covers the top and slides back and forth. doesn't lift open. hide box will be on one side and water dish on other half to avoid accidents cleaning bowl. also, hide box is another custom build with a trap door built into to trap the snake inside if ever i need to completely remove it. alright, lemme know what you think...

It's hard to judge whether the size is appropriate from the photo but it looks like a nice, secure cage. It's good to see that you are being responsible and taking every possible safety measure. A lot of people tend to not give copperheads the respect they deserve because they're generally not considered lethal. It's hard to tell from the photo whether it is possible to lock this cage. This would be pretty important if you have young children or if the law requires it where you live.
It's also difficult to determine the size of those ventilation holes but if you notice moisture in the cage you may need to add more.
It sounds like you've taken every step to avoid actually handling the snake and that's a good thing. Still it's important to have the skills and the tools (hooks, restraint tubes) to be able to deal with your snake when it becomes necessary. I'm not assuming you don't but some people feel like they will never need to interact with their snake if they take certain precautions...that's kind of an unrealistic plan.
Good luck with your copperhead...they are awesome snakes!
Chris

thanks for the feedback. the size...35 x 19" and 11" deep. do you think this size will be okay for a little while anyway, until i can build a bigger version? oh, and it's not completely done yet...i am adding a locking mechanism onto each end of the cage.

24 inch ball in cage for photo

That size should last you quite a while. If you go with one of the smaller subspecies (i.e. laticinctus) your copperhead may never outgrow that cage. A large adult southern may be a little cramped when it reaches full size. Either way, if you're starting with a juvenile, that cage should last you a couple years. Good luck,
Chris

to stick to the wall like that? J/K
Looks good
J

Not a bad cage, but for "viewability", I would not drill air holes right in the middle of the plexiglass, I'd keep it to the sides. After all, if you can't hold 'em, you might as well be able to see 'em clearly.