Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am considering new cages for my rat snakes, and am leaning toward vision 221.

I am afraid of the sliding glass doors: will they present a problem with nose rubs? Anyone use sliding front cages successfully with rat snakes?

If not, other suggestions?

Thanks!

I've got my big male yellow in a 221. In fact, it's the only enclosure that he hasn't nosed and pushed on. The only thing I do not like about it is, no internal lighting. Other than the darkness of the cage, it's a good choice.

Thanks! I figured they be dark, being low and deep. I'm planning on putting them in my "sun" room, so hopefully it'll keep 'em somewhat lit.

Thanks again!

I have a couple of my ratsnakes in showcase cages, which have strips to allow light into the cage. They're very nice display cages. I haven't had any problem with them rubbing their noses on the sliding glass doors.

If I post this correctly there should be a URL to their website.

Good Luck!
-Chris
Link

OK try this one. If it doesn't work the website is at:
http://www.showcasecages.com

Take care,
Chris
Showcase Cages Website

I keep my adult Chinese Beauties in Animal Plastics cages with sliding glass doors, and have not had any problems with nose rubbing. These are active, strong snakes, so I think sliding doors are fairly safe for most snakes. As far as other options, AP (and other cage makers, as well) make cages with doors that open outward on hinges.

-Toby Brock
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Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

As you see, there are several choices for cages and most are great.
Most cost effective are those you build yourself, based on your own handiness.
Here is just another opinion.
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Three of the four Vision Cages I use are the following Models:
Model 221 28"x 24"x 12" High
Model 211 24"x 22"x 14" High
Model 222 28"x 24"x 24" High

I use the 221s successfully for terrestrials like Common Kings and Bull or Gopher snakes. I’ve been pleased with them on Western Fox Snakes.
Positives are that they can take a larger light and they cost less. You will see these for sale as used fairly often.
The down side is that you must be looking directly into the cage from a frontal position to view your animals. Cage décor must be low profile.
My latest opinion is that they are not much advantage over sweater boxes.
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I used 211s for smaller Rats like some variants of Corns.
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My meat and potatoes for Rat Snakes like your Deckert’s is the 222.
Here, climbing branches are easily installed and you can get some great artificial plants at chains like Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, and hobby shops. Viewing the animals is much easier.

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Even terrestrials like Western Foxes climb occasionally:
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I use a $15 florescent from Home Depot that is easy to install, replace, and change bulbs.

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Just "for what its worth".
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Regards, Bill McGighan