Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about picking up a Pueblan milksnake and putting it in a plastic sweaterbox. Are these things escape-proof enogh, are there particular models I should purchase?

I would never say that a plastic tub with top is escape proof unless its in the appropriate size rack. I've seen people stack plastic tubs with snap on tubs and still have snakes escape. They can find a way to push up the top in the corners just enough to get out. Maybe there are better models out there these days but its a gamble in my opinion.

Build or invest in a decent rack that has a heating element built in and you'll be set.

Dave
DNS Reptiles

I have to agree with Dave. Snakes are real escape artists. For temporary housing, I have used plastic boxes outside of racks, but I place weights (usually stacks of heavy books) on top. Also, it seems to me that pulling off weights and popping off the lids stresses some snakes out more than sliding a box out of a rack.

It's easy to build a rack at home, or even a single level setup that would accommodate a plastic tub.
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I would not personally trust sweaterboxes without using them in conjunction with a "rack" system. I feel the edges along the longer sides are too "flimsy" to stop a snake from wiggling out from under the lid. I built a few racks over the years and, by far, my personal choice is racks that accomodate lidless tubs. But you really have to watch your tolerances where box meets the top so that snakes cannot escape. Even more so with small snakes...babies, sub adults. After some "tweaking" I really enjoy my last 2 set of racks. They fit 10 - 41Q Sterilite tubs and they've worked beautifully for my corns, milks and gophers. I attached a link below.
41 Quart Rack

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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

Holy crap, I can't even cut a bird house out very well.

What about those aquarium lids they sell at pets smart, will those things work? It says on the lid you can buy clips but the clips aren't in the store. Do I need the clips?

You could just buy a reptile enclosure at a petsmart or petco or something.They are nice and the sliding screen lid snapps on in the back and they have a small loop in the front for a lock or hasp.

L8r

I agree with Shannon and if you prefer to buy, rather than make, a home for the snake buy one specifically for reptiles rather than fish. It'll save you a lot of headaches down the road and keep your snake safe. Personally, I have used old aquariums with snakes but I purchased the heavy-duty screen lids and used 4 locking clips to make it secure. Plus, I cut square wood dowels to fit along the inside lip of the tank top. Painted them black to match the lid and glued them in place. This will prevent a small snake from using the lip for leverage and pop the top and escape. So as you can see, for the hassle it's just easier buying a tank made for snakes.
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

Ken, those are nice looking racks you built. If you would get some very thin sheets of sheet metal and place on each shelve with the front edge turned down then your tubs would slide really easy and they would never hang up on the heat tape or hold down tape and they would distribute the heat more evenly.
Anyway, I hope you know what I am saying.If not I will try and get a few pics for you.

L8r Shannon

Thanks Shannon. I think I've seen pics you've posted in the past with the sheet metal you're talking about. It is a good idea. Question for you...did you ever have any issue with covering up the flex-watt with the metal? I thought I remember reading that there should be some air space, but maybe I'm mistaken. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

I have never had a issue one with covering up the heat tape and I have used this kind of system for close to 20 years now.
L8r

Cool, that's the kind of testimony I like to hear I'll have to check around for some sheet metal to incorporate.

Ken
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net