Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry for the 'novice' questions but I need to start somewhere. I am still a couple years off from getting my first BHP, most likely an Eastern, so I want to be as prepared as possible. I've been keeping snakes for over 10 years and mainly deal with colombian boas but have been in love with BHPs since I first saw one in a book.

I am curious which would be a better enclosure size for an adult BHP, 4x2, 6x2 or bigger? (I currently use 4x2 boaphile and proline cages for my boas) I understand BHPs like to sit in burrows or rock crevices, do you think they would utilize a shelf or just prefer hide boxes low on the ground? Any other caging advise you can think, feel free to throw that in.

Here's some pics to keep on topic, I got to handle this amazing black headed python at the San Jose Reptile show last year, what a treat! I was thrilled as you can tell from the first pic.

Some kids kept trying to grab the tail! I wasn't thrilled anymore. heh

Thanks for the help guys!
-April
-----
'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow

I currently keep mine in 4x2 with a hide and no shelf. They are curious and love to cruise, though, so a shelf would most likely be used. I do plan on moving up to larger enclosures within the next year or 2.
-----
"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

cages are variable based on the size of the snake. I keep mine in 4x2x15" cages, but think I am going to move the girls into 6x3's. They are ok in their current cage, but I think they are right at the thresh hold of needing something larger.

BHP's are active and curious and use anything and everything you offer in terms of cage space. They will crawl on, climb up and push under EVERYTHING they get close too. So - while I don't think I would put "shelf" as a need, I think it would certainly get some use - esp if you use a radiant panel for heat - creating a nice warm basking spot on the shelf.

I kept mine in 4x2 Neos for years. My (now) lone male is about 8.5 to 9', and he just went into a 6x2 Neo.

Hi April....
I keep all my larger females in 6 x 3's the males and smaller females....I keep in 4 x 3's.
Most of my BHPs prefer to stay in their 32 quart hides though! Haha.

I'd say...you'll be O.K. with a 4 footer until they reach 6-7 feet or so.
Good luck with obtaining some for yourself....there's really no other snake like them.

Cheers,
D.

I really appreciate you guys taking the time to answer and thank you for the guidance.

I will most likely go for the 6x2 or possibly some 4x2s hooked together. I'm glad to hear they would utilize a shelf! I considered the shelf from what I was reading about the activity level being more along the lines of a colubrid than a BP.

Hopefully I'll be back in a couple years posting pics. BHPs are out of my price range right now but not for too much longer (knock on wood).

(And great pics Derek! thanks for the eye candy)
-April
-----
'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow

Cheers April.....BTW....Who's BHP where you holding?

D.

Hi Derek,

I have it written down somewhere at home in the snakeroom. I think his name is Scott (or Steve or Shawn? something started with an S!) and if memory serves, he lives in Utah. I will look for the info this weekend so I can give accurate info! lol

He said he was working with some het albino BHPs that were imported from Europe if that helps. Very exciting!

I live in the same town as Mr. Doug Price who I believe also works with BHPs but haven't had the pleasure of speaking with him yet.

-April
-----
'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow