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What are all things that belong in a snake room? I want to have a professional snake room so I need to know as many things that I can to make it as efficient as possible.

Thnx, SH101

>>What are all things that belong in a snake room? I want to have a professional snake room so I need to know as many things that I can to make it as efficient as possible.
>>
>>Thnx, SH101

Tile floor
Quality lighting
Power!!!
Sink
Dishwasher
AC
Heat
Humidifier
Ceiling fan
Mobile Cart
33 Gal trash can
Containers for everything...
Couch
Alarm system
Seperate personnel entry
36" doors

All I can think of...
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

quality ear protection to block out the wife nagging you
a 42 inch lcd tv to watch the game in peace
a mini fridge for beer
a mini fridge for incubating eggs
a couch for watching the tv
a mini fridge for beer
quality ear protection
did i say a big @ss tv
thats all i can think of
adam jeffery
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" a.k.a. farfrumugen "
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

most everything i can think of was covered by previous poster
i wish when i was building mine i would have put in a sink, and a dish washer. those 2 things will make your life so much easier.
the other thing you need to consider is shelving for supplies(shipping boxes,cleaners,extra tubs ect.ect.) these need to be for supplies not more animals..lol make sure you have enough electrical outlets for all your heat and that they are for the proper amp and not going to be overloaded. if you put in a sink make sure any outlets are gfci that are near it.
adam jeffery
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" a.k.a. farfrumugen "
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

>>Tile floor
>>Quality lighting
>>Power!!!
>>Sink
>>Dishwasher
>>AC
>>Heat
>>Humidifier
>>Ceiling fan
>>Mobile Cart
>>33 Gal trash can
>>Containers for everything...
>>Couch
>>Alarm system
>>Separate personnel entry
>>36" doors

A lot of people refereed to my list as good suggestions. I'm re-attacking myself and saying they are ideas not all encompassing and can be greatly improved upon. Really the facility is the most important and let me first say I have none of the above in my Reptile room.

Walls
These equate to ceiling height, I'm 6'2" roughly, my cage stacks are 76" tall. This sucks for racks as I can't look in the top row, but more importantly it sucks having a ceiling only a foot over the top of the cage. If you consider hooking and handling animals the higher the ceiling the easier it is to get that snake drooping from a hook into the top cage.

Ceilings
Flat works but vaulted can aid in air circulation.

Floors
Durable washable/bleach-able/non stick smooth floor. Tile works but grout can be a pain to clean also wheeled carts are annoying on tile. If I built my facility, I would have radiant floor heat, nothing like wasting the bottom cage in the winter or watching that heat bill go up due to an uninsulated concrete slab.

Lighting
shop lights in strips over the aisles helps a ton during maintenance. However for display the cages are better lit, and the aisles dark. If I build a facility all the cages will be on timers to simulate day/night cycles but the aisles will be either lite with shop lights during maintenance, or indirect ambient light for viewing.

Power
I have yet to determine a convenient height for outlets. NEC doesn't allow them below 12" which isn't low enough to unplug under a stack of cages. However there are no max height requirements in general. I currently have outlets ever 4' around the room, which is a good distance. Current NEC says that there can be no place in a room more than 6' from an outlet. So meeting code maybe sufficient. Dividing the room into cicuits is another plus a 15 amp circuit is only capable of 1725 watts on average. Keep that in mind when designing circuits, ever wall in my room is on its own.
**going off memory don't quote me on the code

Amenities
No doubt a drain, hot and cold water and a laundry room sink are by far the best idea ever. Coupled with a dishwasher, and a hose even a water filtration system you would have the ultimate setup. A kitchenette almost, even small freezer fridge would help store meds, and thaw prey even a snack when you feel beat.

HVAC
This by far is the most complex element of the room, its also the part many people omit. Let me tell you, you can go insane trying to keep temps at a constant when the system is just a branch from the main. If you can, a separate heat/AC to include a humidifier would be top of my list. Depending on room size and amount of rooms within the facility you can do the whole thing with new single systems by computer control gets spendy. I would focus on maintaining the facility at X temp and call it good.

Mobile cart
When you end up with a 20' row of cages you end up sacrificing a shelf for more cages the cart gives you that tool back. When equipped with tool storage, supply bins a paper towel holder a holding bin and a trash can. A multipurpose cart can be your best friend.

Separate entry/36" door
It's so much easier to bring in items and take out garbage when you can walk it outside direct or inside direct. Coupled with oversize door you'll never worry about getting things in and out.

Containers
I find I can never have enough small containers to put stuff in, and the space above the top cage you can't reach without a stool makes a great cubby place.

Alarm system
To include smoke/carbon monoxide detector. Our collections can range from $237 to $125,000 and beyond, its always a good bet to protect something that is hard to replace.

Couch
Best tool to take a breath!
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

Well said!! that really doesnt leave anything to add
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-Stephen-

0.1 Fiance (Babe)
1.0 rotwiler/chow (Boomer)
1.0 norm corn (Jake)
1.0 col redtail boa (Switch, formally known as Dixie)
0.1 ball python (Bella)
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Torpaz & Saphira)

That is pretty all inclusive. Only additions I would suggest is a mini-fridge, but not necessarily for beer. I would use it to store items such as meds and possibly biologicals for testing. Also perhaps a chest freezer for the feeders if you are feeding f/t.

Great suggestions already.

Have one or two snake hooks at strategic locations. I use the small light-weight red anodized aluminum shafted hooks for colubrids and similar-sized snakes (Midwest Tongs).

An air filter/purifier will keep dust from settling on rack shelves and cage tops. The difference is amazing.

I like to have a big thermometer on a wall, one you can read from a distance.
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Mark

a temp gun!!!!!!

and yeah everything was very well covered.

at some point i myself would love to have a full herp room and i know for sure some of the featuresi will add have been mentioned. i will emphasize on power, outlets every 6 feet on a 20 amp. some type of island/table/work bench most likely a rolling cart that has storage and a work bench top. a big slop sink for sure!! and a closet or shelving rack for storage.
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-Stephen-

0.1 Fiance (Babe)
1.0 rotwiler/chow (Boomer)
1.0 norm corn (Jake)
1.0 col redtail boa (Switch, formally known as Dixie)
0.1 ball python (Bella)
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Torpaz & Saphira)

ohhh and i dont know about anyone else but i plan on having a desk in there to as a work station for a computer and such for keeping records and pictures and web site... all that type stuff
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-Stephen-

0.1 Fiance (Babe)
1.0 rotwiler/chow (Boomer)
1.0 norm corn (Jake)
1.0 col redtail boa (Switch, formally known as Dixie)
0.1 ball python (Bella)
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Torpaz & Saphira)

Sounds good in theory but not in practice. Computers and herps don't really mix well. One should be in a cooler room, the other in a warmer room.

>>Sounds good in theory but not in practice. Computers and herps don't really mix well. One should be in a cooler room, the other in a warmer room.

My home office is in my reptile room.

Now temps above 70° technically are bad but I haven't had any problems with my internal case running around 83°.

Also take into account my case sounds like a jet with all the fans and I'm running an AMD which is designed to handle 90°.

There is also the possibility of running a remote terminal in the reptile room, the tower could be in an adjacent room.

Food for thought!
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

To clarify my case is 83°F

Dangerous chip temps are between 70-90°C

Big difference...
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

One thing no one mentioned which I always have if you have constrictors is a knife or razor knife. Better to be safe then sorry!

>>One thing no one mentioned which I always have if you have constrictors is a knife or razor knife. Better to be safe then sorry!

LOL, I do keep a pocket knife on me, but its not for protection. I have yet to own an animal that could take me on. IMO large constrictors beyond the 15' mark.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

I use a small microwave cart for my lap top. I only have it in the herp room when I need it, via wi-fi for records updates. The rest of the cart, the main space is kind of a multi use section. I use it as a real small desk for the most part.. The small cabinet under is used to hold common supplys (paper towels, soap) and it is where I keep my co2 chamber, the hose, tank and chamber of doom (of which two escaped today - didn't find plans in their cage so it must have been a spur of the moment thing..)
On the work cart... I am getting ready to build a colapsable cart like a t.v. dinner table but with a shelf and casters.. Will post pics of it when complete (after I hunt down the two rats..) ALSO, because I do keep alot of live rats and they do seem to plan great escapes, I keep a 900 psi pellet pistol out when woking with them, just in case.. and yes, after they are frozen I dig the pellet (steel hunting pellets) out of the rat...
-Blue

hey thats not a bad idea a computer desk could take up valuble wall space that could be used for more animals!! i like that using a laptop too instead of a full comp with the tower, monitor, key board and everything thats a good idea
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-Stephen-

0.1 Fiance (Babe)
1.0 rotwiler/chow (Boomer)
1.0 norm corn (Jake)
1.0 col redtail boa (Switch, formally known as Dixie)
0.1 ball python (Bella)
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Torpaz & Saphira)

When I wired up my old snake room I used quad plugs around the room and hooked up the left outlet to a mechanical timer for lighting and the right outlet constant for thermostats. Also came in handy when I wanted a night drop and hooked the heat in the timer as well.

do you have any pictures of your herp room? i would love to see hows its set up
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-Stephen-

0.1 Fiance (Babe)
1.0 rotwiler/chow (Boomer)
1.0 norm corn (Jake)
1.0 col redtail boa (Switch, formally known as Dixie)
0.1 ball python (Bella)
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Torpaz & Saphira)

Thanks to everyone who replied with some great ideas. Could you possibly post some pics?

Thnx,Sh101

I don't have any pics. That is where I used to live. Right now everything is in a spare bedroom,but will soon be in my basement. Part of it is finished and this summer I will get it all set up.

It seems most people focused on bigger items. In addition to most of what the others said, I'd make sure I have these supplies on hand:

- A bucket
- A pair of hemostats (18" or longer)
- A small toolbox with "basic" tools in it - a few screwdrivers, a hammer (you never know), utility knife, etc. It's easier for me to have these things available than having to run out to my garage tool chest every time I need a simple tool
- Appropriately sized snake hook or tongs (whichever is your preference)
- Tape, tape, tape. All types. I don't know why, but I seem to go through a decent amount of tape
- Hand sanitizer
- A workbench big enough for the largest tub in your rack to sit on it (ideally the surface area would be big enough for at least two of your biggest tubs - this would give you plenty of room to remove the tub for cleaning or whatever)
- Extra thermostats
- A temp gun
- A digital scale that measures in grams. If you have a species that will get larger than 5-7 pounds you may need a separate scale for those animals
- A good, reliable sharp knife (not for the "safety" reasons other people gave... I simply find that I use my Gerber a lot)
- A Leatherman or similar multitool
- Plenty of rags and some towels of varying sizes
- A broom
- Paper towels

I'm sure there are more supplies that I'm missing, but that's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Of course, what you will need will vary depending on the species you keep, the amount of space you have, the type of room you are "converting" and your personal preferences regarding what you use and need for the husbandry you provide.

Don't shoot yourself in the foot by trying to get it all at once. Instead, consider your space, the species you are keeping and your BARE MINIMUMS in terms of supplies. Get those supplies first. After that, you'll kind of figure out what you want and need after you work in the room for a while.

I used to live in an apartment and my snake room had carpet, a big window and was located way too far away from a water source. When my wife and I were looking at houses I kept in mind that I would want plenty of space for my snakes (in addition to our other requirements). I now have much more space for my snakes (even though they "share" their space with my washer, dryer, heater and water conditioner), no longer have to deal with carpet and have a nice big wash basin. The wash basin is most likely one of the best things to have in a snake room (in my opinion). It has literally cut the time and energy I expend on cleaning tenfold.
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Stay United!

"...I say 'apparently' because despite all our progress she is not at all a tame or handle-able snake and gettting her from that cage would re-start a war.. and we've had a good armistice for several months now."-Gus Rentfro - I love this quote!

What about Snakes? Wouldn't be much of a snake room without snakes.

Seriously, a friend of mine who kept large constrictors kept a couple of bottles of vodka in his snake room. He said that if he ever had a snake bite and hold on he would put a few drops of vodka in its mouth and it would let go. He had several bottles scattered throughout because he said he never wanted to be out of arms reach. While the idea may be sound I do think he had an ulterior motive as well. If not he must have had held the record for most snake bites because the levels in those bottle fluctuated quite rapidly and I saw a quite a few empties in his trash can.

I do know that a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol dabbed at the corner of a Cal kings mouth will make him let go right quick.

It does work. And drinking alcohol is better to use than rubbing. Of course if you spend too much time drinking the alcohol you will probably run into more situations where you need to expose the snakes to alcohol

I know that the drinking kind is better (for more than one reason) but the tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on a qtip wont hurt but thanks for clarifying that. I don't want people getting the idea that rubbing alcohol is safe to ingest.