Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I plan on keeping ball pythons and red tail boas as soon as I have the chance. However, I'm a bit confused on the actual set up of cage and heat systems for snakes.

For my blue tongue skink, I used a glass tank with screen top. For heat, I used a heat lamp directed over a dark rock. Because snakes seem to depend on humidity more than what I'm used to dealing with, I figured it would be better to drop the glass/screen/heat lamp system and use a different method that could maintain humidity better. But, like I said, I'm a bit confused on snake caging and heating methods.

How does under tank heating work? I suppose I'm confused on what to use. I've heard of heat mats and heat tape (it seems snakes like belly heat more?), but am unsure on how to use them.

While I don't plan on breeding initially, I'm also curious on (small) rack systems. I've seen people keep snakes in bins- how is it possible to maintain heat and humidity with these?

Any recommendations or advice helps!

Well it's a big question and long to respond to it. I think you need to do some research, a lot of this have been discussed.

Mostly, rack or cage is kinda the same thing. If you use a tub (like rubbermaid, sterilite etc...), they hold temp and humidity pretty well, just depends on how many holes there is.
Glass terrarium is pretty heavy, usually don't come in the right sizes and are more expensive.

Snake doesn't need light like most lizards. Giving them belly heat, is best way to achieve the right gradient of temperature in a cage or tub. But I highly suggest you connect it to a thermostat to regulate the temperatures.

Also depends on what you want and what you prefer. Some snakes need to be in cages cause there is no rack enough big for them. Some people also prefer cages to see the snakes etc...
For me, I prefer racks cause it's easier to maintain, easier to clean, etc...
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