So I'm about the pull the trigger on new enclosures for all my snakes. I wanted to see if you guys had any experience with Critter Condos (they're melamine), as they seem to be the best choice for my space and budget needs as well as availability in my area. My BRB's a weensie little thing, so I was thinking I'd get an enclosure big enough for her when she's full-size and just wall off a portion for now. What size do you guys think would be best? Any other tips are appreciated!
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~Cynthia
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Upgrading my enclosures
curaniel
Dec 27, 2010 07:51 PM
Replies (6)
rainbowsrus
Dec 28, 2010 12:37 AM
Personally I'd be concerned with Melamine and the high humidity. Melamine can swell up with moisture and fall apart.
I like plastic cages better.
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Thanks,
Dave Colling
www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com
0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)
LOL, to many snakes to list, last count (02/01/2010):
42.61 BRB
27.40 BCI
And those are only the breeders 
lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats 
Paul_D
Dec 28, 2010 12:49 AM
I think melamine like many things varies with quality. The low quality stuff sucks up moisture as if it's unfinished wood, but I've never had any issues when it has a nice thick finish.
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Paul D
curaniel
Dec 28, 2010 10:19 AM
Aiee! That's awful!
The people at the herp store said that they keep all their animals in these cages, so I'm hoping they're a higher grade! I'll talk to them about it, thanks for the heads-up!
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~Cynthia
rainbowsrus
Dec 28, 2010 12:40 PM
I do have several melamine cages made from the high grade stuff and have kept the seams well sealed, no problem.
-----
Thanks,
Dave Colling
www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com
0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)
LOL, to many snakes to list, last count (02/01/2010):
42.61 BRB
27.40 BCI
And those are only the breeders
lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats
Paul_D
Dec 28, 2010 12:44 AM
I think it's fine to get an enclosure that will be big enough for when she's full grown. The main thing is to make sure that the heat and humidity requirements are met, and the hide is small enough that your BRB feels secure. When a snake feels its body against the walls of a hide, it knows it's safe from attack by predators.
I've never used Critter Condos, but I'm happy with a melamine snake desk I built for some of my Brazilian Rainbow Boas. Melamine withstands moisture and keeps heat in fairly well.
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Paul D
curaniel
Dec 28, 2010 10:59 PM
Yes, thank you! They were recommending 4x2x2 but that almost seems like overkill - maybe ok for a BRB but a BP and a Savu?
I like to have several hides anyway, so maybe having the whole tank won't be a problem. I've often heard that smaller snakes get stressed by a large enclosure but it seems like your experience is different? I always thought that was odd.
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~Cynthia
