Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a few redtail boas, and im looking to get some stackable cages? or racks? what do some of you use and? and were you got them from?

I use Boaphiles. (Boaphileplastics.com) I think they’re the 421D model, but they’re 4’ x 2’ x 11.5” high for both male and female adult boas. I use the “x2 heat” option with Helix thermostats.

However, I’m hoping to upgrade them this summer to 8’ cages by getting the same cages with detachable ends and attaching two of them to each other. This would give each boa 8’ x 2’ x 11.5” and two individually controlled “x2 heat” mats.

I have strategically chosen these dimensions because I feel that the length will allow them to stretch out while the 11.5” height and the 2’ width will give them a feeling of security. This is just a little experiment. The good news is that, if I don’t like it, I can take each 8’ apart to make two 4’ cages.

…all of this is pending finances of course!
Good luck!
Aaron
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Aaron Houts
www.voodoomagicboas.com

That's exactly what I do. I really like the setup.

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Mark
uncommonboa.com

Wow, Mark!
That looks amazing! Thanks for the pic. Now I can't wait to do it!

Do you house them individually in the 8 fts when they're not breeding?

Also, do the males stay as "focused" during breeding as they do in a smaller cage where the female can't escape them?
(It sure looks like it!)

Thanks in advance!
Aaron
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Aaron Houts
www.voodoomagicboas.com

Thank you!

Yes, large females have the 8' cage to themselves out side of breeding season. The males don't seem to have much trouble keeping "on task" in the larger space. Actually, I think it is easier for them to find the "right spot" at the "right time". They seem to hang out mostly on the cool end during breeding season, but the hot end is still there so they dont get too cold and develop RI. They are pretty good at thermoregulating themselves and staying healthy, given the options. I often worried they were getting too cold when I tried manage it for them in the smaller spaces. Now they have a temperature gradient from about 92ish to 77ish all during the season.I hit on the 5 pairs I tried to breed this year, so it seems to be effetive, for me anyway.

Best of luck!
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Mark
uncommonboa.com

nice setup..8' for an adult female works great.
thanks for sharing.

My pleasure, and thank you!
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Mark
uncommonboa.com

Boaphiles all the way.

I have a few models so far and keep Dumerils, Argentines, kings, and milks in them.

Imo, you cant find a better cage. easy to keep warm, easy to keep clean, plenty of sizes, stackable, holds humidity perfectly... they are great.

quite pricey though... at least for me and my joke military pay check.

I use and Love the Boaphile Plastics caging. I do also have wooden caging and Racks I've built myself.

For the cost and time it takes to build a decent wooden cage you might as well purchase good
professional plastic caging like that provided by Boaphile Plastics.

Right now I have eight 421D and Four 422D models which are 48" X 24" X 17.5".

I actually like the 422D models the most but the price for the
421D models cannot be beaten !

. . . Lar M

Click link below

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Boaphile Plastics

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Boas By Klevitz

I Support USark.org

I recently aqcuired my first couple of boaphiles from a guy who had some used ones for sale. I have to admit I LOVE them! I have the 421D, it's very light weight, very sturdy, and allows you to view the animal without opening the cage and disturbing them.

Larry is right, for the price, the 421D cannot be beat. I believe they are like 220 each brand new, including shipping!

However, the one recommendation I would make, if you have animals that are not fond of being handled, and are difficult to remove from cages when they get into a defensive position, I would recommend buying the 422D, which is 17.5 inches tall.

The 421D is only 11.5 inches tall. Some of my animals are difficult to handle, so I have to grab them behind the head, which often causes them to wrap up around my arm. Removing them from a 11.5" space can be a challenge. So if you have "testy" animals, I would recommend the taller cages for the convenience of removing them with as little struggle as possible.

I plan on making a large purchase of 422D stacks coming up soon, so jeff, stock up on glue and plastic!

Tony

Hi!
I'm going to agree with EVERYONE and say that the boaphile cages are amazing.
I find them on Craigslist (best site for this) in the pets section on occasion, usually for half the new price, often will all the options.

I will NEVER use anything but this type of caging. You can separate cages out, stack more and more, they're attractive which can't be said for racks...
AND, when they're empty I can pick them up and carry them myself, which is saying something since I'm a tiny 5'1" female.
They are STRONG and lightweight. Also, if you have a testy animal or one with crazy prey drive, they're not likely to get hurt if they strike the front window, which I'm not sure can be said about glassfront.

For another option in the 'lightweight awesome plastic' category, try Proline:
http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagessupply.html

He's a really nice guy.

Anyway, for all of my boaphiles, I use a combination of radiant heat panels and a VERY low setting on heat tape on the cool end... we have basically no heat in our house and it gets COLD.

The Boaphiles are fine cages if they work out well for you. I had a large Boaphile cage and sold it. I just don't prefer large, swing down doors but do like sliding, tempered glass dual doors. They give me more control of the snake during feeding. In addition to BCC boas I raise reticulated pythons and that is a totally different realm. I like the strength/durability of Visions. Blocking off part of the vents with plexiglass, enables retention of good humidity. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

I'll second Vision cages!