Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do you use the top of the rubbermaid containers, or do you just pitch those. I am looking to build my first rack. Do you ever have a snake get out of those. If they move the rubbermaid container around. Or do you fit it in so tight on the sides to. I have looking at everyones, so any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thank you
Jeff

You don't use the lids in the racks, nor do you throw them away. Keep the lids. They come in handy when you need to move the rack. Take the boxes out and stack them up with the lids on. After moving the rack you put the boxes back in.

I've seen racks built that incorporated the lids but they've actually be LESS secure in every case. I could list several possible reasons, but I think the most likely contributor is the raised areas around the perimeter of the lid. These do not allow the above shelf to properly hold the lid down.

The exception to this is hatchling racks where leaving the lid actually increases security. But you absolutely need to use boxes that have flat lids.

The boxes do not move around when the snake moves. Lidless racks are very secure for most species. I've even maintained Lampropeltis triangulum spp. in them and they are great escape artists. I would not put one of those in a Vision, that's for sure.

Without the lids it is much easier on you too. You pull the tub out like a drawer and there is the snake ready to be fed or cleaned. If it has a lid you have to pull it all the way out and set it down somewhere to take the lid off.

In the winter, I pull my tubs out of the rack, put the lids on them and move the to the garage for cooling.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

I agree and your point about brumation is another good reason to keep the lids.

I just don't see the point in building a rack system that incorporates the lids. They are such a benefit during those times that you are feeding heavy. Very easy to slide open a tub without disturbing the snake to check if it's eaten, etc.

What I like most is checking for uneaten rodents. I typically feed out on Sunday nights. My trash service is Monday mornings and I can quickly go through all the tubs before the trash gets there. Otherwise, I've got uneaten rodents that are going to stick up the trash or have to be frozen.

Thank you.