Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi everyone.....i have a baby columbian red tail boa, it's about....i'd say.....2 feet long? that's a guess...haven't gotten a measurement yet.

Anyways he's in a 40 gallon tank right now which is plenty big enough for him.....but i was thinking of using the tank for something else and getting a 135 gallon that i saw for the boa........so if i did that would he be ok in it?
i know it's big enough for when he's full grown....but if i put him in it too soon will he get stressed or stop eating or anything?

thanks for any help

-Matt-
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1:0 Bearded Dragon (Jimmy)
1:0 Collared Lizard (Timmy)
1:1 Yellow Nigerian/Saharan Uromastyx (Tommy, Raven)
1:1 Leopard Gecko (Mofo, Geckemo)
1:0 Columbian Red Tail Boa (Slash)

You are more than welcome to spend your money as you wish, but I would not waste it. I keep ALL my baby boas in Rubbermaid Blanket boxes. In fact, I have used sweater boxes as well. This gives them a sense of security rather than feeling they are in the wide open. The containers I use are approx. 16"x20". I think you will find most people in the industry use things like that for smaller snakes....especially babies.
As far as the adult. 90% of all adult boas will be fine in a 4 foot cage. There are the exceptions of the few females that are just big 'ol girls that need a 5-6' area.
Best of luck with the 'lil guy!
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Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net

I agree with Brian. If your going to spend out a lot of money on a new cage as you would buying an aquarium of that size from a petshop, you may want to shop around for a nice plastic cage made specifically with reptiles in mind. Here is a short list of some companies you can check out....Animal Plastics, Moonstruck Exotics, Boaphile Plastics, Neodosha Plastics, Vision Cages, Habitat Systems, Barrs, Jungle Habitats I think is now making a plastic cage line also. You will spend approximately 250 for a 4' cage depending on who you purchase through. But, more than likely given the chance to compare one of these cages to an aquarium, you'd kick yourself square in the butt for buying an aquarium. But, that is just my opinion, I am not fond of aquariums for various reasons, but some people still use them and I assume are happy with them. Atleast your looking out for your snake! Take care!

Paul

AzLunchbox-
I assume you are in Arizona. If you are anywhere around Phx, or within a reasonable drive, go to Pets Inc. on the northeast corner of Southern and Mill. You can see Visions there and look at them in person, touch them, inspect them. They carry ALL sizes. On the downside, they are pricey. If you find you like them, you could go to Vision's website, http://www.kingsnake.com/visionherp/ and get them cheaper. I would also suggest going by Arizona Reptile Center. They do not carry Visions that often, but I do know they are brokers for them. They also have Neo's (PBM mentioned them) of various sizes so you can see those in person as well. Keep in mind, they are not known for caging, just reptiles, but I know when I go in to talk to Loyal (he is the Manager and is a GREAT guy, I have known him for years) I see them from time to time. They are on the Southwest corner of Dobson and Broadway in Tempe.
Hope that helps. I use Visions myself and you will find alot of breeders do.
On the other hand, I still have alot of homemade stuff that I had from times when I was bored and creative. If you want to, since I live in Phx. (again, ssuming by the name you are in AZ) feel free to email anytime.
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Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net

yeah i'm In Az....Tucson to be precise.
And i've seen vision cages...there's a pet store here named Tropical Kingdom that carries them. but they are WAY too expensive, heh

but what i was actually looking into was a acrrylic cage from Glasscages.com
which is a very good price and that's why i was looking at the bigger ones....cuz they seem to be a better value then the smaller ones.....the smaller ones i could find a glass one at a local petshop for the same price or close to it and save all the trouble......but the big ones are a good buy.

anyways thanks for all of the replies.....i'm gonna have o put some more thought into it obviously.

thanks

-Matt-
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1:0 Bearded Dragon (Jimmy)
1:0 Collared Lizard (Timmy)
1:1 Yellow Nigerian/Saharan Uromastyx (Tommy, Raven)
1:1 Leopard Gecko (Mofo, Geckemo)
1:0 Columbian Red Tail Boa (Slash)