Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I am new to this forum. I posted a caging survey a while ago, but I don't think I did a good job in detailing my questions. I am preparing to build my red tail a custom enclosure, and I know I will benifit from everyone's knowledge and experience. She (not sure about gender) is approx. 3' long and in perfect health. Thanks to everyone in advance for the help.

1) Temps (High, Low, Ambient, Basking Spot??)
2) Relative humidity
3) I have had my boa almost 1 year, and she has only climbed maybe once or twice and never soaked in her water dishes (even though branches and a large water dish have always been available). Based on these past observations, should I still provide a large dish or branches?
4) Does anyone apply specified photoperiods?
5) Is there a danger of boas touching high temp heat sources such as flood lights or should they be covered by wire mesh, screen, etc?
6) What kind of humidity practices (if any) does everyone perform?
7) Are there any kinds of wood finishes/stainiers/sealers that could be harmful either inside or outside the enclosure?
8) Are there any special warnings or considerations to be known about wire mesh?
9) How much total surface area of ventilation do you use?

Thanks again to everyone for participating!

-Bill

>>3) I have had my boa almost 1 year, and she has only climbed maybe once or twice and never soaked in her water dishes (even though branches and a large water dish have always been available). Based on these past observations, should I still provide a large dish or branches?

YES DEFINITELY! Definitely provide your snake with a large water bowl even if you have never seen your snake drink directly from the bowl or soak in the bowl. It's always a good idea to have fresh, clean water available to your animals. As for the branches though, I would say that is up to you. Most of the time, stuff like that (branches, rocks, plastic plants, etc.) are there more for your enjoyment than the animals'. Lots of people (myself included LOL) like to decorate their snakes' cages and make them visually appealing

>>5) Is there a danger of boas touching high temp heat sources such as flood lights or should they be covered by wire mesh, screen, etc?

There can be. If you have an exposed bulb, there is always the danger that your snake might burn him/herself on it. What you can do is use a bulb guard around the heat source to help prevent this from happening.

>>8) Are there any special warnings or considerations to be known about wire mesh?

Something you do want to consider is that often, a snake will rub itself on wire/mesh and end up having bad nose rubs. This is why many people tend to stay away from wire/mesh sides for cages.

Hope this information helps...

Celia
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Celia Chien

Celia Chien Photography
My Snakes

www.ExoticsByNature.com
www.BallPythonMorphs.com
www.CornsnakeMorphs.com

You ask a lot of good questions, there may be alot of information in the caging forum archives. My two cents in order of priority is;...and please qualify all this with the phrase IMHO..

Safety first. I don't believe any heat elements should be inside the enclosure,even if the bulbs or heaters have a mesh guard around them. Even the better 'bulb guards' made of plastic coated welded wire still have sharp edges. I suggest building a cage that the animal cannot come into contact with any bulbs, wires, or bottom heating products. It may take a little more time to build, but the snakes have twenty four hours a day to figure out how to hurt themselves. One trip to the vet to treat an injury caused by an avoidable factor on your part will make you a believer in prevention. I think it's a good idea not to use any heating element that can overheat the cage in case of a thermostat or rheostat failure. I think sealing open wood with almost any kind of coating is potentially harmful. You can have a beautiful wooden cage with a plastic liner for the bottom and first several inches of the walls. There are 'water based' sealants that are much better to use than more harmful conventional sealants but with all the labor and time involved, don't know if it really makes sense at all. A smooth, easily cleaned and disinfected material on the inside of the cage has a lot of advantages. Any edges on glass doors should be polished heavily. The list really goes on and on, feel free to email me and I'll help where I can.

You are smart to talk to people beforehand. Good luck.