Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I currently have 2 ball pythons housed in a 422 vision cage (48" x 28" x 18". At the moment it seems 'adequate' for them. I also have a rainbow boa in a cage that's too small for him, so I'm looking at getting a new cage. The two options I'm looking at are:

1) Get another 422 and put the rainbow in it and leave the balls in their 422
2) Get a 432 (54" x 36" x 18" for the balls and move the rainbow into the 422.

As I said, the 422 seems OK currently for the balls, but they're not yet full size and they are very active - they love to climb and move around. So it seems like maybe they'd be happier in a larger cage. But there are a few complications with this approach:

1) The 432 and 422 won't stack quite as well as the 422/422. I could probably rig up something that would make it work OK, but it wouldn't be ideal.
2) While money isn't a huge concern (I'd rather have happy snakes and spend the money), the shipping on the 432 is double that of the 422 (432 needs to go freight, while 422 can go UPS).
3) The 432 claims not to have a flourescent light option. I talked to one store and they said that that's because it has one big vent going across the back which can be used both for heating and lighting. However looking at pictures from various sites, that doesn't look to be right. It seems to only have an 8" shroud for a heat lamp or light. Does anybody have solid information on the configuration of this cage?
4) I'm currently in a small apartment, and space is at a premium. I could fit the 432, but the 422 would be easier.

A third alternative (though much more costly) would be: since I'm likely to move into a larger place in the next 6 months, get the 422 now and when I move get a 622 (72" x 28" x 18" so that the balls have a *lot* of room.

So I guess my bottom line questions are: how much 'happier' will the balls likely be in a larger space (I know, balls like tight spaces in general - they have lots of good tight hide spots, and as I said they seem to be roamers ...) and does anyone really know the configuration of the 432 re: lighting?

Thanks in advance for any help.

-Dave

Since money is not an option I would recommend that you keep your bp's in separate cages (the 4' model is PLENTY big and even the 3' x 28" model would be quite adequate for an adult bp). Then, you could get the 54" model for your rainbow which is what you probably want for a full grown epicrates.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)