Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone had experience with keeping large snakes outside. I personally don't think this is a good idea because I see risks with mites and other health problems that could come about. Reason I am asking is I brought home an 8ft columbian and my father wasn't too happy. My sister thinks it will eat our Maltese lol, and it will if it gets to it i'm sure=P regardless my dad said i need to get rid of it=( but the idea of keeping it outside was brought to me by a friend. like i said, it really doesn't seem like a good idea, but what are your thoughts. thanks.

Thad

im no expert but i would think it would depend on your climate as my understanding is boas need a pretty narrow temp gradient to stay healthy, about mid 70's to low 80's norm and mid 80's to low 90's basking spot...thats not even taking into account any little buggies that might want to hop on it for a ride

Its not advisable, but one thing I wanteed to add is it depends heavily also on the type of enclosure. If you keep him in a regular large aquarium you run the risk of suffocating him due to the greenhouse effect I beleive as the tank grows hot during the day.

That's what I'm saying. I didn't think it was a good idea. But I thought maybe there was a nice enclosure i could make that would make it possible. I live in florida, so it gets pretty hot down here. so yes cooking him in a glass aquarium would be out of the question hehe. thanks

ps. i think he's warming up to the snake =)

PERSONALLY I WOULDNT KEEP MY BABIES OUTSIDE BUT A BUDDY OF MINE KEEPS HIS OUT SIDE AND THEY DO GREAT.THEY HAVE EVEN BRED FOR HIM.WE LIVE IN SOUTH FLA AND AT FIRST I THOUGHT THE HEAT WOULD DO THEM IN BUT HE KEEPS THEM IN THE SHADE CONSTANTLY AND WHEN THE TEMPS DROP HE JUST USES HEAT LAMPS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT I NOTICED THAT THEY SEEM MORE ACTIVE AND HIS BABIES SEEM TO GROW MORE RAPIDLY. HE DOSENT HAVE MITES OR TICKSAND EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE WORKING GOOD FOR HIM AS FOR ME I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO SLEEP WITH MY BABIES OUT DOORS I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT MAYBEE YOU COULD EDJUCATE YOUR DAD AND SISTER ABOUT BOAS AND SNAKES IN GENERAL MAYBE IF YOU PUT HIM IN A ESCAPE PROOF CAGE YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO KEEP HIM
JOHN PERAZA

maybe try customizing one of those Rubbermaid Taupe/Green Deck Storage Boxes or something similar. It's made of plastic so maybe it'll have less of that green house effect. I would either make the top mostly screen to let in the sun but let heat escape or cut a nice chunk from the side to install screen. I have alwasy wanted to do this but live in ny so it's not an option.. I would prob lace the whole thing with a nice blast of provent a mite & the hang a pest strip or two somewhere on the outside of the enclosure near the screens but not directly over them. Also I would use real strong screen & a layer of really tiny holed screen over that to help keep bugs out & him in. the top looks like it's strong & thick enough to hold a light socket or heat panel with great results...if you do it please post pics.. i'm dying to see someone do what I can't..lol

That is a very good idea man. One thing I am worried about is cooking him, even if I place him in the shade. We have a screened in pool patio, So I'm thinking of putting him there, where bugs can't get to him. It's just a matter of using my golden tongue to convince my parents lol. and yes, when it's all done, I will post pics. don't worry =)

well dude i wish you the best of luck & I think if you cut enough screen windows into that thing it would prevent it from turning into a sauna you could also maybe bolt a small desk fan or two on the outside pionting into the screen window to creat extra airflow which should hopefully keep it at a lower temp.