Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been asked to build a habitat for a lady that rescues reptiles and gives them good homes. She wants something for her Boa (I believe it's a Boa) and she wants it to be tall. She was thinking 6' x 3' or so, so the snake can go up high and stretch out is what she was saying. I do not own a snake yet and am wondering what I would need to make the insides out of for easy cleaning, etc. I'm not sure if moisture will be a problem or not for a snake habitat. Also, as far as heat goes, will a light at the top be enough, or will it require one in several spots for the snake to be comfortable? If there is more info needed, let me know.

Thanks
Justin

Hello

The main issue with making an enclosure that tall is providing the proper temperature gradients for the snake to thermoregulate. If at all possible I would suggest to her to make the enclosure longer and shorter rather then 6' high by 3' long. The enclosure size I most frequently use and that is used in most collections/homes etc is 4'long 2'deep by 1'-2' high.
The best way to maintain heat in most enclosures is to use a heat mat or heat tape (such as cane heat mats or flexwatt heat tape) These heat sources will need to be placed on a thermostat to allow adjusting to reach and maintain proper temperatures. Also humidity can and often is an issue in enclosures. My suggestion for building material is either plastic sheeting (either 1/4" expanded pvc or 1/2" poly) If you do want to use a wood I suggest using melamine sheets. (they run around 25 dollars for a 4'x8' 3/4" thick sheet) If you go with any other wood you will need to coat it to help prevent absorbing of odors and liquids and causing warping and eventual deterioration, and with some woods can cause injury to the snake itself (from toxic off gassing etc. Cedar is the worst, and untreated pine is not suggested either).

Good luck with your project.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
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