>>I am going to build a cage for my female retic in the next couple of weeks. I was thinking the demensions should be eight feet by 30 inches deep by 17 inches tall.
Will this cage be 8' long? Just make sure it will fit through doorways, around corners, etc.
Also, a 17" tall cage with an upper and lower lip of 4" would only leave a 9" opening into the cage. This can be a dangerious situation when reaching in with a large python.
Even with the snake out such a small opening would make for difficult cleaning of the back edge.
So first decide how tall of upper and lower lips you would like. These add a lot of structural integrity to a large cage so I recommend using them.
Then decide how tall of an opening/viewing area you would like. Add this the 2x the height of you lip and and 1.5" for the thickness of your floor and ceiling combined. This should be the height of your cage.
For example:
If you want 3" lips and a 15" opening then the cage should have a total height of 3" 3" 15" 3/4" 3/4" = 22.5".
Personally, I'd think of that as a minimum for a large python cage, but I'm particular about that stuff.
>>The construction material would be 3/4 ply for structural integrety as well as ability to keep heat in.
Always a good choice. I'd use AC, birch, or oak laminate.
>>I am considering either tempered glass or thick acrylic or whatever for a drop down door.
For a hinged door I prefer acrylic without a wooden frame. I understand these can be built strong enough for large Retics.
>>Heating would probably be via a CHE towards one end...
A CHE or RHP is best for a large cage.
>> ...and have a kitty litter box or something else with a built in drain at the other end.
Just make sure it's still removable for thorough cleanings. Permanent pools can be hard to clean, especially for large snakes. I do like the idea of being able to drain it without moving it, however.
>>The substrate would be a few inches of cypress mulch.
Like it.
>>I would mount a small florescent tube fixture to the front, inside of the cage.
I think a Retic would eventually trash this.
>>I would like to do expanded PVC for a floor and a few inches of the wall.
Good idea, I'd go about 5" up the sides.
>>Also I would like to paint the inside black to show off thwe colors better.
Another good choice. With the PVC floor as partial sides you really only need an acrylic semi-gloss.
Post pics when you're done.
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Current snakes:
0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)
3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)
2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)
3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)
