Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was in Petland Discount today and I noticed they kept their snakes in hampster-like cages, with the full screening on top...

Is that type of cage OK for a baby/youngster, as long as you have a heated lamp above? Also, what size should it be? 20 gallon is OK?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

I would think that it would be difficult to maintain a consistent level of humidity in that type of enclosure. Wouldn't it be cheaper, and probably more effective, just to use an appropriately sized rubbermaid container? A shoeboxed sized Rubbermaid should work for atleast the first year...

Rubbermaid is not good for display purposes.

What about a solid cover with a heat lamp inside?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

no it will get to hot and the snake may come in contact with the light. i started my jcp in a 20 gallon long with screen lid. he was like 3 foot long at the time. i covered half of the screen lid with seran wrap and tin foil. probably won't need to much wattage to heat that size of tank. i think i used a 60 wt incandesent light.
they like to climb so i can't see why these people have to keep them in a sweater box.
have you checked out www.acreptiles.com? gots lots of info on carpets.

Yeah, I could plastic wrap half of the cage...
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

Well, the Rubbermaid that I am using for my 6 month old male is quite clear. As far as a display goes, the sides of the container are very transparent. And even though it's just over shoebox size it has enough space for a nice branch for climbing and two elevated perches. Seems just about perfect for his size. And since it's only for the first year or so, why make it more difficult than it has to be?
But, as stated in the previous post, you really don't want to place any kind of heating device inside the enclose with the snake. You'll just end up with an overheated enclosure and a snake with contact burns. Either use an under-the-tank heater, or place a ceramic heat lamp over the enclosure out of the animal's reach.