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So many options to choose from. What is an adequate size cage for a grown GTP? Is width better than height? Is depth better than height? Is one perch fine, or should there be two? Do GTPs thermoregulate more by moving horizontal or vertical (perch to perch)?

Right now I'm considering three cages from Boaphile: 24x18x24, 24x24x18, or the 36x18x18 (all LxDxH)

TIA for any responses.

the cages your looking at should be fine... i'm guessing that since they are all close to the same size that they fall inside your budget.. and that always helps...
i know a few peope that would reccomend a 24 X 24 X 36... for adults... and that is peobably whats best... i personally an getting rid of my vision cages and building cages that are
19 tall 31 long 17 deep or 30 gallons... and i think that shoudl be fine for an adult, but i guess i will find out soon enough... GTP's will go to the highest point so i made mine plenty long instead of tall...
i use 3 perches... this gives the snake places to perch so they can regulate the temp they want...

>>So many options to choose from. What is an adequate size cage for a grown GTP? Is width better than height? Is depth better than height? Is one perch fine, or should there be two? Do GTPs thermoregulate more by moving horizontal or vertical (perch to perch)?
>>
>>Right now I'm considering three cages from Boaphile: 24x18x24, 24x24x18, or the 36x18x18 (all LxDxH)
>>
>>TIA for any responses.

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Shiloh Hawkesworth
kansas
(Midwest Serpents)

Thanks for the input. I would like to keep the width down to 24", but I was wondering if that would be too small for a GTP to move around. I've read on a couple of sites that width is better, so I'm kind of on the fence between 24 and 36.

i wouldn't put a gtp in a 2' cube. i think its cruel. i wouldn't put it in anything smaller than 36" long, preferably 48"
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Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

I concur. I think 48" is far too large for an adult chondro. I keep my adults in 24" sub adults in 15" and neo's in small tubs. My chondros eat, shed, def, breed and lay eggs in 24" cubes and these animals are not forgiving for poor husbandry.

Trooper Walsh (the godfather of chondros) uses tubs. Lots of zoos use tubs, lots of breeders use tubs i think tubs are GREAT for Chondros.

I know alot of keepers and breeders who tried using large enclosures and found that Chondros pick one spot and rarely move from it. I know this is fact with my small collection of 12 Chondros. Honestly i think the only reason they do move is to adjust them selfs, looking for food or looking for a mate. I do suggest taking chondros out every once and awhile and giving them a nice strech.

*photo from Rob Worell's site www.allchondros.com*

I would also have to disagree. From my experience, large cages are not needed. I've bred chondros in tubs that measured 24" long X 16" wide X 17" tall. I actually think they feel more secure in an opaque tub, than in a cage with a large clear front. My other adult cages measured 24w X 24t X 16d. I've produced several clutches using these cages. My new cages measure 20" cubed. These are plenty large for most average adults. I'm getting a few 24" X 20 x 20s for the larger females. Tubs work and I think large cages could be counter productive in breeding. Use what works best for the animals.

Brandon Osborne

Tubs rock!

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