Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When cleaning enclosures I have used two nesting Tupperware containers One with the lid affixed and a hole in the side for entry by a snake that was left in the enclosure at all times to be used as a hide, of sorts. When the snake was in the container I would lower another container down onto it with a hook, thereby enclosing the snake inside. I would then remove the nested containers and secure them together with duct tape.

Any other ideas, plans, or sources on trap box construction or alternative methods of securing potentially dangerous animals for routine maintenance?

I've seen some nice ones on a website, and I can't remember where. But in effect, these trap boxes were made of expanded PVC plastic with a sliding panel that moves down to cover the entry/exit hole once the snake goes inside.

I'll try to describe what they did - Cut pieces of expanded PVC (or plywood) to make the box of desired size. Cut an appropriate entry hole (plenty large) on one end. Cut a panel that will cover the hole with plenty of overlap. Cut some strips of plastic to make a door track for the panel so it slides over the hole. How you want to lock the panel down once in place is up to you. The model I saw had the panel slide horizontally to a stop (used a piece of plastic as a stop) and then had a screw eye and spring/hook to latch it.

The venemous forums might offer more help.

try this site...

http://www.boaphileplastics.com

they have some cages that can be divided, may be you can use one of those

good look

Rick

I don't keep any hots but I use the same method for some black racers and tree boas that are pretty aggressive. It's simple and just easier than hooking them. I could understand wanting something more secure if it were a mamba rather than a racer, but I've seen the same method described on the SHHS site with gaboons. I know if I were going to build one I'd go with a 1/2" plywood rather than expanded PVC. If you have a router or even a table saw to cut the track for the lock door to slide it shouldn't be that hard after that.