im building a cage for my bp. Its going to be about 5ft long, 2ft wide, and 2ft high. im going to make all the sides out of plywood except for the frony which will be glass. I was wondering what kind of varnish i should us so in case he spills his water or something it doesnt seep into the wood. I was also wodering if that size cage would be big enough for a full grown ball python. thanks
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bp cage
sparx1012
Jan 27, 2006 10:01 PM
Replies (2)
wftright
Jan 28, 2006 01:34 AM
Most people would say that the size that you're planning to make should be big enough for an adult python and too big for a young python. Some caresheets and guides say that an adult ball python can be happy in a cage half that size, but I don't immediately remember anyone saying that your cage will be too big for an adult.
I use a 55 long aquarium for my baby python, and some people say that this cage is too big. I provide my snake with numerous hides and other "furniture." I think the extra stuff makes the cage seem smaller to my snake so that she doesn't feel stressed. You'll need to give her plenty of hides regardless of how big a cage you make for her.
I'm not very experienced, but from what I've read, your cage sounds as if it will be very nice.
Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.
Sapphire_Rats
Jan 28, 2006 07:43 AM
Personally, when I kept my adult bp in a large cage he stopped eating. When I put him in a cage that was 3x18x8 (a rubbermaid) he started eating like a champ again, same thing with my other bp who was much smaller.
I wouldn't keep a bp in a cage that big, they like small, tight, areas. Maybe something about 3'x1.5x1.5 would be better.
As for the varnish and what not, it is best to do it in warmer weather or it won't cure. plus you should use aquarium sealent on the joints or it will seep into the joints and warp the wood. You could always use melamine (heavy, but works and is easier than having to put several layers of some kind of varnish) usually the kind that is waterproof and for kids, as it won't be just water going onto the wood, it will also be urine and fecal matter from the snake.
Whatever you do don't forget to put venilation on the cage, but not to much as it won't hold humidity. I also wouldn't recomend using glass, try to use a nice strong plexi glass, it is easier to drill through.
