Guidelines for snake cages

[Lamprophis]

I read the thread above, posted by bush baby, with regards to guidelines to reptile cages. I think it is an excellent thread, the only problem being that it is guidelines based on pairs of snakes and not single specimens. How would the sizes differ if only a single specimen are kept per cage and not a pair?

Can anyone perhaps post some guidelines in this regard?

[Silvrav]

HI

There is no set sizes, but as you mention guidelines. What most keepers work on, is 2/3 of the snakes length for the length of the cage, half the size of the snake for the height, and the same for the depth(width).

This is for a semi-aboreal specie, and not a full aboreal specie. But in the end it is up to you. if you want to make big cage, just make sure there is enough space for the snake to hide in as not to get stressed with the wide open spaces.

My 2c, and hope this helps.

Regards
Hannes

[Leon_Kun]

Hey Lamprophis and Silvrav.
I`ve actually also (not even 5min ago) checked about enclosures and sizes.
I saw the one on this section viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18771&p=146393&hilit=Snake+enclosure+sizes#p146393 showed the formula for enclosures (a²+b²=c²) and I interpreted it as following L² x W² = Area² so if you take an enclosure of 1800(l) x 600(w) you can house a snake of 2.8m+- and looking at BB`s(viewtopic.php?f=97&t=22) it works with what I understand as L x W x H so for a snake of up to 2.5 the enclosure is 1000 x 500 x 750.
Or do i have the units wrong as well as the calculation? Oh and that was the one BB used for a Afrox.

[Silvrav]

Hi, this has been discussed in detail, as Leon found the posts.

But, to help, that formula is actually Pythagoras. Its a + (not *) b, therefore it will be 1.8² + 0.6² which is your answer in c² form. Therefore 3.6² and to get it to a measurable unit you need to root it, therefore 1.9m.

Therefore, that enclosure can hold a 1.9m, which is nearly a 1.1 ratio of the snake. The general rule of thumb is 2/3 of the snakes length is enough for him to be comfortable in.

Therefore, if your snake is 3m, the cage can be 2m (3* 2/3) in length.

The L x W x H is actually not a calculation, just a dimension indicator.
The x stand for “by”.

Example:
1m x(by) 2m x(by) 0.5m

But guidelines, not facts

[Bushviper]

Even though they are suitable for a pair of snakes you would not make the sizes smaller because you have a single specimen.

Depending on where you stay these guidelines would not be applicable. The Western Cape I know has some crazy sizes which are just thumb sucked because they have no scientific basis.

The sizes are meant to be x by y by z and not actually multiplied.

[Lamprophis]

The reason why I ask - I am planning new cage builds (Reasons: 1)the current cages are too motley, i want to standardise - and 2)my snakes are currently in smaller cages because they are still sub-adults) and have the following sizes in mind for my snakes. Just wanted to know if it would be sufficient and suitable for adults of these species:

Lamprophis capensis 800L x 400W x 400H
Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia 800L x 400W x 400H
Lampropeltis getula californiae 800L x 400W x 400H
Pseudaspis cana 1600L x 800W x 600H
Dispholidus typus 1400L x 600W x 1500H

[Bushviper]

Those sound adequate. The boomslang will enjoy bird nesting boxes and thick branches too. The mole snake will like a proper hide box and a substrate he can burrow in to.

[Garret2]

Snake cages come in a multitude of different sizes, shapes and styles.

The beginner snake keeper who is only intending to keep a single specimen may decide to modify an aquarium with a reptile-safe mesh lid, heater and light.

The hardcore snake breeders will often use plastic containers as snake cages - even frosted, opaque ones, and sometimes arranged into vast shelving units housing dozens on individual snakes.

Most snake keepers find themselves in the middle ground and will keep a few snakes but want them to look more appealing than a room of plastic boxes.

My own preference for snake cages are wooden vivaria with a sliding glass door.

They can look very attractive, both inside and out. They hold the heat well. They are practical, stackable and easy to clean.

It's also easy to fit heaters and, if you want it, lighting.

Lastly they're reasonably priced and afford a great view of your snake.