Used display cases or snake cages??

Question

My boyfriend has a red-tail boa and we are looking to buy him a new tank. We hope to get one that he can stay in the rest of his life (they typically get to be between 7-10 feet long) but we are having trouble finding anything big enough we can afford. We found a few of those long glass display cases at a little store but they were sold by the time we go there. If anyone has any ideas on how to get an old display case or snake cage (or any other ideas for housing) let me know. Thank you

Answer 1

Have you considered building one? It would be a fun project for the both of you too!

You can get most of your equipments and other accessories at a near Home Depot or a Lowes. I am not sure about the cost but I've heard people said they spent around $50-100 on it but it lasted the snake for the rest of its life =]

Also have you tried craigslist.org there is probably a semi-cheap tank....and have you check a local fish store. They usually just throw away the crack tanks so maybe you could just stop by and take one...they would most likely just give it to you. And then all you need to do is to tape it up. Plus all the tanks they usually throw out are about 100 gallon or bigger(would be perfect for the red tail boa)

All my red tail boas are living in a 55 gallon tank(each has a tank though) and in the end, I have to build my own tank so yeah.

http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/exampl...

Here are some pictures if you need ideas...

http://allboaconstrictors.com/images/pha...

http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/images...

http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/galler...

Hope this could help you out a bit!

Answer 2

maybe get a custom made one.. not sure about cost in $ though

Answer 3

You can look up plans to build a cage. The buildable cages are rather cheap and look nice.

http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com/index....

Answer 4

The rule here is “the bigger, the better.” Ideally, you should provide an enclosure at least 6’L X 2’W X 2’H. The idea is to provide your animal with enough room to stretch out, and for a temperature range within its environment. 2x4s ,plywood(1/2 inch thick), plexiglass (1/2 inch thick), and a wire mesh (rubber coated)/screen for the top/venting and other hardware(screws, hinges,corner braces, locks). There are of course other options. When using light bulbs, be sure that they are placed in such a way that the snake cannot contact any hot surfaces. Depending on how elaborate you want to make it you can add shelves and other furnishings. To much clutter in the cage will make removing the reptile and cleaning a head ache. A clean well maintained practical cage that can met all the needs of the reptile is the main concern.

Here are links to building cages, Some are for other reptiles but can help with design ideas.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/tips.sh...

http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosu...

http://redtailboa.net/forums/how-tos-tut...

http://708designs.netfirms.com/customcag...

http://www.livefoodshop.co.uk/forum/inde...

http://ecoterrariumsupply.com/reptile-ca...

http://iguanaden.org/housing/index.htm

http://www.greenigsociety.org/habitat.ht...

Answer 5

Kingsnake.com classifieds

Answer 6

Check out pawnshops, Craigslist listings in your area, the classifieds in the newspaper, and also go to exotic pet stores and look - if they don't have anything ask the clerks if they know where you can get one without going broke.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll find something eventually.

Answer 7

Hmm... A display case sounds like a great idea.

I have a 5.5ft iguana, and we put him in a Large dog crate. I don't know if that will work for a snake, but he can't get out (the wires are about 1in apart) It's getting too small for him though. I'm just going to make a cage using some wood and some chicken fencing. Both are a good way to go. You can hang large wood in the large dog crate to make 2 levels, and a place to escape the heat pad if it gets too hot. Or I think you might be able to join 2 large dog crates(weld, tie, or just take apart and put both together as one)

Don't know if this helps... But large dog crates and chicken wire are quite a bit cheaper than a huge tank.