Enclosures only

[fishnutham]

Rack systems really are ment for collectors and breeders also they are best for raising juvies until they are feeding well and can be placed in a viviarium.
I have nothing againest rack systems myself it all depends on how much time you can devout to cleaning cages as opposed to a rack system which is much more sanitary and easier to maintain.

 

[Brooklynella]

blood pythons:

carpet python:

(from sterilite.com)

How are you heating these enclosures? From above or below?

 

[Ophiuchus]

fishnutham, I realy like your set up. I think I found the problem. Everyone thinks a rack system is something different.

For me a rack system is:

Cage to small for the animal housed.
ZERO decorations or hides.
Small water bowl to small to even fit it.
Entire "enclosure" must be slid out to see the animal.

Z

Right and wrong, Luc. Everyone does think a rack system is something different...including yourself, judging from your following statement.

A.) "too small"? (notice it's 'too' and not 'to' small...learn some grammar there, sport). You're thinking of shoe and sweater boxes, which are perfectly fine for breeders keeping juvenile snakes in. There are many rack-system style cages out there that are roomy enough for many adult snakes. I've seen them come in models over 8 ft long.

B.) "Zero decorations?" That's all on the keeper, not the cage, to choose putting furniture in there.

C.) "small water bowl?" Again, totally a call on the keeper.

D.) "Must be slid out for viewing" Again, you're thinking of specifically sweaterbox systems. Not all rack systems operate this way.

["Hello...Leg Store? What do you have available right now? My buddy Luc needs something to stand on..."]

Remember, a closed mouth gathers no foot. So in your case, I suggest closing the mouth and opening your mind instead.

Rack systems are not cruel, Luc; they're just utilitarian. If someone's Burmese python just had twenty babies, then its simply just not feasible to set-up twenty 10-gallon tanks. True, sweaterboxes aren't the greatest for displaying animals, but remember what they're usually used for...breeding and rearing young snakes. Breeders might only have a snake occupying the said cage for barely a month at a time before they sell it or whatever. For the other rack systems...well, you see FishNut's set-up...you think that's not a good display?

 

[lovespunaround]

All are heated from below (8-watt pad for the carpet and 2'x11" flexwatt for the bloods) and I've cut and screened fixture-sized holes for 15-watt heat lamps in the tops of the blood cages.

 

[Z Trip]

I said his enclosures where very nice.

The point of keeping an animal is to try and replicate its natural hibitat but in captivity.

Maybe its not the rack system I hate, maybe its the people?... I have seen it many times where their are big JCP's without any branches (these animals are tree lovers) in tiny little cages. Also see boas that are like 5 feet long and in a cage like a foot wide by 30 inches long. I just find some animals need more room.

 

[lovespunaround]

Why not hate the way the snake is kept rather than the person who's keeping it? As long as the snake is healthy and calm in its environment, the keeper's doing a good job.

If you want to keep a jungle carpet in a big cage with lots of branches, that's fine for you, but I've heard from breeders who say that they've got plenty of jungle carpets that climb as well as plenty that don't. I'm sure the same goes for many other semi-arboreals as well.

And yeah some animals need more room, but like I said in my post in one of the other threads, it depends on the snake.

 

[walls]

I said his enclosures where very nice.

The point of keeping an animal is to try and replicate its natural hibitat but in captivity.

Maybe its not the rack system I hate, maybe its the people?... I have seen it many times where their are big JCP's without any branches (these animals are tree lovers) in tiny little cages. Also see boas that are like 5 feet long and in a cage like a foot wide by 30 inches long. I just find some animals need more room.

I can see your point ( I really can!) but do you think that putting in a few branches and some plastic plants is replicating a snakes natural habitit?

You know I have seen MANY 8 foot Boas and large iguanas in 55 gallon tanks too. Does it make it better though since its a glass tank and not a rack cage?

I think there is a difference between a "hobbyist" and a "pet owner". I think I may fall somewhere in between myself. I offer more space that is needed for my big snake but I keep it very "low maintenence" at the same time.

 

[Z Trip]

Iguana in a rack system cage?

 

[walls]

I think you missed the point of that satement.

 

[Z Trip]

Yes I got it, it was besides that.