Housing Boas - Enclosures For Boa Constrictors and Other Snakes
Posted: Wednesday, March 04, 2009
by Billy Deakin
http://www.boa-care.com
The enclosure you house your boa in needs to meet the needs of you, the owner, and your snake. First and foremost the enclosure needs to provide a safe and secure place for your boa to live. It must be of the right size, escape proof, well ventilated, and hygienic. It also need to be capable of maintaining temperature and humidity at the correct levels. Lastly it must be aesthetically pleasing, and give you a good view, and easy access to your boa.
1. Glass aquariums
often thought ideal by beginner snake owners, glass aquariums are not a great choice for housing most boa species. Due to their all glass construction they are difficult to ventilate, and to control humidity levels. They are also difficult to secure since it is not normally possible to latch or lock the lift off lids.
2. Melamine (laminate) vivariums
These are readily available in a wide range of sizes, and inexpensive. Since melamine is waterproof and easy to clean it is just as hygienic as glass, but since it is easy to cut and drill ventilation is usually much better. Melamine vivariums usually have sliding glass doors which are less easy for snakes to escape from than aquarium lids, and can also be fitted with a lock. Another advantage melamine vivariums offer to boa keepers is their ease of construction. Many snake owners use melamine to build their own vivariums, which can be done with normal DIY tools. This enables you to build an enclosure to your boa's specific needs, and to a size which suits its location.
3. Plastic vivariums
Moulding vivariums in plastic creates a very light but strong enclosure. Since the internal corners are rounded they are easier to keep clean than those made from melamine, but they are only available in stock sizes. Some plastic vivariums are available with extra features such as built in locks and come pre wired for heating systems. They are very popular with boa keepers, and are easily stacked making them suitable for people with large collections of reptiles.
4. Plastic tubs
Plastic storage tubs (Often called RUBS - Really Useful Boxes) are great for breeders who need to house a large number of boas. ventilation holes can easily be drilled and multiple tubs can be racked together on shelving and all heated via a single heat strip or cable. They are also secure, with strong, well fitting lids.
The ultimate decision on housing your boa will likely be a compromise between your boa's needs and your own. For the average keeper with just one or two snakes melamine vivariums offer great value for money, and a great view of your snakes. While not as pretty, tubs are a logical solution for breeders, or keepers who need to house a large number of snakes.
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