Equipment Check

I've decided on a Boaphiles Plastics cage for the hatchling corn I will be getting in August. Here is a link to the companies website.

I was initially thinking about the 221D. Only issue with it is that it's only 11.5" high. Is this too low??

I was going to get the optional flourescent light installed for $39, but I read that they don't really need the light. Is this true? If so, then I could put that $39 into a slightly larger cage, like the 322D.

I will be getting dual locks and a built in ventral heat surface as well.

What do you guys think of the cage? Should I spring for the larger one, or do I need the flourescents?

Also on my shopping list:
1. A large bowl (how big is too big?)
2. Two hides of some sort... I may go with cardboard boxes at first!
3. A piece of grapevine or other rough wood to rub against.

While she is small, I will be keeping her in a small plastic "shoebox" that I picked up from Target. I think it will help her to feel more secure, and that way I don't have to have two big cages!

Let me know if you see any obvious flaws to my plans, as I will be ordering the cage by the end of this month.

Maybe aspen for the floor. Temperature and humidity gauge.

I would save the $40 and put it to better use and go with ambient light.

11.5" is plenty of height. Corns aren't arboreal, although most will climb if given the opportunity, so floorspace is generally more important. For a hatchling you don't want too much space unless you've got plenty of hides.

Don't feel bad about cardboard hides. I used a Tuna Helper box for a long time and wasn't ashamed of it

The water bowl only needs to be big enough for the snake to soak if it wants to.

Also, don't worry about finding something that is really rough to rub on. I've seen snakes shed perfectly with nothing but papertowel or newspaper for substrate and a couple of paper towel tube rolls for hides. If you are looking for something rough, I bought a coconut shell hide at petsmart or somewhere. Cheap, rough, and serves as a good hide.

Boaphiles makes a great sturdy cage. It should be great for you. The only thing about them is that they are really expensive. A 10 gl. reptile cage will cost you about $30 and the heat pad for it about $12.

I would be very careful with the boaphile cages for a hatchling corn. They are great cages (we have them for boas and just ordered another) but the only space for air is space around the door and it's a good 1/8" gap all the way around. Doesn't seem like much but a hatchling definately could get out. I'd go with a smaller cage at first and then go for hte boaphile once it's a little older and less likely to escape.

~Katie

I guess your a big spender. But like PdDnsr said, I would start with a smaller cage. They are real cheap... compared to the cage you are getting.

Not a big spender, but I need a solid, locking cage as it will be housed in my classroom at school during the school year. I want to deter casual thieves, and the locking doors will help.

I actually purchased a rubbermaid storage "shoe box" and am going to fit this with clips to go around the edge to hold it in place so the snake does not get out. This small cage will sit inside the larger one.

I thought about going with the 'critter Cages" locking tanks, but the lock on those is pretty much a luggage lock... and not very secure.

zwyatt said:

The water bowl only needs to be big enough for the snake to soak if it wants to.

Click to expand...

I would add to that that the water bowl needs to be steady/stable so that your corn won't tip it over when going in or over it

Is grapevine okay as a climbing medium? I bought a solid looking piece today thinking my baby might like it.

Also, is there any difference between genders with regards to handling?

Should work perfectly, and I've not found a difference between ease of handling with genders.

Okay, thank you.