I was just given a 4'x4'x2' plywood and plexiglass front enclosure. Nice set up! It has a linoleum floor that is caulked for easy cleaning after aspen shavings, a 3 foot piece of driftwood securely fastened to the bottom. It has a light socket with 2 bulb attachements in the front (out of reach of the snake) for lighting/heat. My husband and I made the airholes bigger..and cut a 12" x 24" rectangle in the top for better ventilation/air flow. We placed a heavy gauge wire mesh, secured it firmly and then nailed laths across that for more security.
My questions are these.
1. What do I clean/disinfect the interior of the cage with? It has painted gray
walls.
2. What do I clean the wood piece with? I vacuumed it, but wonder if there
aren't things hiding in there that need to be killed, etc? It's a rough piece
of tree...not smooth like you see in the pet stores for aquariums.
3. What should I do for bulbs in the front? Someone suggested a neon for
viewing and a 30 - 60 watt for heat? The snake I was given last May is
a 7 year ball python (4.5 ft long). The previous owner didn't take the
best care of him..feeding only once every 2 months...heat rock, and too
small of an enclosure (20 gallon). What do I use for heat when the heat
rock is removed? I have an under tank heater now, but the floor of the
new enclosure isn't glass..and I am afraid of burning the bottom or fire.
I will be taking this enclosure to my classroom, so it has to be up to code, safe and secure..without risk of fire, etc. I intend to set the lights on a timer for weekends, etc. What hours are good? 7 AM - 7 PM?
I do have pictures of this enclosure if anyone needs to see it! We painted it over the past 2 days to a more natural color and are adding artificial greenery to the outside and interior to make it look more appealing.
Thanks!!! Jeanie
My questions are these.
1. What do I clean/disinfect the interior of the cage with? It has painted gray
walls.
2. What do I clean the wood piece with? I vacuumed it, but wonder if there
aren't things hiding in there that need to be killed, etc? It's a rough piece
of tree...not smooth like you see in the pet stores for aquariums.
3. What should I do for bulbs in the front? Someone suggested a neon for
viewing and a 30 - 60 watt for heat? The snake I was given last May is
a 7 year ball python (4.5 ft long). The previous owner didn't take the
best care of him..feeding only once every 2 months...heat rock, and too
small of an enclosure (20 gallon). What do I use for heat when the heat
rock is removed? I have an under tank heater now, but the floor of the
new enclosure isn't glass..and I am afraid of burning the bottom or fire.
I will be taking this enclosure to my classroom, so it has to be up to code, safe and secure..without risk of fire, etc. I intend to set the lights on a timer for weekends, etc. What hours are good? 7 AM - 7 PM?
I do have pictures of this enclosure if anyone needs to see it! We painted it over the past 2 days to a more natural color and are adding artificial greenery to the outside and interior to make it look more appealing.
Thanks!!! Jeanie