Racks instead of Tanks?

[Abbi]

I didn't know what a "rack" was so I looked it up and it is a bunch of tupperware drawers? I thought those were used for arts and crafts not for keeping animals in. I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation, but I don't know what it is so I don't get it. Why racks? Why not tanks or vivs whatever you guys call them. I don't know, I found this strikingly odd. Someone explain this to me?

 

[Maize411]

Many people have such a vast collection of snakes that sometimes tanks and vivariums for all of them would just take up way to much space and money..a 20 gallon long can go for about 40 per tank..meanwhile a rack system can easily hold up to 10 maybe more snakes at a time..Your basiclly saving money and a lot of cleaning time with it..Tanks are usually for those who don't have a lot of snakes or for those who like to show off their pets to people..rack systems are more for breeders and extreme reptile enthusiasts...at least this is my way of seeing it...Plus as long as the rack system is of a good size the snakes can still live very happy and filling lives :0)

 

[DaGiant]

Tubs are cheaper, easier to clean, and lighter weight..
and can keep more in equal space. I have some tubs in a Rack
and some just around the room. Easier for me to control the
Heat/Humidity in a tub easier.
Tanks/Vivs are easier to see the occupants (aka "Display Tanks")

 

[Nanci]

It's simple. One day, you run out of flat surfaces, but you want more snakes. I resisted racks for a long time. Then I found a design that seemed pretty light and airy- not like a closet. I decorate my bins exactly the same as I would glass vivs. Some of the more private snakes, like Inez, come out more now that the walls are a little opaque. I have only had perfect sheds due to humidity being easier to maintain.

 

[Nanci]

Here's the inside of Cherry's viv. She has a hammock, water bowl, three hides, a vine on each side and a big scrunchy vine in the middle.

 

[bekers71]

I have 4 glass vivs. But those are for snakes we consider mostly pets. Like the one the kids have. Every one else is in racks. Like the others have said, it is so much easier to maintain plastic totes than glass tanks. Besides, could you imagine some one like my self with more than 60 snakes having 60+ glass vivs around the house! I'd have to move the kids outside. LOL

 

[Abbi]

It's simple. One day, you run out of flat surfaces, but you want more snakes. I resisted racks for a long time. Then I found a design that seemed pretty light and airy- not like a closet. I decorate my bins exactly the same as I would glass vivs. Some of the more private snakes, like Inez, come out more now that the walls are a little opaque. I have only had perfect sheds due to humidity being easier to maintain.

Wow that is really cool! But I get the feeling most people don't decorate them to look like a snakes real home. I feel bad for snakes living in a plastic box? :uhoh:

I understand the need, but I know I wouldn't want to be in a box with little space and nothing to stimulate me.

 

[Roy Munson]

Wow that is really cool! But I get the feeling most people don't decorate them to look like a snakes real home. I feel bad for snakes living in a plastic box? :uhoh:

I understand the need, but I know I wouldn't want to be in a box with little space and nothing to stimulate me.

Well, you're not a snake, and the snakes don't care. Decorations are for humans-- not for snakes. In my opinion, the snakes like the security provided by racks. If you think they're happier exposed to everything that's wandering around their four transparent walls, I'd say that you're wrong. People like to think their snakes wuv them, but most of them would rather have as little to do with humans as possible (which includes seeing them or beeing seen by them).

 

[Palmanda]

Wow that is really cool! But I get the feeling most people don't decorate them to look like a snakes real home. I feel bad for snakes living in a plastic box? :uhoh:

I understand the need, but I know I wouldn't want to be in a box with little space and nothing to stimulate me.

Snakes are very different to us, they do not need mental stimulation, they only move for 1 of 3 reasons

To eat/drink............to regulate body temp....and to breed

They do not bond to fellow snakes and certainly dont bond with us, they only tolerate being handled once they are aware we arnt going to eat them

In fact they are not very affectionate at all............but you gotta love them....

 

[bitsy]

To eat/drink............to regulate body temp....and to breed

I'd add "To feel safe" to that list. Which sometimes racks/tubs can help with.

 

[Palmanda]

I use mainly tubs these days as my collection way to big for vivs, I think I actually see more of my corns in tubs than I did in Vivs

They seem to be out a lot more so i guess they do feel more secure in the tubs.....

 

[tricksterpup]

Well, you're not a snake, and the snakes don't care. Decorations are for humans-- not for snakes. In my opinion, the snakes like the security provided by racks. If you think they're happier exposed to everything that's wandering around their four transparent walls, I'd say that you're wrong. People like to think their snakes wuv them, but most of them would rather have as little to do with humans as possible (which includes seeing them or beeing seen by them).

I agree with Dean here. I have kept some balls and other difficult eaters and would place them in a Tub in my rack and they start to eat for me in no time. I personally feel they are extremely comfortable in the rack system over a tank.

And as others have stated, if you have many snakes, its easier to keep them in one shelving unit than in multiple cages throughout the house.

 

[Abbi]

Hmm, interesting stuff.