![]() Sheet grade polycarbonate is another lightweight alternative that is up to 200x stronger than glass, but this is also very susceptible to scratching. Acrylic is known to scratch easily and gets irreversibly cloudy as it ages. Use glass, not acrylic. Glass may be expensive, fragile, and heavy, but it’s worth the investment. For the peace of mind of both you and your snake, attach the front glass in a way (hinges or sliding track) that creates easy access. Plan for the enclosure to be front-opening. Swooping in from above is predatory behavior and may evoke a defensive response from your boa if your enclosure opens from the top. However, note that PVC is generally more expensive than lumber, and the quality can vary. This creates an enclosure with all the benefits mentioned above, and the corners/edges can be welded together to create a waterproof seal. Kennel Seal, Pond Armor, and epoxy are recognized as safe to use for animal enclosures.Įxpanded PVC boards can be used for building. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are bad for humans and even worse for reptiles, especially snakes. Wood rots in the presence of moisture, and since your enclosure will be exposed to fairly high levels of humidity on a regular basis, a sealant will help ensure that your enclosure lasts much longer.īeware of sealants with VOCs. Wood must be coated with a waterproof (outdoor) sealant. The Building Reptile Cages group on Facebook is a very helpful resource for getting started. While building an enclosure is not terribly difficult or expensive, it can be complex and time-consuming. So many keepers build their own enclosure to save money without sacrificing their pet’s welfare. While commercially-available enclosures are often suitable for young Dumeril’s boas, it can be difficult to find housing larger than 4’x2’x2’ that is ready for purchase at an affordable price. Tips for Building Your Own Dumeril’s Boa Terrarium Wood can be treated with animal-safe (VOC-free) waterproofing agents to become a fairly reliable material for building an enclosure without fear of rapid degeneration. It can also harbor mold, which is dangerous to your boa’s health. But melamine does not do well in a humid environment, as the moisture tends to make the material rot and crumble. Wood/Melamine: These materials are a go-to for those who wish to build their own enclosure, as they are easy to source, relatively lightweight, and fairly inexpensive (in the case of wood). ReptiFiles recommends the following brands: It’s also easy to clean, long-lasting, and relatively lightweight. PVC/HDPE: These enclosures are favorites among snake keepers because they hold heat and humidity well, are naturally opaque on three sizes, open from the front, and are extremely durable. ReptiFiles recommends the following glass enclosures: For best results, help your boa feel more secure by using an opaque material like construction paper to cover all sides but the front. When done right, glass enclosures are very attractive and easy to clean. ![]() It also helps encourage a natural cycle of drying in the enclosure, which discourages mold growth in a humid environment that could otherwise go out of control very easily. But it’s because of that latter quality, glass is one of the best materials at dissipating heat, and that it makes creating a temperature gradient much easier. ![]() Glass: These enclosures tend to be expensive, heavy, not very durable, and can present some trouble with maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity. What Should a Dumeril’s Boa Terrarium Be Made Of? ![]() The more space (both horizontal and vertical) that you provide to your boa, the more exercise it will be able to get and the healthier it will be in the long-term! Even young Dumeril’s boas can be easily housed in an adult-sized enclosure, provided that they have enough hiding places to feel secure. That being said, you still want a minimum of 24″/60cm of height to allow for sufficient substrate depth, low climbing objects, and safe distancing between heat and UVB lamps. Here’s the minimum dimensions for your snake’s enclosure, based on snake length:Ī good rule of thumb for Dumeril’s boa enclosure dimensions is that the length and width should add up to equal or greater than the snake’s length.ĭumeril’s boas are highly terrestrial, so floor space is more important than vertical space. Dumeril’s boa terrarium size requirements correlate with the size of the snake. ![]()
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