Snake Cages

About Snakes -> Snake Cages

Snake cages come in a multitude of different sizes, shapes and styles.

The beginner snake keeper who is only intending to keep a single specimen may decide to modify an aquarium with a reptile-safe mesh lid, heater and light.

The hardcore snake breeders will often use plastic containers as snake cages - even frosted, opaque ones, and sometimes arranged into vast shelving units housing dozens on individual snakes.

Most snake keepers find themselves in the middle ground and will keep a few snakes but want them to look more appealing than a room of plastic boxes.

My own preference for snake cages are wooden vivaria with a sliding glass door.

They can look very attractive, both inside and out. They hold the heat well. They are practical, stackable and easy to clean.

It's also easy to fit heaters and, if you want it, lighting.

Lastly they're reasonably priced and afford a great view of your snake.

But let's examine each of these snake cages in a little more depth before we move on.

The range of containers you can use as snake cages is truly dewildering once you start looking. Some are specifically designed for the task while others just lend themselves to the hobby very well.

For example, any small plastic container - such as those for kitchen use - of 20-30cm long and half as wide could be used to house many hatchling snake species - such as corn snakes.

With some holes bored into the lid (done most easily with a soldering iron - but beware of the fumes) and lined with kitchen towel all you need do is add a water bowl and put it somewhere warm and you have a fully functioning snake cage.

But snakes grow, and soon enough you'll need something a little bigger and more specialised and, who knows, more attractive.

These wooden vivs can often be bought from reptile stores or custom made for you - so they fit a certain space in your home.

Or you could even try building your own - as I have done in the past.

Don't get me wrong - I'm no handyman - but I've knocked up attractive, practical snake cages without any problems over the years.

And at a tiny fraction of what I'd pay in the pet store.

For example, I can make a 20cm cube cage, suitable for many hatchling snakes, for less than £4, whilst a tank bought in a pet store would set me back £10-15.

The choice is yours. If you're a diy virgin, hate building things or just don't have the patience - go out and buy yourself a snake cage.

Otherwise, with a little effort you could save yourself a lot of money and have some fun at the same time designing and building your own snake cages.

Home Made Snake Cages How To Build Snake Cages