Converting Speakers for a Snake Cage
Question
I have a couple of big timber Kenwood speakers that I was thinking about
converting one into a snake enclosure. Will your book help me convert it???
I think it will be big enough but at this stage I'm not too sure how big the
enclosure should be for a childrens python.
Also, am I right in saying that I will pick up a newborn around November, or
should I be looking AND BUILDING earlier than that????
What do you suggest is the best Childrens Python?? Stimsoni, Childreni or the
Maculosa?? A guy at the petshop said that the Maculosa is probably the more "Bite
Prone" than the other two. I am interested in your thoughts.
Answer
Depends on the size of the speaker. Children's will get to about 1m (say)
so the length of the cage will need to be at least 600mm long and 300 deep
(obviously bigger is better for the snakes but as long as they can move about
fairly easily.
The book will give you some pointers and ideas so you can make the cages. Basically
you would have a frame already and that will save a lot of time. You can then
you can just make the necessary alterations.
A newborn will live in a small cage for up to 12 months (I know it sounds a
long time but they don't need a lot of space when they are juvenile - in fact
I think smaller is better for young snakes (many owners believe causes them
less stess - big wide world is a scary place for a little snake I suppose)
Childreni and Malucosa are the most commonly kept and they both make good pets.
Many think the malucosa is more docile.
Mine are malucosa (spotted) and they were pretty nippy, particularly the female,
when they were young. They are good now as adults and I have not been bitten
or struck at for a long time. Like all snakes, they will be nippy when young,
so be prepared as you get bitten until the snake is comfortable with being
handled (I defy any snake owner to say they have not been bitten). Gloves are
useful if you are new to handling them.
There is an article on my website about socializing snakes that may be of
some use here.
I also feed them in a separate container so that when I put my hand into the
cage they are not expecting food. I think this helps reduce being struck.
Hope this all helps.
Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build enclosures
for reptiles"
Find out how to build these cages as well as arboreal cages. Full color pictures,
detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com