setting up cage for a boa

so ive done some research on setting up a cage and come up with 75-85 as the average temp wanted for boas.
does that seem right to you guys.

im running a 60w red light and a 15w 8x12 zilla heat pad on the bottom of my 20x10x12 cage and coming up with about 82-84 on the zoo-med heat strip in the back. hoping its more like 78 or so in his hideout but no way of knowing?

heres a picture

my question is if you guys think thats an appropriate temp for the little guy.
and should the little den hideout thing he goes into be the coldest place in the cage? and then the basking rock the hottest?

oh and also curious what you guys think about upgrading cage size.

i plan on building a 42x24x12 inch box for him soon. but curious if hes actually better off in the smaller cage for now..

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Honestly, aquariums suck for snakes in general. What you need to get is a sweater box from your local Walmart and a heat pad that would take up 1/3 the bottom of the box. This set up allows for better control of humidity and temperature while also providing the snake with a sense of security. Then you need a thermostat to control the temp. The temp should be be 80-82 ambient with a hot side of 88-90.

Good luck, Chris

if i was going to make a cage from wood.
what would be recommended?
i was planning on plywood most likely, sanded smooth and painted with an easy to clean and water resistant paint.

curious how thick should i go?
think 1/4" thick plywood is strong enough or should i go 1/2" even 3/4"

any input is appreciated.

Wood isn't much good, as it has pockets for bacterial growth and it is also permeable for bacterial growth. At this size, it's also not necessary or particularly good for it. I would recommend a commercially built plastic cage once it gets larger. But for now, refer back to my previous post and set him up simply.

Chris

Originally Posted by JCCS

Wood isn't much good, as it has pockets for bacterial growth and it is also permeable for bacterial growth. At this size, it's also not necessary or particularly good for it. I would recommend a commercially built plastic cage once it gets larger. But for now, refer back to my previous post and set him up simply.

Chris

commercially built plastic cage?
such as an aquarium built from plexi glass?

or are you talking like a large plastic tupperware

or are you talking bout the super expensive boaphile cages.

I was referring to plastic cages such as Boaphile, RBI, etc. I was unaware that $240 was super expensive for permanent caging for an adult boa.

Anyway, Bear had a good idea as well, but I still say that it's much too small for a constructed cage at the moment.

Chris

Painters and sealers are generally toxic, not something I want my animal coming into contact with on a day to day basis.

Chris

Boa are not toys,they are living animals that depend on RESPONSIBLE
as well as constant care for their "LIFE"
Take it personal if you will,put yourself in the boa's position and I'm pretty certain you wouldn't want to be raised by "Boa"if the boa planned to build you a box or raise you in a fish tank.

Please take this animal serious and life will be good for both of you.

Originally Posted by Metachrosis

Boa are not toys,they are living animals that depend on RESPONSIBLE
as well as constant care for their "LIFE"
Take it personal if you will,put yourself in the boa's position and I'm pretty certain you wouldn't want to be raised by "Boa"if the boa planned to build you a box or raise you in a fish tank.

Please take this animal serious and life will be good for both of you.

I am by no means not taking this seriously.
And I am in no means trying to argue I apprieciate your input
But what is it your raising your Boas in? Cuz unless you have them outside or something?? Then I'm guessing you have it in a plastic box of some sort.. I just dont see that all the much difference between a glass sided aquarium and one of the plastic boaphile cages and a melamine box
Besides maybe heat retention? And I cud easily insulate the outside of a glass aqaurium

I do now know not to use wood tho because it's hard to seal off from bacterial growth

Thank you everyone for your iinputs