Re: Spilotes housing?

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Posted by cf on January 19, 2003 at 21:13:17:

In Reply to: Re: Spilotes housing? posted by gila7150 on January 18, 2003 at 21:44:54:

Thanx for the tip! I'll have a look at the Indigo forum. I actually purchased a baby Spilotes at a local show today and have her in a neodesha cage for the moment while I build up the 55gal. A friend of mine who is a well experienced snake keeper said he is having great success with 2 small Spilotes on newspaper without misting. I have heard of this before, but am somewhat skeptical about this setup for the long haul!

Freight

::Hi; I'm looking at getting a captive bred baby Spilotes and would like some real world insite into proper housing. I presently have a 55gal tall that I was planning to stand vertically on end to create an arboreal environment. I realize this will be temporary as they get very long, but I thought it might be a good start? I can either use a wire cage cover, or build a lucite door depending on how difficult it will be to maintain humidity.

::My questions are regarding proper humidity and substrate. As we all know misting only lasts so long during the day, so would a moist substrate and a large water bowl suffice along with a plant, or would the substrate be a problem? I have been told by a reputable breeder that a common ratsnake setup would suffice, but would it be too dry over the long haul?

::Pictures and suggestion will be much appreciated!!!

::Thank you!

::Freight

:A 55 gallon tank may be ok for a baby but like you mentioned, it won't last long. I don't agree with the advice you got about a typical ratsnake setup. Spilotes need a spacious arboreal enclosure with lots of climbing branches and hide boxes. Cypress mulch and large water bowls as well as daily mistings should keep the humidity where it needs to be. Make sure to include a couple good hide boxes as well.
:Here's a link to a great looking adult spilotes enclosure that was recently posted on the indigo forum. You may want to search the archives on the indigo for more husbandry info because many indigo keepers also work with spilotes.
: Good luck,
: Chris

Follow Ups:

Situate the cage/enclosure up towards . .> terryp 01/20/03 (5)
- Re: Situate the cage/enclosure up towards . .> TravisG 01/20/03 (1)
  - That's why I'm sending you . . .> terryp 01/21/03 (0)
- Re: Situate the cage/enclosure up towards . .> cf 01/20/03 (2)
  - They haven't rubbed on the mesh . . .> terryp 01/21/03 (1)
    - Re: They haven't rubbed on the mesh . . .> cf 01/21/03 (0)