Amazon tree Boa Caging!?

[Subordinate77]

I am planning to purchase an amazon tree boa baby relatively soon and I know pretty much what I want for the cage I am planning to build, I was thinking 2 feet wide 2 feet deep, 3 feet tall. I need any info on what would be the best material(cost efficient as well) I was thinking Melanine, but I don't know how much it costs. also would I want top ventilation? I hear it reduces humidity and that's not good for an amazon. Finally, would a overhead basking lamp be sufficient heat? anyone with any information, especially amazon owners, please do not hesitate to post, thanks. -mike-

[chondro1]

I dont know who told you that humidity was bad for amazons ,, they do reqire a relative amount of humidity the trick is to keep the humidty up and also keep good circulation of air . thus keeping the air from getting stagnant or mold and fungus from growing in your cage I keep green tree pythons . Amazons require less humidity than gtps but more than your average boa .I would suggest that you start out with side  or back mounted vent (start small) and then work your way up to larger ones if needed to keep your humidity where you need it but also enough air flow in the cage to keep it from becoming stagnant amazons are also mostly aboreal so a heat lamp in the top of the cage wouldent be a good idea  helix and pro product make infared heat panels that do a wonderfull job for such aboreal reptiles they gaureentee them not to become hot enough to burn your snake. and lastly especially if you have never owned a snake or even an aboreal snake it would be wise to look up several resources for the care of amazons or maybe buy a good book . lol I know i said lastly  butt one more thing ,, tall enclosures can look very nice  but in my experience it seem that it is alot easier to allow your animals to thermoregulate witha longer than tall cage as they usually will go to the highest perch in the cage haveing a longer cage allows you to keep a cool side to retreat to sorry for the long post if you have any more questions or dont understand any thing that i said feel free to email me chondro@centurytel.net
                                      good luck ,Rob

[LukeUK]

chondro you misread, he said that malamine reduces the humidity this could be bad, anyway all my vives are made from marine quality ply, and then varnished with marine quality varnish several coats preferably 3, I find it keeps the heat in well, and the humidity, and thay last for ages I've got some that are 6 years old and like new, just make sure you varnish right in the corners well, and leave them to air till there is no sighn of varnish smell, I also found that when moving vives around malamine is bad it weighs a ton, ply is light and very water resistant, I got a link to a good care sheet for emaralds ill post it today for ya, good luck with your viv building.

[LukeUK]

Its, www.kingsnake.com/emeralds/ its the best I have found on them, how do you insert a link I couldent figure it out. cwm4.gif