My Reptile Room!

[Teckdragon]

I'm fortunate enough to share my room with all my animals. Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment.


Wide-angle shot.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225947_10100233390525361_5021305_51766622_5397883_ n.jpg

Top of my rack. This is a WIP and will be an arboreal snake habitat once I decide on parts & construction. It is a 18"x18"x24" Exo Terra.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250001_10100235814587521_5021305_51795649_254297_n .jpg


Middle/bottom of my rack. This is currently my grow rack and holds the tank for my baby carpet, an Exo Terra nano 8"x8"x12".

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229004_10100233390779851_5021305_51766625_3992123_ n.jpg


This is my snake tank. It houses my RTB and my BP. I'm aware it's a keeper faux-pas, but they've lived like this for 15 years without incident. The tank is all glass, and is 36"x24"x18". I believe it's actually an old Zoo Med. It was given to me when I was given the snakes as a child.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222404_10100205583391081_5021305_51381156_8218654_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200024_10100178480226041_5021305_51008240_6665111_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/8134_696322721571_5021305_42180592_1797199_n.jpg


Next up in my turtle tank. 40G long.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179090_952635334041_5021305_50079843_1321285_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224370_10100202220270801_5021305_51331288_4912407_ n.jpg

[Teckdragon]

Below that are my two tropical tanks. The left one is a Penn Plax Reptology brand tank that is 24"x12"x18". It currently houses my 3 RETF. The smaller tank on the right is currently empty while it grows in. The right tank is a 12"x12"x18" Exo Terra.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227155_10100221533107721_5021305_51634986_3449534_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222905_10100221533252431_5021305_51634988_5297555_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230006_10100233390191031_5021305_51766618_2639428_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250508_10100233389821771_5021305_51766614_2478783_ n.jpg

[TeaNinja]

interesting, you house your BP and RTB together? how do you feed them?

[stephanbakir]

Great lookin herp room, curious about the bp housed with the rtb, they ever fight for space/location?

[lilwyandry]

Very nice, I love your killer turtle tag. :)

[DeesBalls]

i dont think you are suppose to keep boas and pythons together, i believe that boa carry IBD... im pretty sure you should separate them asap...

* could be wrong, but this time i dont think i am *

[Lankyrob]

Boas CAN carry IBD - but they dont necessarily - and after 15 years if the boa was a carrier the BP would be dead...... ;)

[Max713]

Situations like this are so intriguing, a RTB and BP living in seemingly perfect harmony for 15 years, actually pretty cool!

On the other hand, a 36x24x18 is absolutely TINY for two snakes, especially that size...

[Teckdragon]

Trust me I'm aware of all these things. I actually mismeasured the snake tank. It's 36"x24"x24". Not much of an improvement.

interesting, you house your BP and RTB together? how do you feed them?

I remove my animals and place them in plastic feeding containers. They eat ever 10-14 days.

Great lookin herp room, curious about the bp housed with the rtb, they ever fight for space/location?

Not once in all their years. In fact, they often coil up together under the log.


Situations like this are so intriguing, a RTB and BP living in seemingly perfect harmony for 15 years, actually pretty cool!

The story is this: I received the snakes from my aunt some 15-odd years ago when she was moving and no longer wanted them. At the time they were the same size, maybe 2ft. each. The python never grew much past that, but the boa has exploded in size. She's around 7ft now when she gets to stretch outside.

Obviously since I was a child at the time, it had never occurred to me that they shouldn't be in the same enclosure. I'm definitely not advocating mixed species enclosures (at least not without careful consideration), just presenting the unique circumstances for each. I'd have separated them before now, but to be honest, I simply don't have the room for another large tank. (And to be perfectly honest, I've yet to find one that actually isn't just an aquarium or a wood box.)

[TeaNinja]

if all is well, that's good. i've heard other people say snakes cuddling together is a form of intimidation, but i don't actually know for sure.

[Little Wise Owl]

Great looking reptile room.

[Ch^4]

Not once in all their years. In fact, they often coil up together under the log.



That would be them fighting for the best hiding spot.



At the time they were the same size, maybe 2ft. each. The python never grew much past that...


How big is your BP now? What does it eat and how often? I'm just curious because BPs, as with most snakes, are very much so solitary creatures and stress can result in poor appetite, in addition to a plethora of health issues. Stress can manifest itself in illness, but often goes unnoticed. I'm assuming the BP (and likely the RTB) have been living stressful lives for 15+ years.


I'd have separated them before now, but to be honest, I simply don't have the room for another large tank.

Sorry, but IMHO, not a good enough answer. Maybe re-homing one of the snakes is in order.

[Teckdragon]

How big is your BP now? What does it eat and how often? I'm just curious because BPs, as with most snakes, are very much so solitary creatures and stress can result in poor appetite, in addition to a plethora of health issues. Stress can manifest itself in illness, but often goes unnoticed. I'm assuming the BP (and likely the RTB) have been living stressful lives for 15+ years.

Well you are correct in the diet issue actually. The python has gone months without eating before, but that's not unusual for BP's either. The boa has never missed a meal. As for size, I'd say he's topped out at about 3-3.5 ft. He's a tiny guy.


Sorry, but IMHO, not a good enough answer. Maybe re-homing one of the snakes is in order.

I've thought about selling or giving away the ball python, but I've had him for so long I honestly have no idea what I'd do with him. No way in hell am I giving him to some chain pet store or some herp farm. Those places just scream death camps. Think about it though. In this modern day all the "collectors" want the various morphs and rarities, and your average pet owner wants something small that will fit in a 10 gallon tank. Guess I'm just stuck with him. ;)

[Xochiquetzal]

on a different note what kind of turtle do you have?

[stephanbakir]

Also, are those live or plastic plants?

[Teckdragon]

Also, are those live or plastic plants?

All my plants are live. The smaller exo has 4 neoregelia bromeliads and 1 Vriesea bromeliad, some pothos, and some ficus pumulia (creeping fig). The larger tank is pothos, an anthurium hybrid, a larger vriesea, and 2 neoregelia fireballs. My new tank for my arboreal snakes is going to be all live plants as well.

The only thing that I have with plastic plants is the quarantine/temp tank my baby JCP is currently housed in.

EDIT: The plants in the turtle tank WERE live, but he ate them all, and the remaining strings of plant fibers got caught inside the filter and ruined it. The current ones are just a couple resin logs (for the crayfish to hide in) and some Exo Terra turtle grass to provide a little something to look at.


on a different note what kind of turtle do you have?

It's a Western Painted Turtle. I got him when I was in Kindergarten some ~20 or so years ago, and he was an adult already. Still alive and kicking! The only major issue I think I had with him (aside from the time he managed to escape) was a vitamin A deficiency that I treated with diet changes and medication.

[stephanbakir]

How does a turtle escape, never thought that would be possible rofl.

[Teckdragon]

How does a turtle escape, never thought that would be possible rofl.

It was years ago, like right after I got him. I was probably 10 years old. At the time I used to take him outside to let him roam around in the yard. Stupid me... I forgot to keep an eye on him and he took off. Found him 2 hours later buried under a neighbor's shrub. Needless to say, one of my all time worst childhood moments.

[stephanbakir]

Turtles may be slow but given time they travel:P

[TeaNinja]

slow my *** lol. turtles can FLY if they want to.

[Teckdragon]

slow my *** lol. turtles can FLY if they want to.

Case in point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_xp5Bq_i7U

YouTube - ‪World's Fastest Turtle‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_xp5Bq_i7U)

[Xochiquetzal]

actually of all the aquatic turtles i have owned my painted was the fastest and the most likely to run away! Id love to see pics of yours!

[stephanbakir]

That turtle is FAST

[TeaNinja]

my friends girlfriend used to have a RES that she rehomed and he could could get around quickly if he wanted to.

[Teckdragon]

actually of all the aquatic turtles i have owned my painted was the fastest and the most likely to run away! Id love to see pics of yours!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/8134_696322826361_5021305_42180612_3614429_n.jpg


Plus there's a few shots on the first page of the thread.

[Xochiquetzal]

sweet how big is he , looks about the same size as my asian pond turtle , shes about 6 inches. Will he eat those comets?

[stephanbakir]

Great lookin turtle

[Teckdragon]

sweet how big is he , looks about the same size as my asian pond turtle , shes about 6 inches. Will he eat those comets?

He's about 7" or so. And yes, he eats anything and everything that's put in the cage with him: shrimp, fish, snails, crayfish, crickets, lettuce, broccoli, romaine, etc. That's honestly my biggest problem with him. I've tried on several occasions to pair him up with a mate, but all he does is attack the other turtle. Looks like he's going to be a bachelor for life.

[Teckdragon]

The view this morning.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249737_10100244285062621_5021305_51946897_7256070_ n.jpg

[HDreptiles]

I am diggin the view man. That is how our room is. It is good and bad. Good cuz we get to enjoy our animals, but bad due to the lack of room. I really like the turtle setup. I really want to get an aquatic turtle, but don't have the room atm. Oh well, I will just have to enjoy others and wait until I have the room to get my own.

[Xochiquetzal]

thats ok his tank is not big big enough for a friend anyway so hes probably happier alone! We have a 120 gallon and it still seems too small to add another turtle comfortably . Your room is very nice!

[stephanbakir]

Besides the obv downsides to housing herps together, ReSs do pretty well together given space, they are nothing like Side neck turtles who are territorial to the end. (if you dont know what side neck turtles are its worth looking them up, they are really cool)

[HDreptiles]

Besides the obv downsides to housing herps together, ReSs do pretty well together given space, they are nothing like Side neck turtles who are territorial to the end. (if you dont know what side neck turtles are its worth looking them up, they are really cool)

I may have to look that up. Thanks man.

[Teckdragon]

Some updated photos of 2 of my tanks!

I took the waterfall out of this one because it kept running dry. Added some broms and another anthurium, as well as pothos for filler.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254368_10100251067989581_5021305_52058583_7728089_ n.jpg

Here's the frogs in their old home (now planted).
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248365_10100251061816951_5021305_52058521_4793289_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250092_10100251062211161_5021305_52058524_984177_n .jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260430_10100251062520541_5021305_52058529_1718266_ n.jpg


Lastly, here's my JCP getting some exercise in my newest build, which will likely become a chondro viv.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249548_10100251056397811_5021305_52058377_4504973_ n.jpg

[stephanbakir]

love that last pic:P

[HDreptiles]

Love those setups. What size is the tree frog tank?

[Teckdragon]

Love those setups. What size is the tree frog tank?

It's the 12"x12"x18" Exo Terra.

[HDreptiles]

It's the 12"x12"x18" Exo Terra.

Cool. Thanks man.

[marvelfreak]

I'm fortunate enough to share my room with all my animals. Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment.


Wide-angle shot.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225947_10100233390525361_5021305_51766622_5397883_ n.jpg

Top of my rack. This is a WIP and will be an arboreal snake habitat once I decide on parts & construction. It is a 18"x18"x24" Exo Terra.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250001_10100235814587521_5021305_51795649_254297_n .jpg


Middle/bottom of my rack. This is currently my grow rack and holds the tank for my baby carpet, an Exo Terra nano 8"x8"x12".

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229004_10100233390779851_5021305_51766625_3992123_ n.jpg


This is my snake tank. It houses my RTB and my BP. I'm aware it's a keeper faux-pas, but they've lived like this for 15 years without incident. The tank is all glass, and is 36"x24"x18". I believe it's actually an old Zoo Med. It was given to me when I was given the snakes as a child.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222404_10100205583391081_5021305_51381156_8218654_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200024_10100178480226041_5021305_51008240_6665111_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/8134_696322721571_5021305_42180592_1797199_n.jpg


Next up in my turtle tank. 40G long.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179090_952635334041_5021305_50079843_1321285_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224370_10100202220270801_5021305_51331288_4912407_ n.jpg
I am i the only one who doesn't see any pictures?

[Lankyrob]

I sees them :)

[marvelfreak]

I sees them :)
For some reason they aren't showing up for me. I can see pics in all the other threads on here.

[Will0W783]

Very nice reptile room. The only thing, and I am not trying to be mean here...just looking out for the animals' best interest...is please separate your BP and RTB. Keeping two of the same species together is never good, let alone two different species from two very differnet parts of the world...

Ball pythons (Royal pythons) hail from Africa. They live in the rainforests and semi-arid temperate zones. They are very shy, very secretive pythons, who prefer solitude and tight hiding places.

Boa constrictors live in South American rainforests....they have never seen Africa. They too are solitary creatures, but tend to spend more time in trees and out in the open.

I don't care if you've kept the two together for 15 minutes or 15 years, the fact that you yourself mentioned you know it's a faux-pas and yet continue to house them together really rubs me the wrong way.

Let me list the reasons why:

That boa will get very much larger than the BP, and could easily eat it. A ball python gets 5-6 feet long, while a boa gets 8-12. There are countless horror story threads online of boas eating ball pythons that were housed with them.

Second, the snakes will constantly be at a higher level of stress than they'd be in if they were alone....snakes do not "cuddle" with one another, or really enjoy company. If they are both in the same spot, it's because both snakes feel it is the best spot and they both want to be there and are competing for it. Neither snake will be at ease if they are both stuffed in the same spot.

Constant high stress levels lead to weakened immune systems and a greater susceptibility to illness. Think of having to live in a studio apartment with Andre the Giant? You'd both feel cramped and get in each other's way and you'd be stressed and irritated all the time.

I doubt you will listen to me...if you've been doing it for 15 years, probably nothing can change your mind now. Don't do it for me...do it for the health of your animals. Please separate them and get them each into their own, custom environment with proper setups for each.