The 5 Best Snake Racks
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If you are a snake lover, you may be considering taking your hobby to the next level by breeding pet snakes. Certain species of snake are actually fairly easy to breed, but you will need certain equipment in order to create the ultimate breeding environment.
Many snake breeders prefer a rack system for breeding because it enables them to make the most efficient use of space and it makes it easy to check on both the breeding snakes and their hatchlings. However, there are a number of things that must be considered.
The traditional drawer-style rack systems have started to become a welfare issue and they are being frowned upon more in the industry. They’re very small enclosures, and not acceptable for long-term housing of most snakes.
We have presented some alternatives for use in breeding season that balance the need to house multiple animals in an environment that’s quiet and has good bedding for breeding animals but lacks the extremely restrictive nature of the traditional systems.
Once breeding season is over, snakes must be kept in a cage that allows them to fully stretch and have enrichment. In order for an animal to remain healthy, it must be able to exhibit natural behaviors.
Another consideration is the proximity of animals, including some that may be from other locations and just in the facility short-term for breeding. With a system holding this many animals in a small space, airborne disease spread very easily. A good quarantine protocol is a must. It’s wise to involve a veterinarian in planning the quarantine protocols to keep your collection safe.
Once breeding season is over, snakes must be kept in a cage that allows them to fully stretch and have enrichment.
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Quick Navigation
Compare Best Snake Racks
|
Materials
Aluminum |
Materials
Plastic |
Materials
Plastic |
Materials
PVC, glass |
Materials
ABS plastic |
|
Size
5 shelves, 48x18x72 inches |
Size
4 shelves, 23.6×11.6×43.25 inches |
Size
Multiple sizes are available |
Size
20″ x 12″ x 10″ |
Size
19” x 10” x 10” |
|
Accessories
Double posts, sturdy shelves |
Accessories
Tubes and shelves |
Accessories
Lid, ventilation holes |
Accessories
Screen top, PVC tray |
Accessories
Removable food tray/ramp |
What To Look For In Snake Racks?
A snake rack is similar to a storage rack in that it typically takes the form of a plastic or metal shelving system filled with storage bins. Each of these bins is designed to create a miniature snake habitat to keep the snakes for breeding. Once the snakes have bred, the eggs and hatchlings can be separated out into their own bin for rearing.
Here are some important things to look for in snake racks:
- Sturdy stand. Because you’ll be keeping multiple bins of snakes in your snake rack, the rack itself needs to be sturdily built. This is why hard plastic, wood, or metal are the recommended materials. The size of the stand is determined by how many snakes you plan to keep in it.
- Large enough bins. Ideally, your snake rack will include bins of different sizes so you can keep different species and so you can accommodate both breeding pairs and groups of eggs or hatchlings in bins that are appropriately sized.
- Heating system. Snakes are cold-blooded animals which means that they rely on the ambient temperature to keep themselves warm – your snake rack needs some kind of heating system, but heat tape tends to work very well.
- Proper accessories. The habitats created in a snake rack are simple by nature, but you still need to meet the basics needs of the snakes you keep. Plan to include a water dish, the appropriate substrate, and at least two hiding places in each bin for your snakes.
Our Top Picks For The Best Snake Racks
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a snake rack, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best snake racks.
Amazon Basics AMBS05 Shelving
Product Info
- Materials: Aluminum
- Size: 5 shelves, 48x18x72 inches
- Accessories: Double posts, sturdy shelves
- Durable aluminum construction, very sturdy
- Available in single or double post design
- Easy to customize with different sized bins
- Fairly expensive compared to other options
- Doesn’t include plastic bins
Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack
Product Info
- Materials: Plastic
- Size: 4 shelves, 23.6×11.6×43.25 inches
- Accessories: Tubes and shelves
- Affordably priced under $30 per unit
- Simple turn-n-tube assembly
- Available in multiple different colors
- Doesn’t include plastic bins
- May not be as sturdy as metal options
OMEM Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitat
Product Info
- Materials: Plastic
- Size: Multiple sizes are available
- Accessories: Lid, ventilation holes
- Lidded design to contain snakes well
- Comes with ventilation holes premade
- Available in four different sizes/dimensions
- Somewhat more expensive than plain plastic bins
REPTI ZOO 10 Gallon Reptile Tank Glass Natural Cages
Product Info
- Materials: PVC, glass
- Size: 20″ x 12″ x 10″
- Accessories: Screen top, PVC tray
- Full screen top with feeding hole for convenience
- Allows light and UVB penetration
- Includes transparent PVC tray for water or substrate
- Stacking may impair ventilation
- Lid may get stuck sliding in and out
CALPALMY Large Reptile Tank
Product Info
- Materials: ABS plastic
- Size: 19” x 10” x 10”
- Accessories: Removable food tray/ramp
- Stylish, modern-looking design
- Easy access front panel with ventilation
- Comes with a removable ramp/food tray
- Not designed for stacking
- Removing the ramp may create sharp edges
Tips For Setting Up A Snake Breeding Rack
Before setting up your snake breeding rack, you should think about the types of snakes you intend to breed. When it comes to using a breeding rack, this type of breeding system works best for boas and pythons. You may be able to make it work for other species, but if you’ve never bred snakes before it is a good idea to start with something that has a better chance of success.
Here are some simple steps for setting up a snake breeding rack:
- Set up your snake rack and assemble all of the snake bins you plan to use.
- Drill holes in each bin for ventilation – your snakes don’t necessarily need these air holes to breathe, but fresh air is required to make the environment in each bin work.
- Set up your heat tape to evenly heat all of the bins in your snake rack.
- Fill the bins with the appropriate substrate – a thin layer is perfectly fine, there is no reason to overfill the bin.
- Add two hide boxes to each of the bins – place one on the heated side of the bin and one on the cooler side.
- Place a water bowl in each snake bin – it is best to place it in the middle instead of on the heated side or it might produce too much humidity.
- Make any additional adjustments or add-ons specific to the type of snakes you plan to keep before you introduce your pets to their new homes.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to breed snakes, you can understand what you should be looking for in a snake rack. Take what you’ve learned here and put it to work in shopping.
Final Remarks
Breeding snakes may not be the most difficult thing in the world, but just because you can do it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Keeping multiple snakes, including eggs or hatchlings, is a big responsibility and if you can’t properly care for one snake, you shouldn’t even try to breed them. Working with an experienced breeder and establishing a good relationship with a retile veterinarian are crucial to maintaining a large collection healthy.
If you do think you can handle the responsibility, take the time to choose the best snake rack you can afford. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a snake cage, try out one of the top 10 best snake cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
