The 5 Best Snake Racks

Reptiles & Amphibians Reviews Snakes May 12, 2022
Written by | Updated Feb 23, 2024
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The 5 Best Snake Racks

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snake racks

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.

Compare Best Snake Racks

Overall Best
Amazon Basics AMBS05 Shelving

1. Amazon Basics AMBS05 Shelving

Runner Up
Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack

2. Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack

Best Affordable
OMEM Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitat

3. OMEM Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitat

Premium Choice
REPTI ZOO 10 Gallon Reptile Tank Glass Natural Cages

4. REPTI ZOO 10 Gallon Reptile Tank Glass Natural Cages

Best Durable
CALPALMY Large Reptile Tank

5. CALPALMY Large Reptile Tank

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.

Overall Best
1.

Amazon Basics AMBS05 Shelving

Product Info

  • Materials: Aluminum
  • Size: 5 shelves, 48x18x72 inches
  • Accessories: Double posts, sturdy shelves
Pros
  • Durable aluminum construction, very sturdy
  • Available in single or double post design
  • Easy to customize with different sized bins
Cons
  • Fairly expensive compared to other options
  • Doesn’t include plastic bins
If you’re going to build a snake rack yourself, you’ll want to start with a sturdy shelf like this Amazon Basics Aluminum Shelving. It has five shelves, so four layers you can fill with snake tubs and it is durably constructed from aluminum. It may be pricy, but it is worth the cost for the quality construction.
Runner Up
2.

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
Pros
  • Affordably priced under $30 per unit
  • Simple turn-n-tube assembly
  • Available in multiple different colors
Cons
  • Doesn’t include plastic bins
  • May not be as sturdy as metal options
To build your own snake rack without spending quite so much on the frame, consider this Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-Tier Multipurpose Shelf. Made from durable plastic, it will stand up well but won’t be quite so heavy or expensive as the previous option. Plus, it comes in multiple color options.
Best Affordable
3.

OMEM Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitat

Product Info

  • Materials: Plastic
  • Size: Multiple sizes are available
  • Accessories: Lid, ventilation holes
Pros
  • Lidded design to contain snakes well
  • Comes with ventilation holes premade
  • Available in four different sizes/dimensions
Cons
  • Somewhat more expensive than plain plastic bins
When building your own snake rack, you need high-quality bins to house your snakes like these OMEM Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitats. They are already ventilated and have a flip-top lid so keep your snakes secure without sacrificing easy access.
Premium Choice
4.

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
Pros
  • Full screen top with feeding hole for convenience
  • Allows light and UVB penetration
  • Includes transparent PVC tray for water or substrate
Cons
  • Stacking may impair ventilation
  • Lid may get stuck sliding in and out
Whether you’re building a DIY snake rack or looking for individual breeding boxes, this 10-gallon glass tank from REPTI ZOO is a great option. Built with a sturdy PVC frame and glass sides, this tank is roomy and allows for 360-degree viewing of your snake. With the included transparent PVC tray, you can add water or substrate with no worries and the mesh lid allows for optimal ventilation.
Best Durable
5.

CALPALMY Large Reptile Tank

Product Info

  • Materials: ABS plastic
  • Size: 19” x 10” x 10”
  • Accessories: Removable food tray/ramp
Pros
  • Stylish, modern-looking design
  • Easy access front panel with ventilation
  • Comes with a removable ramp/food tray
Cons
  • Not designed for stacking
  • Removing the ramp may create sharp edges
Another option for a standalone breeding tank is this plastic enclosure from CALPALMY. With its modern design, this tank is stylish and functional for small snakes and other reptiles. It features an easy access front panel door complete with ventilation holes with extra ventilation on top of the tank via a mesh panel. The tank comes with a plastic ramp/food tray, and it is easy to install lighting and heating elements.

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!

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Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
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