Awesome man. Thank you saying what some us are thinking especially on your platform your building. Excellent point. Maybe even a game changing idea for the better.
I agree. Height is key and there is no way to justify an arboreal or semi-arboreal species living in a less than 18” h enclosure whether it is a drawer or terrarium or PVC or wood. Even fossorial species will occasionally climb in captivity when given the opportunity. Remember that when animals no longer have to focus 100% of their time budget on surviving and reproducing they will start to seek other activities. I just listened to an interview with exotic veterinarian Kelsey Chapman this morning who stated there is a growing body of research indicating that snakes and other reptiles benefit from exercise. She said “if you increase the environmental complexity of the enclosure you increase the activity of the animal which results in a leaner, healthier animal with increased reproductive activity”. She also said that exercise increases muscle mass and bone density increasing overall fitness, including reproductive fitness and longevity. I’m happy to link her interview if you are interested. The MINIMUM height of all but two of my enclosures is 18” and the two outliers are 12” and 15” for cornsnakes. I have close to 60 snakes so it CAN be done. My super dwarf TC is almost never on the lower half of his enclosure. If Freedom Breeder sold rack systems or drawer systems with a window for animals to see out of and that had heights of 18” or more I WOULD buy them. Now, if they could also devise a way to provide UVB in them that would be ideal. It’s the 21st century, I’m sure there is a way to do this.
UVB is next!! It has shown to increase reactivity and athleticism in pythons already, so that will go hand in hand with innovations to provide more height!!
I have a couple of my bps in exoterras and they are constantly climbing and exploring. My male black pastel is almost always perched at the top. Nothing is set in stone with any of these animals it's all a case by case. I believe anything we can do to enrich their lives is a must!
I came up with a design for a rack with UVB, it wouldn't take much effort or room. I talked with a local rack maker and he said the main issue with it is *drumroll* HEIGHT! He mentioned having the uvb on conventional height bins would bake most snakes. Anyone else with thoughts on this?
Stefania's Exotical Adventures Yes, as I mentioned above, height is so important and with more height so much could be added to tubs/racks. The existing systems are just not high enough.
@@LoriTorrini 100% with you on the height in regards to climbing space etc, I was referring to height in relation to implementing UVB safely. If you stagger the "bins' horizontally, you could have a UVB bulb over one side of each bin without sacrifing vertical space...its a little hard to describe via text I guess 😅
I don't think it is so much Freedom Breeder that has failed the industry, but, rather the industry who failed the industry. As you pointed out, Freedom Breeder already did this style and very few folks bought it. Granted when they introduced it there were not as nearly as many breeders working with semi arboreal and arboreal species. So since Freedom Breeder already have the design and most likely the patent it is up to us the breeder to do like you are and put our money where are mouth is and prove we are willing to buy these units.
The biggest issue is that there are plenty of breeders looking to maximize the number of animals in a given space. They see the shallower tubs as extra rows of snakes. Extra snakes means more profit. This problem doesn't affect me, as a hobby breeder but I'm also less likely to buy a bunch of professional rack systems for my hobby. Those who are trying to make a living off of this tend to think more in terms of dollars/square foot. They're also the target demographic for rack manufacturers.
I’m so glad that I found your channel. You all are family friendly without the language and rudeness. You said all of this very kindly and tactfully. I recently got into a debate with a ball python breeder about the way he keeps his snakes. They r in tiny drawers without even a hide or enrichment of any kind. And the drawers he had were way way too small. His animals also sat in their own filth a lot. So to hear u bring this up so kindly and the way that u care so much for their happiness, well it made a new subscriber out of me. I look forward to watching all of your videos. I can’t believe I found such an awesome channel. The first video I watched was a new one where u lost all your clutches of this season due to an incubator failing. But the way u talked about what happened, it shows u r am amazing person with an amazing family. Thank u for caring for the snakes.
I hope that they take the challenge, and I would definitely love to buy something innovative like you are talking about. Thanks for another great video!
Amazing video- great info, great looking animals, great editing. Love your videos. As a medium size gecko breeder, I battle this tub/natural enclosure debate EVERY DAY.
As a reptile keeper and breeder for over 20yrs I will agree with alot of what you are saying. Great Video! Yes I love Freedom breeder as well! Keep it up. Earned a new sub here!
I have 3 BP’s and one Boa. We kept them in tubs as babies then WASTED A TON OF $$$ on Exo Terra’s 36x24x18 enclosures. Obviously, humidity was a nightmare and non-existent. You live and learn. Unfortunately, one snake turned into four before we knew the best husbandry for the snakes well being AND to enjoy them visually in our family room. I invested in Boaphile’s 48x24x18’s with the back shelf and really decked them out to look like natural habitat. I AM STUNNED at how much the BP’s use their entire space! The bask on the shelf, hang over the driftwood, and just cruise around, especially at night. All of them REALLY enjoy hunting down their dinner when I give them live prey every few months. I know some people will boo and hiss, but it’s enrichment for them, not for me. The only time I see them stick to a hide for long is after a meal and when they’re really in blue during shedding. Full substrate cleaning is a big job, but spot cleaning is easy since they tend to defecate in the back corners. Going into it, I never would have thought my BP’s would use and I believe “enjoy” that much real estate.
I've actually been working on a design for a year or so now for housing my carpets to get more height ;) should have working prototypes this year/early next
On point! When people say they want to build a rack, I tell them to get the tall tubs. You can't keep as many animals in a small space, but it's far more ethical. Even ball pythons will use space if you give it to them. I hate seeing big boas and pythons crammed in small tubs and I've done it, and I still have upgrading to do. Industry standards are changing, and it would be great to see a company like Freedom Breeder innovate and improve. These are incredible animals that deserve respect and a good life.
Just did a video on research that has been done with snakes and how they feel emotionally and also living in captivity, most are miserable and though l have nothing against tubs but is it really enough, they are saying no. l did leave links in the decription of the study and the outcome from it. Yes a taller and more natural environment is way better then most are living in.
Hey Garrett, it's Lance Cheuvront. As someone who is just embarking on the Scrub python road, I love this idea and would absolutely support it if it exists. I will send the emails and my thoughts! Thank you for the post, as always, you are making changes where they need to be made! Cheers!
Wanted to make it clear, some people might miss the message otherwise, can't hear through their thoughts of how everyone's opinions are always being bought.
I built my own enclosure exactly like what you are talking about. With a tub that slides out and sliding glass doors on the front for my boa. I didnt know it existed before
Great video and great challenge! As the hobby/industry changes; so, do the attitudes and theories of keeping. As breeders, we always strive to improve; and, although we would all love to provide enrichment and naturalistic environments; we tend to sacrifice for space. Even as I write, I wish I had more space! But seriously, the balance would be great! And, none of us is as smart as all of us; so, great team effort. Hopefully, the freedom breeder team can supply this endeavor as I am sure there is a sufficient demand.
Oh I so agree! I bought tubs, found they were depressed when not engaged in activities. Yes, they love to climb, love to explore, and love to check out various textures. They need the stimulation, just as any animal does. Thank you!
I agree with you. The pull out tray for cleaning and more height would be great. I’m currently building some pvc cages for my boas and my female retic blu for that very reason.
That one rack in the magazine looked like a bunch of exoterras put together. NOW THAT would be amazing to even have in home. we love snakes and we always try to make ours as happy as possible. Awesome message Garrett! We completely agree with you! ( also we love breeders! and really hate those pet supplier mills)
Thanks! My snakes love to be able to climb around the pvc enclosures I made for them, but it is very difficult to keep them perfectly clean in the corners and seams around the floor. I too hope Freedom Breeder explores the idea and builds something all of us (snakes and owners) will appreciate.
This is the biggest problem I see with many pictures of enclosures online, when the enclosure is about as tall as the snake is at its thickest part, your enclosure is not tall enough.
I LOVE This!! I have boas and I've always felt like they could use more height. You've inspired me to revamp my tub system to add some extra height for my boas. ❤❤ Much love from Chelsi , Jackie and Sadie in Vermont
Agree 100 percent. Would love to see more pictures and design details and or a video on your custom cage. Think that would be ideal for larger snakes. Thanks for putting it out there.
Thanks Eddie! The custom one I have here was built by Scaletopia, and really works great- but I need tubs and a rack system in this style to be ideal!!
I totally agree with you!! I understand that breeders can’t keep thousands of glass tall cages but for the ones that People are going to keep as breeders they deserve to live out their life happy so if they could make higher ones so that they can roam around in and get some kind of height and light. I know people say snakes don’t care about light but that’s not true cause snakes do need vitamin D and my BPs sometimes come out during the day and will just lay not in the hide. And at night they are all over the place climbing so I know they love to roam. I have a 36x18x36 eco terra just for my egg eating snakes and they climb to the top and the bottom. Sometimes he in his hide during the day sometimes he up high in a vine during the day. I just wouldn’t want to be put in a cage all my life and never get to explore and I know snakes are not human but we can at least give them some quality of life then just breeding and laying eggs in a bin with just a water bowl.
That’s the reason I built my own with height , 18” tall , 10 cages takes up the size of a whole rack is the only down side , but if they would make them 12” height I’d be so interested
I keep primarily North American colubrids, and even king snakes will utilize greater height cages if offered. A rack style enclosure with greater height would be amazing for all reptiles
U should try building some diy purch with pvc and see if they like those, they could even cover the whole length of the tub where the cut out of the bucket will only do 1/2 and not as much like branches as the PVC. I am curious how they would react to the jungle gym style perch
Affordable is a relative term to the buyer. If you compare their current products, the per- enclosure price is really quite good, though you do normally need to buy many of them. I'm sure these will be similar...
I think it would awesome if there were commercially available cages like the old Python Pete style of cages he custom made for his jungle carpets. Arboreal and y’all cages stacked on one another with glass fronts, but a removable basin tub for the substrate to simply slide out without disturbing the animal wherever it is perched or sleeping at. Think of a small exo terra style enclosure maybe 18 x 18 x 24 y’all with a slide out bin. You could even have various sizes. Price point is the killer for folks like me, however.
Price point is the biggest factor as to why this type of system does not exist, I think. Most people would try to find a cheaper way to go, even if there was a great option already developed.
I was watching a video of someone feeding their short tails/bloods (I don't remember who it was) and when the snakes would coil the rats, they were too wide to close the tubs, without smushing them down a bit. That's just not enough room. This industry definitely needs to start making some compromises for the sake of the snakes.
In my opinion. So long as everyone’s keeping healthy snakes I don’t judge the two different enclosure types. I only like glass enclosures because I like my animals to be displayed and have nice decor.
I agree- the thing that is changing is the definition of "healthy" to include mental stimulation these days. And for my species- the arboreal core strength that goes away in time.
I would be down to test it out with my boas and carpets... but when it came to my ball pythons... I'm happy right where I am and I believe they are too. I think it is really critical that people pay attention to the fact that this would be great for the semi arboreal/ arboreal species such as retics, carpets, some of boas, ETBs, ATBs and GTPs. But for ball pythons, blood pythons, and anything ground dwelling.... I'm not so sure!!! Great video and I believe they will take the challenge and excel with it!
Thank you so much for this. I am so tired of seeing those low-profile drawer racks promoted for snakes as though all species are cookie-cutter alike. I don't expect a breeder to keep their snakes the same way a pet owner would, but just as we've advanced far beyond the bare aquariums of 30 years ago, it's time to take a big step in progress beyond where we're at now. Let's see which company will be the first to be willing to genuinely innovate for the good of both the snakes and the keepers. I'm going to guess it's some smaller, less well-known company. I sort of assume that the big companies like FB will be slow to change, and will have lots of rationalizations about how their way is the best way. I hope I'm wrong, though. We'll see.
Great points here, Garrett. I think the ideal is finding a happy medium, especially in conditions where somebody (such as a breeder) might be keeping a lot of animals and have space considerations. I'd be interested to see mid-height, intellectually interesting, glass or plexi-front enclosure systems that still come in a pull-out drawer medium. We have some of the plexi-front FB-80 and even FB-90 tubs and love where they're going with it but agree the height isn't particularly there for the larger animals.
I like to keep my cornsnakes in big 6 square foot enclosures, and I am not against using tubs. my problem is that I can not find tubs that are that sized. if if I could find tubs that sized and tall enough that would be great for my adult cornsnakes
Awesome video sir. Well thought out. I agree with both sides. I have all semi natural enclosures and its super hard to maintain humidity levels especially now during winter with the heat pumping. And as someone who really wants to breed some of my collection a rack system is number 1 on my list. I feel like if your going to keep snakes in large numbers the benefits of a healthy snake outweigh it looking pretty. As long as the animals get the attention and respect they deserve
If you cant maintain a humane living conditions for your snakes, than don't buy them. its not just about keeping a healthy weight and attention. fish tanks is doing the bare minimum if you cant afford or don't have the space then don't buy snakes. you have such an evil mindset because your allowing your wants to own a large collection of snakes justify cruel living conditions.
They used to make a ton of hybrid rack/cage setups. I have a few that I’ve managed to track down and they are the best cages in existence. Or close to it with modification. I’ve asked repeatedly for them to start making them again. But freedom breeder knows everything there is to know already and has no desired whatsoever for any input. Maybe approaching ARS would be more productive in actually changing the standard.
I know how you feel, but turning the heads of successful companies takes time, as does the R&D of something like this. I've been at it for awhile, and while they do have a lot to consider from a profitability standpoint, the guys at FB have never totally dismissed my nagging... yet. LOL. We will see how long it takes before they get tired of me!
I kept my rainbows and boas in tubs before, but I find they are not comfortable with these enclosure. I end up with buying a lot of vision cages and spent more than $1000...
Big numbers can also be kept in bigger facilities. But I agree- that's why it happens. Still, I would love the choice to be able to purchase a good quality, decently sized enclosure.
Dude, the idea in this video I feel literally has the power to end this argument. The reason it doesn't end is because both sides are correct in what they say, but have different priorities. Why not innovate, and bring out something that meets them all?
@@ReachOutReptiles I agree 100 percent. It's just now and days everybody wants to argue something and say no I'm right and your wrong. Right is right n wrong is wrong. We do it together then it's a better chance that we all be happy.
100% agree with you! I would buy different versions of the racks I have, but I don’t think we have freedom breeder hear in the U.K. great video though 🇬🇧👍🏻
Great video! As someone who spends a lot of time educating people about how to provide better husbandry for their reptiles, I think more people need to be talking about this issue. While breeders and casual keepers/collectors definitely have different goals and needs when it comes to the animals in their care, I love that you've issued this challenge to raise the standard of care among reptile breeders.
Id buy a couple! I've been trying to figure out a taller tub rack system like say a 41 or 56 qt tub system that I could put removable shelves and bars in for our lil kit kat I got from you this year. Great vid bro!
I build for my snake a combination of a naturalistic enclosure with a tub. In the floor of the Tank is a Passage to the tub below. The snake kann move where she want, whenever she want
Would it be possible to shoot an idea your way.what I mean by that is its not built or anything yet but I wanted your opinion and thoughts on a new rack system. Well.....it's an idea for a new hatchling rack to start with anyways but I really think you'd be interested in it I might be able to turn it into something in a few years that might change the way we view rack systems entirely and a much more cost efficient way of doing things too atleast that's the hope over time
Some people might say that's a horrible way to keep a employee Lol I think it will always be a debate what's better. I think it comes down to the individual snake and what it likes, I have some that do amazing in tubs and not in a big space or open to see out and others that don't like tubs. I think u hit some good points and I think we should have more options than we do because each snake will like something different.
Its all comes down to dollars and cents though...if the mark up is crazy sadly it wont take OFF...that product would be amazing though cause I want a rack where I can see and display and the wimdow ones dont quite to it especially with condensation....Lindy is a genius though and they can make one that cost badically the same...
Can't you design it I would think the racks would be c easy enough . Have to have taller tubs made with maybe some brackets built in for mounting climbing sticks . Great video as always
Tubs cost between $50,000-$150,000 for the molds themselves, and are difficult to manufacture here. That's actually the hardest part. This design, however, would work seamlessly with their existing line up of tubs.
I agree 100% with the need of more height depending on the breed of course lol but how often do you see them perched ? 9/10 x their going to be on the ground curled up in a cool dark snug place where their safe from preditors or crawling around iso rodents or other ground dwelling animals. Occasionally you'll see the BP, BOA and other types of snakes up in trees resting, sometimes trying to be incognito and catch flying animals and so on and so on 🐵 oh and maybe a couple curious macaques 😔. But anywho good good vid as usual Garrett as well as a great idea . **IMO ... Glass enclosures are harder to control heat, I would prefer the Plexi And good solid treated wooden enclosures over glass even tho I currently have all of my baby's in glass aquariums 😔 but hey if the price is right lol I just recently purchased a couple 6x4 display cases with lights and side sliding doors for $60 they need a little work before moving them in. One has a metal/aluminum floor that should/could be perfect for my Leo's considering they absorb from under ☺( deeeze lol ) inside joke haha. But anywho glass is beautiful for displaying animals but not all that great for personal keepers and/or breeders just down right to hard to keep accurate heating . " If there's a will there's a way " 💗 from Indiana USA 🐵 have a wonderful day 🐒🐒
I love you idea in this video. I would get behind it 100%. I would buy something like that. I have been looking at freedom breeder reptile racks but have not bought anything. I would just feel sorry for my snakes. I like your idea.
I definitely think it depends on species. Young boas will climb a lot, where as older boas that have great size wont do it as much. Id keep my big giant boas in vision cages where there is enough height to put a branch in. But even they may not climb. Retics will climb at any age, and id love to see breeders get 16 foot long and 6 foot high enclosures, and be able to maintain it. Some things have to compromise, where the animal can be healthy and have some mental stimulation, but be keeper friendly as well. I wouldnt stick an adult carpet python in anything other than custom built caging, but adult boas do well in 6 foot racks, or 8 foot visions for the big girls. Really just depends on species. I agree with the point made in this video, but i wish he talked more on how it really is down to individual species needs. Fb racks work for many snakes. Not just balls. Colubrids do incredibly well in them for example. Id love to see what freedom breeder and ARS could do with this idea. A semi arboreal rack system is desperately needed in the industry.
Oh yes, you are just pinpointing the dilemma I'm curently in. As a starting breeder who doesn't have a warehouse to shelter my snakes but still want a nice variaty of morphs I feel really ript apart between the need of my snakes and the lack of space I have. For space racks would be the best. But then in the evening when I watch my ball pythons it feels so bad to put them in them. They are now in glas and wooden terrariums ( here in Holland we don't use fishtanks, we use terrariums from full glas or wood with glas sliding doors in the front) and the younger ones in 130 liter, and babies in 45 liter Ikea samla boxes. They all come out of their hides at night. They crawl around their enclosure, climb on branches, and investigate every corner they can find. From top to bottom. The fact that all of them eat always, evrything I give them (rat, mouse, frozen, life) even during shedding tells me they are happy snakes. There is on youtube a documentairy about a ballpython temple in Ouidah, Benin. Even the keeper of the temple tells that all of them leave the temple every single evening to roam around. In general I don't have a problem with tubs or other plastic enclosures, I really see the benefit of them. My problem is that it feels so bad to keep them for the rest of their live in a tub where they can barely lift their head. I would really feel so much better putting them in tubs that give them the chance to really lift their head when they want to, even if it is only 30 cm/12 inch. I hope your message will be heard.
In Sweden where I live, we have a minimum-height law. A snake that is up to 125cm needs by law 14inch of height. So racksystem is a big no-no here in Sweden if we will follow the law. Is there anybtubs that is 14 inch in height and have a area that is 100cm x 60cm.......no..........
Awesome man. Thank you saying what some us are thinking especially on your platform your building. Excellent point. Maybe even a game changing idea for the better.
So now we need to get serious and build a whole new line of caging for everyone. WE GOT Y'ALL! Will get on it ASAP! Thanks for the challenge bro!
Freedom Breeder so excited to see your quick response! Look forward to seeing the industry improve for the animals. Thank you! 😁😁
Curious to see how this turns out
An intermediate caging system roomier for the animals while still manageable for the breeders would be a dream come true
Also make it price effective
I agree. Height is key and there is no way to justify an arboreal or semi-arboreal species living in a less than 18” h enclosure whether it is a drawer or terrarium or PVC or wood. Even fossorial species will occasionally climb in captivity when given the opportunity. Remember that when animals no longer have to focus 100% of their time budget on surviving and reproducing they will start to seek other activities. I just listened to an interview with exotic veterinarian Kelsey Chapman this morning who stated there is a growing body of research indicating that snakes and other reptiles benefit from exercise. She said “if you increase the environmental complexity of the enclosure you increase the activity of the animal which results in a leaner, healthier animal with increased reproductive activity”. She also said that exercise increases muscle mass and bone density increasing overall fitness, including reproductive fitness and longevity. I’m happy to link her interview if you are interested. The MINIMUM height of all but two of my enclosures is 18” and the two outliers are 12” and 15” for cornsnakes. I have close to 60 snakes so it CAN be done. My super dwarf TC is almost never on the lower half of his enclosure. If Freedom Breeder sold rack systems or drawer systems with a window for animals to see out of and that had heights of 18” or more I WOULD buy them.
Now, if they could also devise a way to provide UVB in them that would be ideal. It’s the 21st century, I’m sure there is a way to do this.
UVB is next!! It has shown to increase reactivity and athleticism in pythons already, so that will go hand in hand with innovations to provide more height!!
I have a couple of my bps in exoterras and they are constantly climbing and exploring. My male black pastel is almost always perched at the top. Nothing is set in stone with any of these animals it's all a case by case. I believe anything we can do to enrich their lives is a must!
I came up with a design for a rack with UVB, it wouldn't take much effort or room. I talked with a local rack maker and he said the main issue with it is *drumroll* HEIGHT! He mentioned having the uvb on conventional height bins would bake most snakes. Anyone else with thoughts on this?
Stefania's Exotical Adventures Yes, as I mentioned above, height is so important and with more height so much could be added to tubs/racks. The existing systems are just not high enough.
@@LoriTorrini 100% with you on the height in regards to climbing space etc, I was referring to height in relation to implementing UVB safely. If you stagger the "bins' horizontally, you could have a UVB bulb over one side of each bin without sacrifing vertical space...its a little hard to describe via text I guess 😅
I don't think it is so much Freedom Breeder that has failed the industry, but, rather the industry who failed the industry. As you pointed out, Freedom Breeder already did this style and very few folks bought it. Granted when they introduced it there were not as nearly as many breeders working with semi arboreal and arboreal species. So since Freedom Breeder already have the design and most likely the patent it is up to us the breeder to do like you are and put our money where are mouth is and prove we are willing to buy these units.
Agree 100%
The biggest issue is that there are plenty of breeders looking to maximize the number of animals in a given space. They see the shallower tubs as extra rows of snakes. Extra snakes means more profit. This problem doesn't affect me, as a hobby breeder but I'm also less likely to buy a bunch of professional rack systems for my hobby. Those who are trying to make a living off of this tend to think more in terms of dollars/square foot. They're also the target demographic for rack manufacturers.
Maybe because they were just too expensive? 😁😅
I’m so glad that I found your channel. You all are family friendly without the language and rudeness. You said all of this very kindly and tactfully.
I recently got into a debate with a ball python breeder about the way he keeps his snakes. They r in tiny drawers without even a hide or enrichment of any kind. And the drawers he had were way way too small. His animals also sat in their own filth a lot. So to hear u bring this up so kindly and the way that u care so much for their happiness, well it made a new subscriber out of me. I look forward to watching all of your videos. I can’t believe I found such an awesome channel.
The first video I watched was a new one where u lost all your clutches of this season due to an incubator failing. But the way u talked about what happened, it shows u r am amazing person with an amazing family.
Thank u for caring for the snakes.
I hope that they take the challenge, and I would definitely love to buy something innovative like you are talking about. Thanks for another great video!
You disinfect, not sterilize. Glad to see you keep your enclosure so clean.
Agreed 100%. I'd buy some of those for sure!
1000%!!! Ive contacted so many rack manufacturers trying to get taller tubs!! Thank you for making this video!
Amazing video- great info, great looking animals, great editing. Love your videos. As a medium size gecko breeder, I battle this tub/natural enclosure debate EVERY DAY.
As a reptile keeper and breeder for over 20yrs I will agree with alot of what you are saying. Great Video! Yes I love Freedom breeder as well! Keep it up. Earned a new sub here!
I have 3 BP’s and one Boa. We kept them in tubs as babies then WASTED A TON OF $$$ on Exo Terra’s 36x24x18 enclosures. Obviously, humidity was a nightmare and non-existent. You live and learn. Unfortunately, one snake turned into four before we knew the best husbandry for the snakes well being AND to enjoy them visually in our family room. I invested in Boaphile’s 48x24x18’s with the back shelf and really decked them out to look like natural habitat. I AM STUNNED at how much the BP’s use their entire space! The bask on the shelf, hang over the driftwood, and just cruise around, especially at night. All of them REALLY enjoy hunting down their dinner when I give them live prey every few months. I know some people will boo and hiss, but it’s enrichment for them, not for me. The only time I see them stick to a hide for long is after a meal and when they’re really in blue during shedding. Full substrate cleaning is a big job, but spot cleaning is easy since they tend to defecate in the back corners. Going into it, I never would have thought my BP’s would use and I believe “enjoy” that much real estate.
I LOVE that you are addressing this!! Bravo! I go on about this all the time.
I've actually been working on a design for a year or so now for housing my carpets to get more height ;) should have working prototypes this year/early next
Doooo it!
@@ReachOutReptiles after this I'm gonna try to have it ready by the January reptile super show to have it on display at my booth
Amazing video as always! Any tips for a new snake RUclipsr
Hi from the UK BTW
I have an adult pure madu and a albino 75% madu
@@ssserpentarium5968 My tip would be to breed those 2 together!
Nice!!
On point! When people say they want to build a rack, I tell them to get the tall tubs. You can't keep as many animals in a small space, but it's far more ethical. Even ball pythons will use space if you give it to them. I hate seeing big boas and pythons crammed in small tubs and I've done it, and I still have upgrading to do. Industry standards are changing, and it would be great to see a company like Freedom Breeder innovate and improve. These are incredible animals that deserve respect and a good life.
Just did a video on research that has been done with snakes and how they feel emotionally and also living in captivity, most are miserable and though l have nothing against tubs but is it really enough, they are saying no. l did leave links in the decription of the study and the outcome from it. Yes a taller and more natural environment is way better then most are living in.
YUP, thank you!
Hey Garrett, it's Lance Cheuvront. As someone who is just embarking on the Scrub python road, I love this idea and would absolutely support it if it exists. I will send the emails and my thoughts! Thank you for the post, as always, you are making changes where they need to be made! Cheers!
I am down to test the prototype. Great idea Garrett.
Are you guys sponsored by Freedom Breeder?
Wanted to make it clear, some people might miss the message otherwise, can't hear through their thoughts of how everyone's opinions are always being bought.
Reach Out Reptiles so you guys are sponsored by Freedom Breeder.
@@BrianKusko Put in a good word for me. ;)
Damn I'll have to send in a sponsor me video.
I say Brian's enclosures that he keeps his big retics in are the best to use.
Awesome idea. FB could also include interchangeable pvc perch systems for easy cleaning as well for different size tubs.
Bravo! An excellent solution, Garrett. Let's get this done Lindy and Jess!
Yes, thank you! Send them an email for me!!
I built my own enclosure exactly like what you are talking about. With a tub that slides out and sliding glass doors on the front for my boa. I didnt know it existed before
RIGHT?!? Great minds think alike! I want some to BUY though... not have to keep custom building EVERYTHING, lol
@@ReachOutReptiles not sure if freedom breeder holds a patent on that design is the only issue
Great video and great challenge! As the hobby/industry changes; so, do the attitudes and theories of keeping. As breeders, we always strive to improve; and, although we would all love to provide enrichment and naturalistic environments; we tend to sacrifice for space. Even as I write, I wish I had more space! But seriously, the balance would be great! And, none of us is as smart as all of us; so, great team effort. Hopefully, the freedom breeder team can supply this endeavor as I am sure there is a sufficient demand.
Oh I so agree! I bought tubs, found they were depressed when not engaged in activities. Yes, they love to climb, love to explore, and love to check out various textures. They need the stimulation, just as any animal does. Thank you!
I agree with you. The pull out tray for cleaning and more height would be great. I’m currently building some pvc cages for my boas and my female retic blu for that very reason.
Agreed... I need 2 new racks for my burns in the spring
Hell yes man! I’d love a cage with pull out tray to clean! Sign me up!!
I agree I want taller tubs as well
That one rack in the magazine looked like a bunch of exoterras put together. NOW THAT would be amazing to even have in home. we love snakes and we always try to make ours as happy as possible. Awesome message Garrett! We completely agree with you! ( also we love breeders! and really hate those pet supplier mills)
Love love love the video!! Well said and totally agree!!
Thanks! My snakes love to be able to climb around the pvc enclosures I made for them, but it is very difficult to keep them perfectly clean in the corners and seams around the floor. I too hope Freedom Breeder explores the idea and builds something all of us (snakes and owners) will appreciate.
This is the biggest problem I see with many pictures of enclosures online, when the enclosure is about as tall as the snake is at its thickest part, your enclosure is not tall enough.
I LOVE This!! I have boas and I've always felt like they could use more height. You've inspired me to revamp my tub system to add some extra height for my boas. ❤❤ Much love from Chelsi , Jackie and Sadie in Vermont
Agree 100 percent. Would love to see more pictures and design details and or a video on your custom cage. Think that would be ideal for larger snakes. Thanks for putting it out there.
Thanks Eddie! The custom one I have here was built by Scaletopia, and really works great- but I need tubs and a rack system in this style to be ideal!!
I totally agree with you!! I understand that breeders can’t keep thousands of glass tall cages but for the ones that People are going to keep as breeders they deserve to live out their life happy so if they could make higher ones so that they can roam around in and get some kind of height and light. I know people say snakes don’t care about light but that’s not true cause snakes do need vitamin D and my BPs sometimes come out during the day and will just lay not in the hide. And at night they are all over the place climbing so I know they love to roam. I have a 36x18x36 eco terra just for my egg eating snakes and they climb to the top and the bottom. Sometimes he in his hide during the day sometimes he up high in a vine during the day. I just wouldn’t want to be put in a cage all my life and never get to explore and I know snakes are not human but we can at least give them some quality of life then just breeding and laying eggs in a bin with just a water bowl.
Absolutely agree!
Love the proactive approach for positive change in the community brother. Go getter.
Thanks Bud- do me a favor and shoot them an email telling them you are behind this- I would love to see things change for the better!
Those enclosures would be awesome to have.
Amazing idea! Something big needs to change that is more suited for the animals!
How about deeper tubs that you can put branches in or other things to climb on
That’s the reason I built my own with height , 18” tall , 10 cages takes up the size of a whole rack is the only down side , but if they would make them 12” height I’d be so interested
Good man! This is the forward thinking the industry needs! Keep it up guys!
Thanks, bud! Do me a favor, and be sure to send them an email directly letting them know you think this is a great idea!
I keep primarily North American colubrids, and even king snakes will utilize greater height cages if offered. A rack style enclosure with greater height would be amazing for all reptiles
YES, thank you!!
U should try building some diy purch with pvc and see if they like those, they could even cover the whole length of the tub where the cut out of the bucket will only do 1/2 and not as much like branches as the PVC. I am curious how they would react to the jungle gym style perch
Great ideas and points with what retics need for housing.
Well.. since it's been 2 years ago. Has anyone come up with any ideas?
this ^
It's been done. No one bought them.
I love the idea? Can they make that is also affordable?
Affordable is a relative term to the buyer. If you compare their current products, the per- enclosure price is really quite good, though you do normally need to buy many of them. I'm sure these will be similar...
There were "freezer breeder euro" and freedom breeder display cages which gave height and a removable tub. No one bought them.
I heard- so sad! I think they might’ve been before their time?
I think it would awesome if there were commercially available cages like the old Python Pete style of cages he custom made for his jungle carpets. Arboreal and y’all cages stacked on one another with glass fronts, but a removable basin tub for the substrate to simply slide out without disturbing the animal wherever it is perched or sleeping at. Think of a small exo terra style enclosure maybe 18 x 18 x 24 y’all with a slide out bin. You could even have various sizes. Price point is the killer for folks like me, however.
Price point is the biggest factor as to why this type of system does not exist, I think. Most people would try to find a cheaper way to go, even if there was a great option already developed.
i was litterly trying to find taller racks for carpets as this was posted thats funny
I'm telling ya, it would be BIIIIIG.
I was watching a video of someone feeding their short tails/bloods (I don't remember who it was) and when the snakes would coil the rats, they were too wide to close the tubs, without smushing them down a bit. That's just not enough room. This industry definitely needs to start making some compromises for the sake of the snakes.
In my opinion. So long as everyone’s keeping healthy snakes I don’t judge the two different enclosure types. I only like glass enclosures because I like my animals to be displayed and have nice decor.
I agree- the thing that is changing is the definition of "healthy" to include mental stimulation these days. And for my species- the arboreal core strength that goes away in time.
Id rock it! Really cool idea!
I would be down to test it out with my boas and carpets... but when it came to my ball pythons... I'm happy right where I am and I believe they are too. I think it is really critical that people pay attention to the fact that this would be great for the semi arboreal/ arboreal species such as retics, carpets, some of boas, ETBs, ATBs and GTPs. But for ball pythons, blood pythons, and anything ground dwelling.... I'm not so sure!!! Great video and I believe they will take the challenge and excel with it!
Thank you so much for this. I am so tired of seeing those low-profile drawer racks promoted for snakes as though all species are cookie-cutter alike. I don't expect a breeder to keep their snakes the same way a pet owner would, but just as we've advanced far beyond the bare aquariums of 30 years ago, it's time to take a big step in progress beyond where we're at now. Let's see which company will be the first to be willing to genuinely innovate for the good of both the snakes and the keepers. I'm going to guess it's some smaller, less well-known company. I sort of assume that the big companies like FB will be slow to change, and will have lots of rationalizations about how their way is the best way. I hope I'm wrong, though. We'll see.
Thank YOU! Please help them see the need to push for this, an send them an email encouraging them to do so!! It would mean A LOT
Thank you. This guy gets it.
Absolutely in!! Great video!
Thank you!
Great points here, Garrett. I think the ideal is finding a happy medium, especially in conditions where somebody (such as a breeder) might be keeping a lot of animals and have space considerations. I'd be interested to see mid-height, intellectually interesting, glass or plexi-front enclosure systems that still come in a pull-out drawer medium.
We have some of the plexi-front FB-80 and even FB-90 tubs and love where they're going with it but agree the height isn't particularly there for the larger animals.
I WANT IT AAAAALLLLLLL
I like to keep my cornsnakes in big 6 square foot enclosures, and I am not against using tubs. my problem is that I can not find tubs that are that sized. if if I could find tubs that sized and tall enough that would be great for my adult cornsnakes
Awesome video sir. Well thought out. I agree with both sides. I have all semi natural enclosures and its super hard to maintain humidity levels especially now during winter with the heat pumping. And as someone who really wants to breed some of my collection a rack system is number 1 on my list. I feel like if your going to keep snakes in large numbers the benefits of a healthy snake outweigh it looking pretty. As long as the animals get the attention and respect they deserve
I want one, without sacrificing the other!
@@ReachOutReptiles agreed! I would for sure support something anything someone comes up with. Someone much smarter than myself. Haha.
If you cant maintain a humane living conditions for your snakes, than don't buy them. its not just about keeping a healthy weight and attention. fish tanks is doing the bare minimum if you cant afford or don't have the space then don't buy snakes.
you have such an evil mindset because your allowing your wants to own a large collection of snakes justify cruel living conditions.
Most definitely a great idea!!!
People will complain about anything!
Good video Garrett, hopefully we will see something from FB!
They used to make a ton of hybrid rack/cage setups. I have a few that I’ve managed to track down and they are the best cages in existence. Or close to it with modification. I’ve asked repeatedly for them to start making them again. But freedom breeder knows everything there is to know already and has no desired whatsoever for any input. Maybe approaching ARS would be more productive in actually changing the standard.
I know how you feel, but turning the heads of successful companies takes time, as does the R&D of something like this. I've been at it for awhile, and while they do have a lot to consider from a profitability standpoint, the guys at FB have never totally dismissed my nagging... yet. LOL. We will see how long it takes before they get tired of me!
I kept my rainbows and boas in tubs before, but I find they are not comfortable with these enclosure. I end up with buying a lot of vision cages and spent more than $1000...
Yes, I agree- so many species will benefit from this option!
The glass cages take longer to clean
Definitely what we need
Id buy one. 100%
I’m all over this brother!
Ready to buy let’s get it
One word.... SPACE. Racks are the only way to keep big numbers
Big numbers can also be kept in bigger facilities. But I agree- that's why it happens. Still, I would love the choice to be able to purchase a good quality, decently sized enclosure.
I swear this argument will never end. But hey bro it works for u and that matters. U do great
Dude, the idea in this video I feel literally has the power to end this argument. The reason it doesn't end is because both sides are correct in what they say, but have different priorities. Why not innovate, and bring out something that meets them all?
@@ReachOutReptiles I agree 100 percent. It's just now and days everybody wants to argue something and say no I'm right and your wrong. Right is right n wrong is wrong. We do it together then it's a better chance that we all be happy.
I would buy it for sure
100% agree with you! I would buy different versions of the racks I have, but I don’t think we have freedom breeder hear in the U.K.
great video though 🇬🇧👍🏻
Another reason to have this done from large scale manufacturers- the coming global shipping aspect. ;)
Great video! As someone who spends a lot of time educating people about how to provide better husbandry for their reptiles, I think more people need to be talking about this issue. While breeders and casual keepers/collectors definitely have different goals and needs when it comes to the animals in their care, I love that you've issued this challenge to raise the standard of care among reptile breeders.
I like ur thinking
Id buy a couple! I've been trying to figure out a taller tub rack system like say a 41 or 56 qt tub system that I could put removable shelves and bars in for our lil kit kat I got from you this year. Great vid bro!
You Are so Right bro.. Great video thanks alot 🐡🐟🐠🤩🥇
Yes, semi arboreal racks please.
10/10 would buy such an item
Thank you!
I build for my snake a combination of a naturalistic enclosure with a tub.
In the floor of the Tank is a Passage to the tub below. The snake kann move where she want, whenever she want
Yup, that's what I'm after- but in a larger scale manufacturing system. ;)
Me too! I’ll pay!
Would it be possible to shoot an idea your way.what I mean by that is its not built or anything yet but I wanted your opinion and thoughts on a new rack system. Well.....it's an idea for a new hatchling rack to start with anyways but I really think you'd be interested in it I might be able to turn it into something in a few years that might change the way we view rack systems entirely and a much more cost efficient way of doing things too atleast that's the hope over time
Would love something better for my Crested Geckos ...hight is key ...I may have something small but if it's made I will buy ;)
NICE 👍🥇🏆🥇🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧
Some people might say that's a horrible way to keep a employee
Lol I think it will always be a debate what's better. I think it comes down to the individual snake and what it likes, I have some that do amazing in tubs and not in a big space or open to see out and others that don't like tubs. I think u hit some good points and I think we should have more options than we do because each snake will like something different.
Its all comes down to dollars and cents though...if the mark up is crazy sadly it wont take OFF...that product would be amazing though cause I want a rack where I can see and display and the wimdow ones dont quite to it especially with condensation....Lindy is a genius though and they can make one that cost badically the same...
Can't you design it I would think the racks would be c easy enough . Have to have taller tubs made with maybe some brackets built in for mounting climbing sticks . Great video as always
Tubs cost between $50,000-$150,000 for the molds themselves, and are difficult to manufacture here. That's actually the hardest part. This design, however, would work seamlessly with their existing line up of tubs.
Dang didn't know they cost that much for the molds ..
I agree 100% with the need of more height depending on the breed of course lol but how often do you see them perched ? 9/10 x their going to be on the ground curled up in a cool dark snug place where their safe from preditors or crawling around iso rodents or other ground dwelling animals. Occasionally you'll see the BP, BOA and other types of snakes up in trees resting, sometimes trying to be incognito and catch flying animals and so on and so on 🐵 oh and maybe a couple curious macaques 😔. But anywho good good vid as usual Garrett as well as a great idea .
**IMO ... Glass enclosures are harder to control heat, I would prefer the Plexi
And good solid treated wooden enclosures over glass even tho I currently have all of my baby's in glass aquariums 😔 but hey if the price is right lol I just recently purchased a couple 6x4 display cases with lights and side sliding doors for $60 they need a little work before moving them in.
One has a metal/aluminum floor that should/could be perfect for my Leo's considering they absorb from under ☺( deeeze lol ) inside joke haha. But anywho glass is beautiful for displaying animals but not all that great for personal keepers and/or breeders just down right to hard to keep accurate heating . " If there's a will there's a way " 💗 from Indiana USA 🐵 have a wonderful day 🐒🐒
Nailed it. Great video! 🦎👍
I love you idea in this video. I would get behind it 100%. I would buy something like that. I have been looking at freedom breeder reptile racks but have not bought anything. I would just feel sorry for my snakes. I like your idea.
Thank you! We love how receptive the industry has been to the ideas for constant progression of our hobby!
Still need a sticker from you
Love this video!! #freedombreeder
I think the best is reptile basics for grow out but for babies tgr or reptile basics
Oh yeah, I'll pay for something like that for sure!
Heck yeah, man!
I definitely think it depends on species. Young boas will climb a lot, where as older boas that have great size wont do it as much. Id keep my big giant boas in vision cages where there is enough height to put a branch in. But even they may not climb. Retics will climb at any age, and id love to see breeders get 16 foot long and 6 foot high enclosures, and be able to maintain it. Some things have to compromise, where the animal can be healthy and have some mental stimulation, but be keeper friendly as well. I wouldnt stick an adult carpet python in anything other than custom built caging, but adult boas do well in 6 foot racks, or 8 foot visions for the big girls. Really just depends on species. I agree with the point made in this video, but i wish he talked more on how it really is down to individual species needs. Fb racks work for many snakes. Not just balls. Colubrids do incredibly well in them for example. Id love to see what freedom breeder and ARS could do with this idea. A semi arboreal rack system is desperately needed in the industry.
I will buy them. i make my own now so i can see my ball pythons and boa s . Only 1 bad thing about it cleaning take a lot of time. Gr from holland
I'm in
Oh yes, you are just pinpointing the dilemma I'm curently in. As a starting breeder who doesn't have a warehouse to shelter my snakes but still want a nice variaty of morphs I feel really ript apart between the need of my snakes and the lack of space I have. For space racks would be the best. But then in the evening when I watch my ball pythons it feels so bad to put them in them. They are now in glas and wooden terrariums ( here in Holland we don't use fishtanks, we use terrariums from full glas or wood with glas sliding doors in the front) and the younger ones in 130 liter, and babies in 45 liter Ikea samla boxes. They all come out of their hides at night. They crawl around their enclosure, climb on branches, and investigate every corner they can find. From top to bottom. The fact that all of them eat always, evrything I give them (rat, mouse, frozen, life) even during shedding tells me they are happy snakes. There is on youtube a documentairy about a ballpython temple in Ouidah, Benin. Even the keeper of the temple tells that all of them leave the temple every single evening to roam around. In general I don't have a problem with tubs or other plastic enclosures, I really see the benefit of them. My problem is that it feels so bad to keep them for the rest of their live in a tub where they can barely lift their head. I would really feel so much better putting them in tubs that give them the chance to really lift their head when they want to, even if it is only 30 cm/12 inch. I hope your
message will be heard.
In Sweden where I live, we have a minimum-height law. A snake that is up to 125cm needs by law 14inch of height. So racksystem is a big no-no here in Sweden if we will follow the law. Is there anybtubs that is 14 inch in height and have a area that is 100cm x 60cm.......no..........
I keep Diamond Python's and would definitely buy a new system for more arboreal species