Neodesha Reptile Cages

Anyone use these? If so are they any good?

There was a time when Neodesha cages were one of the more popular type of reptile enclosures in U.S. collections. A lot of longtime keepers still use them, and you can find used units relatively cheap. The downside to those cages is the fact that their standard versions (which are the most commonly used ones) are slanted, making them difficult to stack without the use of a separate rack structure. They also have a tendency to discolor over time, with older units attaining a deep yellowish coloration that is rather hideous. The weakest component of those enclosures has traditionally been the lip that extends from the sliding glass door tracks, and this is a common breakage point in older and abused units. If you can live with those particular characteristics, then they are actually pretty decent enclosures.

Another point worth noting is that the company switched ownership a few years back, and went through a volatile period that included some quality control issues.

In my opinion there is not a commercially available cage system here in the U.S. that is suitable for venomous keeping. I agree with you on the Neodesha problems, particularly the discoloration! They make a new type that I was enthusiastic about which you can see here:

http://npicages.com/36_stackable_cage.html

They are handsome and reasonably priced, but from what I understand they are not well sealed enough to prevent snakes from escaping. I may order one just to see for myself, but an absolutely escape proof cage is non-negotiable for me.

Lots of people use vision cages which to me are utterly unsuitable...I know of adult rattlesnakes escaping from closed cages due to the poor seal. Plus, the lip above the sliding doors is a popular hiding spot for snakes and has caused more than a few keepers to get bitten.

Another difficult factor in finding good caging is the ability to safely fit a spot lamp in the cage. Some of the black PVC cages manufactured by companies like Boaphile and Repti-Racks are interesting, but the long term ramifications of an acrylic door seem dicey...I think they would become scratched and cloudy, plus these cages don't seem like they would be easy to fit spot lamps in to.

It's a real conundrum. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has found a good option aside from building your own cages.

TD

Travis Dimler wrote:: In my opinion there is not a commercially available cage system here in the U.S. that is suitable for venomous keeping...

....but an absolutely escape proof cage is non-negotiable for me....

Lots of people use vision cages which to me are utterly unsuitable... . .... I'd be interested to hear if anyone has found a good option aside from building your own cages.

TD

I've used screen topped glass aquariums for many years now. There are draw backs to using aquariums, such as their relative weight and the relative ease of cracking and damage; However, an aquarium of appropriate size for the specimen(s) allows for good visibility, ease of cleaning and the simple and securely weighted screen top allows for good ventilation. Most importantly to me in keeping specimens in simple, top opening cages is that the keeper is reaching down towards the specimen or it's substrate- not reaching in towards a live specimen- as one has to do with front opening cages. Mind you, I've specialized in keeping Crotalids almost exclusively, so I'm certain that keepers who keep aboreal snakes may have a different methodology. I hope that this perspective is helpful. Sincerely, Jon .

I too keep almost all of my hot snakes in glass aquariums, for all of the same reasons that Jon stated. I have used many of the other commercially available cage systems in the past and I always come back to normal, glass aquariums. I prefer to use very elaborate setups with many large rocks and gravel. Aquariums can handle the weight much better than any of the plastic, front opening cages. Contrary to the opinion of most hot keepers, I actually find glass aquariums easier to work with. I too, however, specialize in crotalids, so I'm sure that aboreal keepers would not agree. I suppose it comes down to whatever the keeper feels more comfortable with.

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