Milksnake Enclosure Design / Build
This is an ongoing project of learning and discovery to build a naturalistic enclosure that would better suit the needs of 2 milksnakes (Lampropeltis t.) at Colorado State University. While their previous setups had all the required life-support elements, by enhancing their enclosure to replicate the conditions of their natural range, I expect to see an increase in behavioral diversity, lower stress levels, in addition to adding some visual flair.
Rufus’ Enclosure
Small enclosure, no space to fully stretch out
Same substrate and depth (~ 1”) throughout
Lacks utilization of vertical space
Not many options for daily environmental enrichment
Rufus is suspected to be blind
Rufus is an ambassador animal i.e. regularly removed
Needs to be easy to clean and access
Private setup
Isometric view of enclosure design.
Placement of foam elements for stencilling.
View of all elements.
Side view of current enclosure state.
Front view of current enclosure state.
Side view of current enclosure state, showing two hidden cave structures.
Milkshake’s Enclosure
Bigger enclosure than Rufus’
Same substrate and depth (~ 1”) throughout
Lacks utilization of vertical space
More environmentally enriched than Rufus’ enclosure
Milksnake is more timid compared to Rufus and could benefit from more hiding spots
Needs to be easy to clean and access
Can up the visual flair as it is a featured lab enclosure
Front view of the design.
Top view of the design.
Placement of foam elements for stencilling.
Isometric view of foam elements.
View of cave platform, substrate divider and drain pipe.
View of all elements.