Enclosures
Enclosure Selection & Design
The choice of enclosure is one of the most critical factors in successfully keeping an Emerald Tree Boa. Enclosure design directly impacts the keeper’s ability to maintain proper environmental parameters and, more importantly, the snake’s ability to exhibit natural behaviors and thrive long-term.
When selecting an enclosure, the primary goal should be to provide sufficient space for the animal to move, stretch, thermoregulate, and perch naturally, rather than simply meeting minimum dimensions.
Enclosure Size & Orientation
Emerald Tree Boas are highly arboreal snakes that spend the majority of their time perched on branches within the mid to upper canopy. As a result, enclosures must prioritize vertical height while still providing adequate horizontal space for properly sized perches.
While opinions vary among keepers, adult Emerald Tree Boas are commonly housed in vertically oriented enclosures that balance height and perch length. Frequently used enclosure dimensions include:
4 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft (1.22 m × 0.61 m × 0.61 m)
4 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft (1.22 m × 0.61 m × 1.22 m)
4 ft × 3 ft × 4 ft (1.22 m × 0.91 m × 1.22 m)
5 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft (1.52 m × 0.61 m × 0.61 m)
5 ft × 3 ft × 2 ft (1.52 m × 0.91 m × 0.61 m)
Taller enclosures allow for improved thermal gradients, multiple perch levels, and more natural resting positions. Adequate horizontal perch length is equally important, as Emerald Tree Boas rely on long, stable branches to support their body weight and characteristic resting posture.
Enclosure Materials
The material used for an enclosure plays a major role in temperature stability, humidity retention, and overall ease of maintenance.
Glass enclosures can be used but often present challenges for Emerald Tree Boa husbandry. Glass is a poor insulator, making it more difficult to maintain stable temperatures and humidity levels. Additionally, many glass enclosures utilize mesh tops, which can allow excessive humidity loss and complicate environmental control. While feasible, glass setups typically require additional modifications and close monitoring.
PVC enclosures are widely regarded as the preferred option among experienced keepers. These enclosures provide excellent insulation, improved temperature and humidity retention, long-term durability, and significant customization options. For most keepers, PVC enclosures offer the most stable and manageable environment for Emerald Tree Boas.
Sealed plywood enclosures are another viable option when constructed correctly. Plywood can be an affordable and customizable alternative; however, it must be thoroughly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, rot, and mold over time. Ventilation must also be carefully planned, as improper airflow can lead to stagnant air or excessive humidity buildup.
Enclosure Manufacturers
BlackBox Cages
https://www.blackboxcages.com/
BlackBox Cages manufactures precision-built, custom PVC enclosures and rack systems, including taller formats suitable for arboreal snakes. Every enclosure is CNC-cut to integrate lighting, radiant heat panels, and accessory ports directly into the structure, rather than mounting them afterward, creating a sealed, factory-integrated system engineered for your animal and your equipment.
All enclosures over four feet use ¾″ high-density PVC for maximum rigidity and thermal stability, while standard enclosures four feet and under are built from premium ½″ high-density PVC. Panels are dado-joined for structural strength and precision alignment. Every unit is pre-drilled, test-assembled in-house to verify fit and finish, then broken down for protected shipping and fast final assembly.
Custom sizes are available, including full rack systems and upcoming arboreal rack platforms. All BlackBox rack systems feature Fail-Safe heating design to prevent overheating in the event of thermostat failure or tub removal. proprietary accessories such as Lumenize™ lighting systems, light‑guard spacers that correct modern UVB fitment issues, engineered cord protectors, and humidity ports integrate directly with BlackBox vent systems, providing finished, professional enclosures without aftermarket modifications.
BlackBox enclosures support both traditional and bioactive setups and are often used in larger collections. Multiple door styles and ventilation configurations are available.
Apex Cages
Apex enclosures are built around a modular PVC system designed for long-term durability, flexibility, and strong environmental control. Their builds emphasize structural strength (especially for stacking), high-quality metal hardware, adaptable ventilation, and enclosure expansion options that prevent wasted panels or “dead parts” when upgrading over time.
Key features & design highlights:
Construction & strength
Apex uses 1/2" thick PVC (double the thickness of many cost-effective PVC enclosures). Panels are not simple square cuts—edges feature 3-D interlocking cuts, meaning the enclosure’s weight is supported by the structure itself rather than relying on screws alone. This significantly improves strength when stacking like-sized blocks and helps the enclosure maintain its shape for years.
Hardware & security
Hardware is all metal (metal hinges, metal latches, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and metal screen material). Key locks are included, and Apex latches have a lifetime warranty, meaning replacements are available if a latch ever fails.
Screen top & UVB considerations
Apex uses a metal mesh screen with roughly 80% pass-through. The mesh is not black, which can help reduce UVB absorption/blocking compared to some black mesh screens found on cheaper enclosures.
Modularity (designed for real keeper needs)
Apex modularity isn’t just for “making it bigger.” The system is designed so keepers can adapt the enclosure to changing needs (species, habitat style, life stage, etc.) rather than forcing the animal to fit whatever enclosure is already owned—making long-term husbandry planning much easier.
Door design: swinging doors vs. sliding doors
Apex uses swinging doors, which avoid many long-term issues associated with sliding doors. Sliding tracks often become rough over time and can jam when substrate gets trapped in them. They can also leak heat/humidity through panel gaps, and in worst-case scenarios animals may attempt to squeeze between panels. Swing doors can be opened more quietly with less vibration (useful for shy residents), and Apex latches are mounted securely on the outside so residents can’t push doors open if secondary locks are forgotten.
Environmental control
Humidity control
PVC naturally resists moisture and humidity, meaning no mold or rot, making it ideal for high-humidity habitats. Ventilation is built into side and back pieces, and Apex offers vent plugs that precisely fit into vents to block them off when greater retention is needed.
Top recommendations: If using an automatic misting system, a partial or full screen top is recommended for airflow to prevent stagnant conditions. If not using an automatic system, a solid top helps retain humidity so you don’t have to mist as often.
Temperature control & heating options
The 1/2" thickness (with internal air pockets) provides strong insulation—similar to how a vacuum-sealed mug retains heat—making it more efficient than glass or thinner PVC.
Solid tops support mounting radiant heat panels or ceramic heat bulb sockets. For ceramic fixtures, Apex recommends mounting the socket in a metal holder so ceramic is not directly against the PVC. For large “pancake-style” ceramic sockets, Apex offers spacers that add airflow underneath to prevent excess heat transfer into the lid.
With solid tops, fixtures can typically be mounted directly into the lid (with airflow spacing). With screen tops, fixtures can be placed on top of the screen. Wire pockets on all sides help with clean wire exits.
Thermostats should always be used with any heat element.
For improved thermal stability, Apex recommends adding heat-absorbing natural materials such as slate/stone/wood, which absorb heat and radiate it back into the enclosure while creating more natural microclimates for the animal.
Setup, sealing & expansion
Sealing
Apex recommends 100% silicone as the preferred sealant for PVC because it is sturdy enough for leaks/spills but still removable if the enclosure needs to be reassembled later for modular changes. Stronger permanent sealants exist, but silicone is recommended for keepers who want to preserve flexibility. (Vertical/top extensions can still be added without reassembly as long as the top isn’t permanently sealed.)
Dimensions & modular building blocks
Apex uses three modular lengths: 2’, 3’, and 4’. All enclosures share a 23.5" x 23.5" side profile, meaning any two can be joined length-wise. The 2’ cube (23.5” all around) allows alternate-direction builds (including corner configurations), and enclosures can be bolted together on like-sized sides in multiple directions—allowing expansions in height, depth, or length (e.g., combining two 4'x2'x2 units to double height or depth).
Expansion without wasted parts
Apex expansion is designed to prevent unused panels from piling up. If a side window is present, the clear piece can be removed and the frame already functions as a pass-through extension piece. If the enclosure uses solid panels, it can be reassembled to swap a solid side/back/top for a pass-through panel.
Extension kits include two pass-through pieces for the side being expanded, so the original solid panel can be reused on the new module. Example: when expanding a 4'x2'x2 vertically, the extension block includes pass-through top/bottom pieces so the original solid top can be reused as the top of the new section before bolting the blocks together.
Customization & maintenance
Customization & perches
Perches, fixtures, and accessories (including “sky hides”) can be mounted directly into the PVC. The 1/2" thickness supports meaningful weight long-term, and the material is workable enough that a screwdriver with firm pressure can be used without stripping like a drill sometimes can. Apex also offers side window customization (one or both sides), and some 4'x2'x2 double-door builds include a divider that allows two 2'x2'x2 sections until the keeper is ready to use the full enclosure.
Removable / swappable tops
Apex tops are removable and can be swapped between styles depending on the keeper’s needs (more ventilation vs. more retention, fixtures inside vs. outside, etc.). This also makes setup and cleaning easier by allowing large décor items to be placed through the top and improving access during deep cleans.
Camo Cages
Camo Cages produces straightforward PVC enclosures with an emphasis on durability and simplicity. Limited viewing panels help reduce environmental fluctuation and visual stress, making them a practical option for keepers prioritizing function over display. Customization options are more limited than some manufacturers, but construction is robust.
Best suited for: Simple, stable setups with reduced visual exposure.
Tamura Designs
Tamura Designs specializes in custom, handcrafted enclosures, offering bespoke dimensions and layouts. These enclosures are well suited for keepers with specific spatial requirements or those seeking tailored arboreal designs. Build quality and customization are the primary strengths.
Best suited for: Custom sizing, specialized arboreal layouts, unique installations.
Toad Ranch
Toad Ranch produces heavy-duty PVC and HDPE enclosures with an emphasis on long-term durability and structural integrity. Their enclosures are commonly selected for permanent adult housing and are available in both quick-ship and custom sizes suitable for arboreal species.
Best suited for: Permanent adult housing, thick-panel construction, long service life.
Disclaimer
The manufacturers listed on this page are provided strictly as informational examples of enclosure builders commonly used within the reptile-keeping community. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement, sponsorship, or a guarantee of suitability for any specific animal or husbandry approach.
Enclosure quality, ventilation design, material thickness, dimensions, and construction details vary by model and over time. Keepers are responsible for evaluating each enclosure on an individual basis to ensure it meets the biological and behavioral needs of Corallus caninus, including adequate vertical space, perch length, environmental stability, and safe access for maintenance.
Proper husbandry depends on how an enclosure is configured and managed, not solely on the manufacturer.