Rack systems: The gap

[OneFootedAce]

Just a question, how big is the gap in between the shelf and the top of the bin in your rack systems? How small of a gap do you think a baby leo can fit through? 1/8 of an inch? 1/16th?

 

[artgecko]

I don't think a baby leo could escape through a 1/8 inch gap. As long as you have small holes in the side of the bin, you really don't need a gap at the top at all. If you have a problem with escapees you could cover the bins with aluminum foil until they are too big to squeeze through.

 

[got spots?]

Lol getting nervouse after reading how that baby leo got attacked by the cat eh?
I personally think that 1/8 would be too small for them to fit through. Also if bins are tall they won't be able to.
Gl with rack/incubator =]

 

[T-ReXx]

3/16" is the general max size gap you want in a rack, anything bigger than that and a hatchling can squeeze through. Personally I don't leave any gap on my racks, just add plenty of holes to the sides of the bins and it's unnecessary.

 

[OneFootedAce]

Lol getting nervouse after reading how that baby leo got attacked by the cat eh?
I personally think that 1/8 would be too small for them to fit through. Also if bins are tall they won't be able to.
Gl with rack/incubator =]

ahahaha the cat story is a lil freaky .. I was just wonderin just to be sure the gap isnt to big. I jsut got finished building it and it seems to be okay , the gap is just so the tubs dont get stuck when your sliding them not really for ventilation, but the gap is abit smaller than 1/8 around, so hopefully I should be okay.
Im putting holes in the tubs though anyways =D

 

[acpart]

I bought a pre-made rack from someone. I haven't measured the slight gap at the top sides but it can't be more than 1/8". There's a slightly bigger gap, more like 1/4" along the front. The tubs are 6" deep. This past season which was the first season my 16-tub rack was full (I also have a number of divided glass cages for hatchlings) I had the following escapees:

--2 banded geckos (coleonyx), one of which was only 3 days old!

after this happened, I started covering the tops with aluminum foil, but sometimes the foil rips:

--1 leo hatchling that was found in the other room

--1 leo hatchling found sitting on top of the aluminum foil one evening

--1 slightly bigger leo hatchling that was never seen again.

Interestingly, while searching under the coffee table for a cricket the other day, I "surprised" what I think may have been a banded gecko that escaped from the tub 3 months ago. I wasn't quick enough to catch him but I'm hopeful I will succeed.

I discovered recently that the tubs will fit in the rack with the covers on. I'm hoping to modify the covers to become hinged screen tops to make things easier next season (the aluminum foil is a pain).

Aliza