Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastass  I just logged on for the first time in a while and I got a suggestive little message. Seems I should post something to help the other members.
Anyway.....I really don't have anything to offer so I thought I would throw up some pics of my new chondro cage. Some of you may have seen it recently at a herp show.
As my girl is starting to grow up I decided she could have her adult cage now. The cage is made out of black HMR Chipoard (or melamine - can't quite remember now). Some little extras that I wouldn't do to any other cage include:
All joints are sealed with silicone. The floor and bottom 50mm of the walls have been sealed using Gripset 51, and aquarium sealant, making it waterproof.
The branches have been striped right down below the bark and then coated with Cabots water based polyurethane. The branches are attached to the enclosure with hooks and eyes for easy removal.
I have a 150 watt heat panel on the roof painted with black engine enamel so that it isn't noticeable.
I built the cage about a month ago and let it sit for a while. I finally put her in it Sunday last week. I heavily sprayed with water and after 9 days the humidity is still sitting at 74%.
I dont know how long this cage will stay together with the high humidity but thats OK because I could certainly make some improvements next time. |
Hi Rastass,
Not meaning to hijack your thread or anything but just wanted to put up a photo of our chondro cages that we built. The good thing about them is that they are made from a reasonably new product which is described as 'Plastic Wood' and will never warp, rot or go mouldy. It is completely inert so also doesn't off- gas like a lot of timbers do that use glue eg, Marine ply, chip-board etc. The plastic wood is lighter and stronger than timber of equivalent size and thickness. It is also temperature resistant. Humidity will never affect it and like you, we used silicon in all of the corners. We also covered the inside of the cage with dark green sign making vinyl that is guaranteed for UVB resistance for at least 20 years.
One of our cages even has live plants growing in it, Ours is heated with heat panels and has vents that can be opened or closed for more airflow during summer. Our perches are mad from Bamboo and are also easily removable.
The Plastic Timber comes in white or black and can be screwed or nailed. It is also not expensive.
We designed the cage and sent the plans to them and the company cut every piece ready for us to glue and screw together. The plastic wood can be cut just like timber with any saw. It is easy to cut holes out for vents as well!
Anyway, just thought I'd mention this as you said that you were worried about humidity.
BTW, Nice cage and nice green!
Cheers,
Expansa1
