Custom made perches

[Cmwells90]

So I have a BCI that really enjoys climbing and I'm looking to get a GTP/ATP in the future so I'm curious about how I can make my own perches? I've seen videos about using PVC, but it's a standalone perch, I'd like something I can build into the walls of the enclosure, I use a tub for my boa so I'm figuring I could put a hole on the side and mount it, but I'm not good at building so I'm not sure what I'd need.... Any help is appriciated!!!

[reptiledude987]

With a tub all you will need to do is drill a hole where you want to mount the perch. So figure out what you will use for perch then drill the hole just barely bigger than the perch its self so it fits into the hole snug.

[Cmwells90]

Well I imagine I'd use PVC because I have easy access to it, but how would I secure the PVC to the end of the cage, is there a certain attachment that'll hold both together??

[reptiledude987]

well if youre using a plastic tub you can simply put a hole in the sides. If its glass or acrylic I get pvc pipe couplers cut them in half lengthwise and use a non toxic silicone or epoxy to hold coupler pieces in place.

[Cmwells90]

well if youre using a plastic tub you can simply put a hole in the sides. If its glass or acrylic I get pvc pipe couplers cut them in half lengthwise and use a non toxic silicone or epoxy to hold coupler pieces in place.

I don't know if I like the idea of a large hole in the side of the cage to fit a PVC pipe in (it'll have to support a full grown boa). I would probably re use the cage and might want to change it, is there a way to install a male nut unit to the PVC (or any other perch material) and get a bolt on the outside of the enclosure to secure the perch so the hole is small?

[reptiledude987]

well you could use a bolt to holdit but there would still be a hole. silicone with the piece of a pvc coupler you would be able to pull off when you want to rearrange

[Mikoh4792]

Eye and hook screws.

[Cmwells90]

Eye and hook screws.

How would that look? The PVC would be hollow so I would need a material to have the screw hold onto, or would it be better to use something other than PVC?

[reptiledude987]

Eye and hook screws.
Put a hole in the pvc to hang off the eye hook??? That could work didnt think of that. All my terrariums are glass thats why my brain goes straight to adhesive and pvc coupler. Ill snap a pic of mine tonight when I get home.

[Mikoh4792]

How would that look? The PVC would be hollow so I would need a material to have the screw hold onto, or would it be better to use something other than PVC?

You could buy end caps for pvc pipes and screw the hooks on there. I would anyways since I don't like my snakes crawling into tight spaces(inside the pvc pipes).

http://fp.optics.arizona.edu/academics/Kaleidoscopes/JG15.jpg

[Mikoh4792]

Put a hole in the pvc to hang off the eye hook??? That could work didnt think of that. All my terrariums are glass thats why my brain goes straight to adhesive and pvc coupler. Ill snap a pic of mine tonight when I get home.

For glass I just siliconed/adhesive backed closet rod holders on the walls. One reason I like plastic cages is the ability to screw things into the wall.

[Cmwells90]

You could buy end caps for pvc pipes and screw the hooks on there. I would anyways since I don't like my snakes crawling into tight spaces(inside the pvc pipes).

http://fp.optics.arizona.edu/academics/Kaleidoscopes/JG15.jpg

You're my hero! This looks simple enough so I can get started soon! Thanks for the help guys!

[reptiledude987]

This is a pic of my coupler glued to the glass with non toxic epoxy ans I can hang whatever I want from it. Looks a bit dirty from the branch that was on it I just pulled the branch off for the purpose of the pic

[Cmwells90]

This is a pic of my coupler glued to the glass with non toxic epoxy ans I can hang whatever I want from it. Looks a bit dirty from the branch that was on it I just pulled the branch off for the purpose of the pic

That'll be nice for my glass tanks, about how much weight do you think that can support?

Also, have they ever knocked the perch loose?

[reptiledude987]

Ive had 20lbs of snake on 5 to 7 lbs of wood going across to the other side with no issues. I used an epoxy called Mr. Sticky. From a local pool supply plsce the epoxy is non toxic and sets undrewater should the need arise. It takes 24 hours to set I give it 48 cause I put it on thick. I mix the epoxy and and put it onto the coupler piece then set it on something to hold it at the right height and press it to the glass. Then just let it set

[Cmwells90]

Thanks for the help guys, so I threw this together today to see if she uses it before I customize it so it blends in.

http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/cmwells90/photo3_zpsed0f70a8.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/cmwells90/media/photo3_zpsed0f70a8.jpg.html)

[reptiledude987]

Looks good.

[Cmwells90]

Looks good.

Thanks, When I have more time I have a corn snake in a tank that I'm going to try to make a perch for, I just have to find another tank for him while I wait for it to set.

[reptiledude987]

what did you use to attach the perch?

[Cmwells90]

Eye screws like Mikoh suggested, they're easy to remove and put on and fits in any of the many air holes I have already put into the tub. So it'll be nice to try different places.

[reptiledude987]

Right on. Keep us posted on other placments and how they work for you.

[fishingfool]

I don't know the brand but i have seen some cool stuff with grout (like tile grout) riped up canvas and pvc if you have a heat gun you can shape it press some dirt into it wrap a few peices of canvas kinda gives its a mossy look

[Cmwells90]

All right, sorry I didn't update this sooner, life!

So I went with 2 PVC pipes for a test to see if she'll use them.
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/cmwells90/2015-02/320C8B54-9DFC-48EE-8D7A-08D0CA43A9EA_zpsjwjqh1en.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/cmwells90/media/2015-02/320C8B54-9DFC-48EE-8D7A-08D0CA43A9EA_zpsjwjqh1en.jpg.html)

So after about 3 days I found her like this.

http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/cmwells90/2015-02/64A20F18-B257-4137-8911-DFEAACCF7BC4_zpse1klz2fu.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/cmwells90/media/2015-02/64A20F18-B257-4137-8911-DFEAACCF7BC4_zpse1klz2fu.jpg.html)

http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/cmwells90/2015-02/9AE8985E-7F73-4A82-AE6A-8AED28C36E21_zpsxe4gpx0q.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/cmwells90/media/2015-02/9AE8985E-7F73-4A82-AE6A-8AED28C36E21_zpsxe4gpx0q.jpg.html)

She's been using them ever since. Now I'm thinking about making a whole top level for her out of them. Not sure if I care enough to decorate them, or just keep it practical.

[jossh27]

What's that black thing in the bottom of your last picture?

[SnoopySnake]

What's that black thing in the bottom of your last picture?

Looks like a hygrometer/thermometer

[Cmwells90]

Looks like a hygrometer/thermometer

Yep that's exactly what it is.

[5timestwisted]

Here is something simular I did for my female carpet a few years ago. A bit late to the thread but thought I would share.

[reptiledude987]

Ya the electrical conduit is a good idea too. I like how well the standard connectors work for it.

[Danimal]

a couple of years ago the lowes near me started carrying pvc 1X stock. So I started using it on the inside of cages as shelves or perches for easy cleaning. I attach it with pocket holes so the lines are clean. I am just finishing one up so I ran out and took a couple of pictures. the is in a 4 X 2 X 2 for a coastal, the basking shelf is 1 X 10 and the support is (2) 1 X 2's.

It's only textured on one side so if you like it smooth, just flip it.

[reptiledude987]

thats sweet. I looked for that stuff but the canadian home depots dont carry it and the american stores wont ship it here :(

[Danimal]

thats sweet. I looked for that stuff but the canadian home depots dont carry it and the american stores wont ship it here :(


I don't think that my home depot had any either but I do think they had some trim made of the stuff. Did you see any of that? you may be able to put some pieces back to back or if you don't mind the weight you could always use an iron floor flange and pipe, give it an industrial look. Plus you can just unscrew the pipe and take it out if you need to.