Materials to build house?

[LespaceSerpent]

I've been trying to think up some cool ways to add some enrichment to butterscotchs cage and was wondering what materials were safe for carving out new hides or things to explore? I read somewhere that insulating foam would work but I wanted to check before I went and bought any

[Minkness]

I used the expanding foam for my crestie tank. Just make sure that it has time to air out and seal it really well. =)

I used a wood sealant for mine.

[Jim Smith]

Don't be afraid to incorporate some natural materials into your build like turtle shells, driftwood, or interesting tree bark.

[Humble308]

I used a combo of plain styrofoam and expanding foam (Great Stuff is fairly cheap). If slop some tile grout on the foam it greatly increased it's integrity and basically casts the item in a light concrete. Here's a link to a foam hide I made for my rat snake. The grout doesn't stick quite as well to the expanding foam but works really well on most other foams that don't have a gloss surface finish like expanding foam.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/enclosure-reptile-room-showcase/111194-styrofoam-hide-i-ve-been-working.html

Once the grout is in place (I used 3 layers total and allowed 24 hours dry time before each new coat) it's pretty impervious to the elements. I painted my deco with acrylic paint and then used grout sealer. If applying the sealer, allow that stuff to air out and degass for about a day. After that it's water proof, I make water bowls out of the grout and styro as well that have been in use for 3 months with no leaks.

You may not save a ton of money as the grout can be a bit expensive, but the sky's the limit on the design you can make. I can take pictures of the water bowls as well if you like. Best of luck.

Oh P.S. - You can make "vines" by taking some black silicone and coating a length of rope then roll or squeeze in some eco earth and let it dry.

[LespaceSerpent]

Thanks! I had a cool idea of making a treeish looking hide and setting up a hammock I'm making for him in some fake leaves c: I've got so many cool ideas for his stuff

[Doug 351]

I used a combo of plain styrofoam and expanding foam (Great Stuff is fairly cheap). If slop some tile grout on the foam it greatly increased it's integrity and basically casts the item in a light concrete. Here's a link to a foam hide I made for my rat snake. The grout doesn't stick quite as well to the expanding foam but works really well on most other foams that don't have a gloss surface finish like expanding foam.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/enclosure-reptile-room-showcase/111194-styrofoam-hide-i-ve-been-working.html

Once the grout is in place (I used 3 layers total and allowed 24 hours dry time before each new coat) it's pretty impervious to the elements. I painted my deco with acrylic paint and then used grout sealer. If applying the sealer, allow that stuff to air out and degass for about a day. After that it's water proof, I make water bowls out of the grout and styro as well that have been in use for 3 months with no leaks.

You may not save a ton of money as the grout can be a bit expensive, but the sky's the limit on the design you can make. I can take pictures of the water bowls as well if you like. Best of luck.

Oh P.S. - You can make "vines" by taking some black silicone and coating a length of rope then roll or squeeze in some eco earth and let it dry.

Great post! I wanted to give you a rep...but couldn't locate the place to do it.

[Humble308]

I'm not sure what a rep is, but thanks! There are some guides out there, but I'd be happy to write something up that's more snake specific if there's enough interest.

[Doug 351]

I'm active on a few forums....and most have "reps" or "add to reputation " ....which is basically a slap on the back....but eventually....adds up to showing the member has connected with others and been helpful...

Others just have a basically. "like" button you click....which serves the same purpose....I don't put a lot of stock in either...but..I like to give credit where credit is due....and that was excellent advice.....