Any Wood?

[lordkovacs]

I have a display case that I want to make into a viv for my new IJ Carpet Python. Three sides and the base and top are thick wood, while the front has two glass doors. Is the wood gonna be ok? It's an old case and I've cleaned it well so I would think it's ok. Also, Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do with the front glass doors? they don't lock or anything. They just push closed. Think I can put a look on it to keep it shut? Finally, For heating, what is hte best way to heat a wood viv? Obviously I can't put a heat pad underneath cause the wood's too thick. Should I take the top off and put a wire roof on and go for a heat lamp? I'm stuck!!! Thanks all..
Mike

[Big Mike]

I have never made an enclosure out of wood or furniture but I think it's a great idea to use old pieces of furniture to do so.

I think you should seal the wood with a water based sealant to protect it from moisture and bacteria growth. I'm not sure how to best handle the doors. You might want to take out the existing glass doors and put in sliding glass doors or a hinged door frame. If you can lock the existing door they might be OK. You might want to think about a substrate dam on the bottom so that nothing is coming out of the enclosure under the glass doors.

As far as heat goes...you could use a radiant heat panel. These are supposed to be great for these types of enclosures. You could use a router and make a spot on the bottom of the enclosure that is thinner so that you could place a UTH under the bottom. You could use a heat lamps or a ceramic heat emitter but they should be protected from the snake getting too close to them. Maybe cut a hole in the top and cover with wire mesh. Or place them inside and make a guard out of wire mesh.

Anyway...we want to see pics of it before and after. Good Luck.

[Stalabros]

For locking the glass, you can get yourself a sliding glass lock. I'm assuming that the glass doors overlap each other. Retail stores use these to lock up their more expensive merchandise, it is the exact same lock that Kathy is using:

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11555