buying vs building a vivarium

[jeremy13]

I need some help in this area, as I would like to have a vivarium all set up and heated before the sept. missassauga expo, so that my new baby can come home to a nice, warm enclosure. So the question of the day is, would it be better to purchase one from say a pet store, or do I make my own. I understand that making one would be difficult, however it would also be rewarding, and a much better way to "show off" my first snake. Any input anyone can give me in terms of proper materials and techniques would be greatly appreciated. I'm not the most hands on person in the world, but I can manage. Preferably something out of wood with a sliding front would be great, but I get ahead of myself. Thanks in advance for all of your help.

~ Jeremy

p.s. I will only have one snake, if that makes a difference.

[Boots]

If you are only going to have one snake, it would be best to have a nice display for your pet. I think an Exo-terra has some really nice setups, but you are right about the rewarding part of builing your own. If you do decide to build your own and are going to use sliding glass in the front, make sure the snake can not slide through. I had a boa once that could sqeeze through a home made setup that way. They are crafty little devils.

Jason

[Aaron_S]

Also, I suggest getting something simple for now as a baby, and get the display cage when it's a bit older.

[jeremy13]

great advice guys, thanks a lot!!! :)

[jeremy13]

just thought of this last night while looking through the hardware store (don't ask me how, i have no idea). Would it be alright to put living flaura in with a snake? by that i mean if I found a stick outside that I thought would be good for climbing, would it be alright to just put it in the cage, or should I try and disinfect first (maybe stick it in the oven for a few minutes or something like that?). Sorry if it seems like I'm leaning on you guys a lot and asking tons of questions, I just don't want to be one of those people who buys a snake, then doesn't meet all its needs. Thanks for readin.

[unclejay]

i got a large branch that was forked in a few spots it was way bigger than i needed but that way i could choose the section that ithought was just perfect. it was all ready dead so i just took my hand sander and sanded all the outer sufaces and then i sprayed it with bleach and water mixed in a spray bottle. dont for get this needs days better yet weeks to dry so all the bleach is off, if you want you can also seal it with a polyurethane finish.

as far as an encloser here is a link to mine and the other is to a nice setup by Knox

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-enclosure-discussion/79972-new-terarium-need-some-help.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/enclosure-reptile-room-showcase/79911-finally-finished.html

[johnrandle]

just freeze the wood for a few days before you put it in to kill anything that might be in it

[jeremy13]

that's a really nice setup you have there unclejay, it looks pretty much what I want mine to look like as well, what type of snake you putting in there?