PVC pipe frame for GTP/JCP vivs

[Lankyrob]

I have kinda decided (unless you guys convince me otherwise), for my two arboreal snakes to build a frestanding, but solid so that it wont move around, PVC pipework climbing frame to put in their vivs instead of side supported perches.

This should provide them with a more interesting climbing area to perch on and get some exercise too.

I do have s couple of questions tho......

A, fullygrown the snakes will need probably two or three inch diameter perches, is there a problem giving them perches this big now? Or should they stay with one inch perches as they have now?

B, does the pipework need "roughing up" to provide more grip like they would get from wooden perches? I know some people use a blowtorch to colour the pvc but am not bothered about the colour as i will probably use grey pipework anyway.

Thank you for your responses and thoughts!!

[Ch^4]

Rob, this is, IMHO, an excellent idea and I plan to follow in suit when I get the time!

A: Yes, fully grown snakes will need something more robust. 2-3 inch OD (outer diameter) PVC should more than suffice, provided the ID (inner diameter) isn't too large (a thicker cross-section is best). Unless your arboreal snakes are going to be super "fat," you should have no problems building a sturdy, free-standing perch system out of 2-3 inch OD PVC. As long as your snakes can wrap around the 2-3 inch OD PVC, I see no issues with giving them the "jungle gym" that is intended to support an adult. (Most driftwood that many people use is pretty thick. Also, wooden dowels or closet rod is commonly used and that has a 1-2 inch OD). If they can wrap around your arm/wrist, they can wrap around a 2-3 inch OD pipe!

B: There has been some debate as to rough up the pipe or not. I've read about people who don't, and there snakes have no problems hanging on. I've read about people who do, and there snakes have no problems hanging on. However, in nature, most surfaces have some sort of texture, so it wouldn't hurt to "texture-ize" the pipe (IMHO). The blow-torch approach is a good way to add twists and divots for extra friction/gripping, but isn't necessary (again, IMHO).

Sorry for the rambling and I hope my info is somewhat helpful! I look forward to seeing your progress... :)

[Lankyrob]

Thanks mate, will post pics once i have it made, in terms of texture i am considering using Jungle Vine to wrap around it to add grip, that depends on cost tho........

[Ch^4]

That'd be a nice effect and would certainly do the trick! But yes, pricey...

[Lankyrob]

Thinking of using it in a smooth spiral so there would be four inches or so of ipe between each turn of the vine........... Hard to plan in my head, think i will build the pipework, buy one vine and see how it goes.........

[Ch^4]

Don't forget to post pics....:D

[Lankyrob]

Will do!! Unless it all goes pear shaped in which case iwill be hiding in my cave......

[DeesBalls]

On you tube, I seen some guy use them. If seems very knowledgeable too about his snakes, if like 28 and all seem very will taken care of!

I seen for his ETBs he uses what looks like to be p v c piping....

Search cutegayJason and check out his arboreal set ups, hope this helps.

[natedog]

ive had my gtp for almost 2 yrs and i built him perches out of pvc. at first i had him on too large of pipes and he got really stressed out and didnt eat, made him one with smaller pvc and he ate after he calmed down, so imo, i would use a pipe thats not too big for him. i didnt coat the pvc with anything to grip on and ive never seen him have a problem with it. so i think pvc is a good way to go. im in the process of building him a bigger enclosure where im going to use real wood for him. but if would like pics of pvc i can see what i can do.

[Ch^4]

On you tube, I seen some guy use them. If seems very knowledgeable too about his snakes, if like 28 and all seem very will taken care of!

I seen for his ETBs he uses what looks like to be p v c piping....

Search cutegayJason and check out his arboreal set ups, hope this helps.

I have to agree, this guy has great videos and seems to be quite knowledgeable. He's funny too.

[serpentshideawa]

hes got some amazing snakes as well which benefit from his vast knowledge his videos are informative as well

[Lankyrob]

ive had my gtp for almost 2 yrs and i built him perches out of pvc. at first i had him on too large of pipes and he got really stressed out and didnt eat, made him one with smaller pvc and he ate after he calmed down, so imo, i would use a pipe thats not too big for him. i didnt coat the pvc with anything to grip on and ive never seen him have a problem with it. so i think pvc is a good way to go. im in the process of building him a bigger enclosure where im going to use real wood for him. but if would like pics of pvc i can see what i can do.

Thanks for that Nate, could we see some pics? Is it just perches fixd tothe sides of the viv or a freestanding structure?

Cheers

[natedog]

yea np, its just a freestanding thing. it has multiple levels which he only uses if he gets really really thirsty.

http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz96/kermit_013_natedog/IMG_0347.jpg

[Lankyrob]

Cool, got a good idea of what to do now, thanks Nate.

Is there any concerns regarding heat if the pvc is near the bulb.. What would be a "safe" distance do we think?

[natedog]

mine is about 6 inches from the heat source and i havent had a problem with the pvc getting too hot or anything.

[Lankyrob]

Cheers, i iwll work to the same distance then

[natedog]

sounds good, just make sure you have a thermostat hooked to it, if not it will def get way too hot, fast. have fun with it.

[Lankyrob]

Yeah all my ceramics are thermostated. Will get building this week all being well!!

[shaunyboy]

as my carpets get bigger i replace the perches with larger diameter ones

my adults have branches roughly 4 inch in girth

i used plastic piping for the first time with the last quarintine tub i made i did not rough it up and the snake seemed fine and used it most of the time

imo it takes away any of the worry re bugs that natural wood may have

cheers shaun

[red ink]

A quick blast with a blowtorch on the PVC pipes will give you a darkend look similar to bamboo mate for that extra aesthetic look if you want. Just make sure to scrub them good with sugar soap after torching to remove the top layer of burnt PVC.