Enclosure Decorating / Modifications - Need SAFETY tips and advice

[Charlotte.W.R.]

So, I have a Rosy Boa and have been growing bored of my drab glass cage. I have been thinking about different ways that I could artfully modify and decorate my cage that would contribute to a theme inside and out, but also be safe for the snake in all respects.

One of the things I am interested in doing is painting the rock cave, etc. that he has already, but I do not know what would be best to use. Rosy Boas live in dry desert like environments, so I would need something that could hold up to the heat and dryness. I also know paint is often toxic, so I am looking for a safe alternative whether that be special paint, regular non-toxic, or even other things like vegetable dyes. I need it to be enough like paint in consistency and use that I can essentially create an art piece with it using paintbrushes.

I also am interested in decorating the outside of the cage, perhaps creating something using clay or other molding materials to make an interesting design. Im not sure what would be good to use for this either. I dont want something that will react poorly to the heat lamps etc (even though it will be the walls of the cage, not directly near to the lamps). So far paper mache and various clays come to mind, but Im not sure.

Also, if you have any other extremely creative or artsy ideas, let me know! Im looking to make my snake's habitat a masterpiece, both unique and breathtaking.

All my desires for this cage aside, I am not sure if any of this is a good idea to begin with. Please let me know what your thoughts, ideas and advice is for this sort of a thing while still being constructive. Thank you!

[infernalis]

Sorry for increasing the print size on your post, it was almost impossible to read with the small lavender text.



Enjoy the forums....

I know this project here takes it to the extremes, but it should give you an idea of the possibilities with some imagination and work.

This project is a friends, I can contact her and ask what she was using.. However I'm rather confident that for your needs, acrylic paints should be safe once dried. (buy paint listed as "non toxic")

[Chu'Wuti]

You might also check out Philippe de Vosjoli's book, The Art of Keeping Snakes for decorating ideas. That one's my favorite, but if you don't want to go to natural vivaria, there are definitely many other options for decorating. Try googling "vivaria" and see what you come up with--some people have been great about posting pics and step-by-step directions for building with Great Stuff.

Good luck!

[Charlotte.W.R.]

No worries about the text size. Im so used to using tiny fonts for work that I dont even notice that it may be hard for other people to read, so my apologies.

Thank you for the wonderful advice. The pictures are awesome. Your friend is quite the craftsmen and does absolutely beautiful work. Im glad to hear acrylics should do the job, their easy to work with and I know I can design something good with them. I will double check to be sure mine are non-toxic.

Also, thank you for the image tips, I think that finding other artful enclosures could do a great deal of good in helping me solidify my own ideas.

Let me know if you guys or anyone else thinks of something more. Pictures are very welcome!

Cheers.

[illcyat420]

Wicked looking setup but how do you keep something like that clean. Is there some type of spray you can use on the walls....I'm thinking of doing something similar but not to sure how it cleans up???

[infernalis]

Spot wipe.

Fortunately most snakes will defecate down low, in the substrate or in the water bowl.