Monitor enclosure discussion thread

[infernalis]

No harm to the monitors.

I have used bio active (living) tree limbs, dirt, leaves and sod for years, never had a problem.

would enjoy photos of your setup.

[BC Arboreals]

Originally Posted by infernalis

No harm to the monitors.

I have used bio active (living) tree limbs, dirt, leaves and sod for years, never had a problem.

would enjoy photos of your setup.

Thanks infernalis

I figured it would be safe but I wanted to be 100% sure. Once I can post pictures I will set up a threat and show the new cage I build for the Tree monitors.

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by infernalis

No harm to the monitors.

I have used bio active (living) tree limbs, dirt, leaves and sod for years, never had a problem.

would enjoy photos of your setup.

I'm in the same exact boat. I've read that you should use bleach and water to soak the branches, then soak in water several times to kill parasites. You find this unnecessary?

[Pirarucu]

Absolutely. Reptile parasites come from reptiles, not trees.

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Absolutely. Reptile parasites come from reptiles, not trees.

okay cool. Certainly makes things easier.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by psychocircus

I'm in the same exact boat. I've read that you should use bleach and water to soak the branches, then soak in water several times to kill parasites. You find this unnecessary?

Not only unnecessary, but it defeats the whole bio active concept.

I don't even clean the poop out of my cage, the feces becomes more dirt almost overnight.

Monitors raised in bio active environments seem to flourish better than animals kept in sterile cages.

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Not only unnecessary, but it defeats the whole bio active concept.

I don't even clean the poop out of my cage, the feces becomes more dirt almost overnight.

Monitors raised in bio active environments seem to flourish better than animals kept in sterile cages.

I will keep this in mind. Should I avoid pine like we do with snakes?

[formica]

sterilizing materials before adding them wont disrupt the bio activity in the enclosure (unless you don't let the chlorine evaporate first) if it is allowed to cycle/stabilize properly - all my bio active enclosures are sterile when they first start to cycle - cleaner crews are added specifically by me, and bacteria builds up as the enclosure cycles

there is no harm in sterilizing materials including branches, and if you are sourcing the materials from an area with reptiles, then it is a sensible precaution imo, as there are many things which could potentially be dangerous (parasites, virii, bacteria, slime molds, the list is endless, one person even brought Carpenter ants into his home...which could have been a disastrous and expensive mistake had they got out and found a home in the house walls)

clearly many people dont bother to sterilize, some come across problems, some dont, as long as you know what could happen you can make your own mind up

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by formica

sterilizing materials before adding them wont disrupt the bio activity in the enclosure (unless you don't let the chlorine evaporate first) if it is allowed to cycle/stabilize properly - all my bio active enclosures are sterile when they first start to cycle - cleaner crews are added specifically by me, and bacteria builds up as the enclosure cycles

there is no harm in sterilizing materials including branches, and if you are sourcing the materials from an area with reptiles, then it is a sensible precaution imo, as there are many things which could potentially be dangerous (parasites, virii, bacteria, slime molds, the list is endless, one person even brought Carpenter ants into his home...which could have been a disastrous and expensive mistake had they got out and found a home in the house walls)

clearly many people dont bother to sterilize, some come across problems, some dont, as long as you know what could happen you can make your own mind up

My other concerns were bugs/fungi, but it's been very cold in Maryland the past few weeks (and cold in general all winter) so I don't know if these things are an issue.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by psychocircus

I will keep this in mind. Should I avoid pine like we do with snakes?

within reason, Pine needles are going to be part of the forest floor, but logs dripping with sap should be avoided.

Personally, I am a big fan of locust wood logs, Locust is a species of wood commonly called "Iron wood" because of it's rock hard tightly packed fiber cells.

Locust wood is commonly used by old world farmers to make fences, because the stuff never rots.

Same reason I like it in my enclosures.

[BC Arboreals]

Originally Posted by psychocircus

My other concerns were bugs/fungi, but it's been very cold in Maryland the past few weeks (and cold in general all winter) so I don't know if these things are an issue.

That's what I was concerned about also, but with the cold here in BC also I dont know if there is any thing that can cause the Tree Monitors harm.

I tried to post pictures but I guess I don't have enough posts so it won't let me attach any pictures.

[Snakefood]

Originally Posted by BC Arboreals

Hello Guys,


So I have a question I have build a tree monitor enclosure and I am just working out the humidity and the heat for a few weeks before my monitors arrive. I used large branches I collected myself as well as a lot of moss for the hide boxes. The cage looks great florescent lighting and halogens for the heat. 2 hides and ordered a bunch of cork bark tubes and half tubes.


My question is the maple branches have white spots and moss on them, they look like lichen to me as the tree was alive. My question is if this in any way can harm my monitors. I will attach a picture of the enclosure and the logs in question. I am against bleaching woods and feel that our forests should not have any harmful things that will bother my monitors. But I want to be 100% sure as these guys are my pride and joy and have been waiting a long time to get these animals.

Hey you!! I told you you would get your questions answered here!!! Welcome to our forums!! See you soon.

Darcie

[Snakefood]

Originally Posted by BC Arboreals

I tried to post pictures but I guess I don't have enough posts so it won't let me attach any pictures.

when you hit reply, go "advanced" use the paperclip, that's how you post pics!!

[BC Arboreals]

Well here's a few pictures of my enclosure. Substrate is 12 inches of peat moss, coco fiber, dirt, and sand and topped with live moss hides are full to the top with live moss. 6 basking spots 100-150. Hide on the floor of the cage and one on the top of the cage. I also have an order of Cork tubes coming in to add more hides in the cage. Also adding fake vines and plants for more cover.

[Snakefood]

looking good there, I have tons of plastic/silk vines and plants, I will NEVER use them and want them gone. Let me know if you want me to bring them this weekend when I come get the racks.