Boa vivarium fake rock walls question

bcr226 · 02-03-13, 08:27 PM

I'm in the process of designing a vivarium for the morph boa we're getting. I'd like the enclosure to be as natural as possible with fake rock back and such.

I understand that it is advised to not use the grout method for making such structures for the boas and pythons. What I haven't been able to find out is why? I also need to know an alternative that is acceptable and relatively easy to do.

Our intended vivarium is going to be 9 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 4 feet high.

I've found a small heavily branching low tree that will serve as a climb for the snake. I can cut a section that will get me 4 feet in height and go from one trunk at the bottom to branching out starting at 8 inches to about 20 different branches at the top. The smallest diameter branch being about a diameter of 2 inches. The largest being 4 inches at the top.

I intend on mounting the branch to a base that will be mounted to the floor. Then affixing the tops of the branches to the ceiling of the enclosure.

We've mapped out the design but now we need to make sure we do it safely so there is no danger to our boa.

pdomensis · 02-07-13, 11:45 AM

I haven't heard that grout/styrofoam walls are a bad idea. If anyone else has info on this I'd be interested as well.

-MARWOLAETH- · 02-15-13, 06:34 AM

it could work if you protect it with lots of layers of varnish or resin because I've heard these large snake are quite destructive.

KORBIN5895 · 02-15-13, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -MARWOLAETH-

it could work if you protect it with lots of layers of varnish or resin because I've heard these large snake are quite destructive.

This and the grout could hurt the snake because of the abrasiveness.

pdomensis · 02-15-13, 12:34 PM

I coat mine with 10+ layers of diluted modpodge and it works fine for my smaller critters. Don't know how it would hold up against a big snake.

Jendee · 02-15-13, 04:50 PM

I agree with the destructive part. At night especially during breeding season or close to feeding day they will rampage their cage, all I have is substrate and a water bowl in my cages and its unbelievable how much they can destroy just that lol