Decorating Large Enclosures

I came across these little hammock things, and was wondering how big these came and if they're strong enough to hold a 6-10 lb 8' retic? Or if there was something similar to that, big enough she could fit on, or maybe combine a few together. Since she's in a wooden enclosure it would be screwed into place, so as long as it's made of sturdy material it should hold up to her weight.

Is there anywhere to get large fake vines or plants that aren't prohibitively expensive? Something large enough to take up space in her 6'x2'. I like the idea of big wood pieces, and would be able to spend the expensive price tag on them if it was large enough to fit in the 6'x2'x3's to offer ample climbing opportunities and strong enough to hold 6-10+ lbs of snake. And was resistant enough to mold it could sit on damp EcoEarth without molding. I just don't want to spend that much money if it wasn't big enough or would mold quickly. I will probably keep an eye out at the Atlanta Repticon if I make it this time, last time I went there weren't any pieces large enough.

I basically just want ideas of what to use to decorate the enclosures most efficiently, while also utilizing the 3' of height. If I can get them up closer to the heating elements I will probably take the CHEs out as the cages on them are a bit rough on scales, and I won't have to use so much energy heating the cage all the way down to the floor. Meaning the RHPs should be enough on their own.

I was playing around with ideas of shelves for a long time, but couldn't figure out where I'd get non-wood shelves, or how to put them in place without those metal brackets that would likely rust in the high humidity. Even with the shelves, I'd like to get some big fake plants or something to make them look a bit nicer. I don't have enough room left on the snake room's breaker to add any special lighting, so I wouldn't be able to use live plants.

what about using pvc or melamine for shelves? And I don't believe the shelving brackets would rust, but double check that before taking my word. I used them when I turned my 4'x6'x6' closet into a ferret enclosure and they have a coating on them, so I'm guessing they wouldn't rust out on you. Another option would be to make "cleats" out of the same pvc or melamine. You could cut triangles and use them the same way you would brackets.
Just some thoughts, but not sure there aren't better options

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

what about using pvc or melamine for shelves? And I don't believe the shelving brackets would rust, but double check that before taking my word. I used them when I turned my 4'x6'x6' closet into a ferret enclosure and they have a coating on them, so I'm guessing they wouldn't rust out on you. Another option would be to make "cleats" out of the same pvc or melamine. You could cut triangles and use them the same way you would brackets.
Just some thoughts, but not sure there aren't better options

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Where would I get the PVC for the shelves, and would they cut it for me?


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Anywhere like a Home Depot or Lowes, lumberyards, etc... and most places will at least do the straight cuts for you, but I would think they could cut the triangle cleats if you ask. The PVC may also be called Azek, I'm pretty sure that's the brand name
...just thought of this...you may need to sand the edges a tiny bit, just to be cautious. I don't think the edges could injure your snakes, but better safe than sorry. why chance it right?

Ok thanks. The shelves would definitely be the better option over the big wood pieces as they for sure wouldn't mold, are probably much cheaper, and would still leave room for traditional hides as well as other cover.

Some source for very large plants would be good if anyone has them as well.


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As far as price goes, it will probably be a little more expensive than wood, but will last forever. It is used as exterior trim for houses, decking, fencing, etc... so it can handle any "weather" and is extremely durable.

You can use these for shelf brackets. They are plastic and you could paint them green to match plants. http://www.homedepot.com/p/EZ-Shelf-...-RSS/204815657.

As for sheets of PVC, you will have to check. Home Depot in my area doesn't sell sheets of PVC but you could look for a plastics store. They can cut and manufacture stuff for you. There is a plastics place by my house that will fabricate anything in plastic for you for a price lol. It's called Tap Plastics. Can see if they have one in your area.

For plants, can check craft stores. I buy my plants from Michaels craft store. They silk vines all the way up to potted silk palm trees haha.

I'm pretty sure the Home Depots near me in Massachusetts sell sheets. If not, lumber yards almost certainly will.

....and now that Sauzo says that about the plants, I remember seeing them in a Michael's craft store too

Those brackets or something similar might work Sauzo, thanks.

I don't have any Home Depots nearby just a Lowe's. I will see if they have any PVC or I'll ask around about a plastics shop.

I've been to Michael's and the one near me doesn't have a large selection. I'll try visiting them again and see if they've changed the inventory any though.

I have a plant from Michael's but it's only 12" long and is on a stick so all I can do is lay it on its side.


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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

....and now that Sauzo says that about the plants, I remember seeing them in a Michael's craft store too

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Just a word of wisdom, don't buy the silk vines that are made up of interconnecting plastic rings. I never had a problem with them with any of my snakes except their fat butts sitting on and breaking them but Caesar being the trouble maker he is somehow managed to get his body stuck in one of the rings so bad he couldn't back out of it. It was so tight it left a indent on him once I managed to cut it off his body. He was so scared lol. He immediately curled up on me between my arm and chest and sat there for about 20 mins until he finally started looking around again. The next night, he was all good. His scales were fine and the indent was gone and you couldn't see anything. He also was back to make trouble again lol.

Get the solid vine ones. They are more expensive but no chance of something like that happening.

Or if you are like Cloud and use 20 feet tall cages, get a sweet fake palm tree. That would awesome for a cage with a retic sitting curled up on top of it.

You can also check IKEA if you have one in your area and Michaels doesn't have anything you like.

An alternative to sanding the edges on any PVC/acrylic cage fixtures you end up making: if you get flexible PVC tubing, aquarium tubing or something similar, you can actually slit the tubing and push it on over the edge of the acrylic to cover sharp stuff. It should stay on on its own, but even if it doesn't you could probably silicone it into place.

Most major craft stores should have a section for artificial flowers and foliage, so if there's a JoAnns or a Hobby Lobby near you, that's another option for plants and greenery. I know with Michaels, different stores can have different inventory when it comes to specific departments, so if your local store isn't selling a lot of greenery, that may explain the scarce selection.

If you can, wait for a sale on artificial plants to get a really good deal. Tip for Michaels: floral sales usually specify specific collections, so you'll want to watch out for greenery-specific sales (or shop seasonal collections that are grenery-heavy. Spring and summer will be pretty for this than fall and winter.)