Has Anyone Actually Used Rocks in their Snake Viv?

I picked up some really nice, large rocks while I was on a walk the other day. They are definitely not sandstone, however I am still concerned about having them in the viv and them absorbing the urate odor.

I boiled both of them for 15 minutes, to kill all the possible critter like things. I'm just curious if anyone has actually put real rocks in their snake viv? I've seen many discussions from people who were considering it...but I'm wondering about the follow through.

I think they would look cool, and provide her with a more earthy place to live.

Thoughts?

Sure thing! The only thing though is to make SURE they cannot be tipped over on the snake...you want a flat bottom & low center of gravity. If it's less than
ideal in this respect, what I've done in the past is to use non-toxic aquarium silicone sealant to glue the rock to a flat/heavy ceramic tile to prevent tipping.

Also, if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you should reconsider, as they can become "projectiles" that break glass or kill your reptiles.

But as far as absorbing odors/pathogens, they're perfectly washable & can be disinfected easily, & snakes use them (along with branches) to help them shed.

And yeah, they're "earthy" & look great too.

I have rocks in all of mine. Just be very careful which ones you use and how you place them. They can and will be moved and you don't want anything falling on your snake.

My tank is full of rocks - all shapes and sizes. I pick up new ones when I'm out and about - usually river rocks and other than rinsing them off and doing a soak in the tub to loosen and scrub off any soil / bugs, I just plop them into the cage. I usually let them soak for 24ish hours to make sure there are no bugs in the cracks to come out if it is a rough rock. If you have a glass tank you'll have to be a lot more careful and choosy so you don't crack the tank.

The two rocks I picked up are both quite heavy, so I couldn't imagine her being able to relocate them to a place where they could fall on her.

In any event, thanks for the feedback. I'll go plop them in her cage now!

Rocks are also good for retaining heat, like over the UTH or under a basking spot. :gj:

Another question - Will my heat lamp cause the rock to heat up to a dangerous temperature?

That is totally dependant on a lot of factors we can't really judge.

Do you have a temp gun? they work really well for monitoring the temps of enclosure items. I do think it is unlikely to get to a dangerous temperature but anything that gets over 100f for extended periods is probably best avoided.

I used rocks a lot for shedding aids a lot when I had tanks though.

I use round river stones, and flat state pieces. They look pretty.
Don't use anything that could fall, tip over, or sink onto and trap a snake who has burrowed under it.

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Originally Posted by dr del

That is totally dependant on a lot of factors we can't really judge.

Do you have a temp gun? they work really well for monitoring the temps of enclosure items. I do think it is unlikely to get to a dangerous temperature but anything that gets over 100f for extended periods is probably best avoided.

I used rocks a lot for shedding aids a lot when I had tanks though.

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I just ordered a temp gun and a digital humidity & temp gauge today, from Amazon.

Should I just sit the humidity & temp guage inside the viv? Will it be a big deal if she knocks it over on occasion?

I got her a large, sturdy water bowl which solved the pool party problem I was having with her.

Just a general FYI. Dont boil rocks. They can have moisture inside that turns to steam when you boil them and it can cause them to explode, which could damage something or yourself.

I'm planning on using them as well. I love how they look :)

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Originally Posted by ryknoll3

Just a general FYI. Dont boil rocks. They can have moisture inside that turns to steam when you boil them and it can cause them to explode, which could damage something or yourself.

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Hmmmm...interesting. I've boiled hundreds of rocks through the years for fish tanks and snake enclosures. Never heard of this happening, nor had it happen.
I never bring it to a full boil though, jyst a steady, rolling boil. I wonder if that makes a difference??

I have a large flat Rock I used when my big Burm had a hard time shedding in one piece. The problem is even when I F10 the Rock I could still smell urine on them.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

I have a large flat Rock I used when my big Burm had a hard time shedding in one piece. The problem is even when I F10 the Rock I could still smell urine on them.


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This is what I worry about but we'll see how it goes.