Decorations/Hides

[reptilove]

So I'm trying to figure out what I want to build/buy for my skink to hide/climb on. But since my cage is 43" L x 19" W x 17" H I have alot of room to work with and looking for either a big decoration or a few med. decorations. So I was just wondering what other people use as hides, I have looked through pictures and googled alot, but I don't know whats easy to clean/cheap. I would appreciate opinions on what other BTS owners use. Thanks.

[ShortStack]

I recently made 2 raised platforms for my bluey. He has one on the warm side that he basks on/hides under, and another on the cool side that is for his food/water dishes and for him to hide under. I got the idea from another member, and they are super easy and super cheap! All you need are tiles, pvc, and some sort of adhesive. I used Gorilla glue, but know that is expands.. A LOT, lol. I really like the look of them, and even I could assemble them(I'm not the most handy, to say the least). Plus, I literally spent 8 bucks on everything because I already had the glue. I also love them because he was really bad about getting substrate (I use aspen) in his water dish, and this keeps it cleaner. There's a lot of awesome ideas around here, so I know you'll find some great inspiration

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/hide_outs.php
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/plants.php

[Spindown]

I make hides from flour and salt and water. I will get/make fancy ones someday, but for now these work great. I love DIY stuff. Probably not what you were thinking, but on the off chance you were, and if anyone wants the recipe, i'll be happy to share it. They can be made pretty (and long lasting) by waterproofing them and getting pretty paints! I've even seen an Iherp one My guess is if you got the hang of it and managed not to crack it, you could probably even drill a hole in it and add foliage! These hides are super cool.

[Katrina]

Post pics Sapphire - I'd love to see them! If you waterproof / seal them well they should work great. Good idea!

[ShortStack]

Ditto! I'd love to see pics of them as well, Sapphire

[Nae]

I make hides from flour and salt and water. I will get/make fancy ones someday, but for now these work great. I love DIY stuff. Probably not what you were thinking, but on the off chance you were, and if anyone wants the recipe, i'll be happy to share it. They can be made pretty (and long lasting) by waterproofing them and getting pretty paints! I've even seen an Iherp one My guess is if you got the hang of it and managed not to crack it, you could probably even drill a hole in it and add foliage! These hides are super cool.

I personally stick the hole in with something like a straw before cooking the dough

[Spindown]

I lost my camera and cant find it anywhere! I'll post pics of them when i find the darn thing...maybe for now Nae has some pics of hers?

That is a great idea Nae! Mine are very basic, but they hold up incredibly well. I made one for my Merauke and shes climbed all over it and is now brumating in it, and even though it ISNT waterproofed and painted, just the basic flour and salt dough look, it has lasted 6 months! The trick is not to get them wet if they are just "raw" (untreated) hides, they will mold. IF not, they will last quite a long time. My humidity is about 30%, more if I see problems shedding (very rare), and that hasnt bothered the hide. It was when I spilled water on.

[Nae]

I actually havent made any hides specifically - I just used to make heaps of little salt dough sculptures when I was little But! I am atm making some fake rocks with foam, grout etc, but the salt dough actually seems much easier and cheaper! I shall be trying it me thinks...

Time to go tape some newspaper to the floor, I have some ideas....


Edit: And of course...We dont have any salt...Tomorrow!

[Spindown]

weelp, when i find my camera (i swear gremlins are hiding my stuff) I will make a DIY thread on the hides.

[Nae]

Mummy brought me some salt



Sorry about the photo quality - I had to take the photo with the flash off, as the flash made it look incredibly shiny and yuck.

So yes, still not painted yet, and its slightly blotchy as most of it is mostly dry, and there are a few patch up spots which are still wet~ But so far so good, awesome idea Sapphire!!

[WanderingChai]

Wow, I'll have to try that this weekend. It looks great, so natural!!