Everyday Items.

[guidofatherof5]

I thought it would be nice to have a thread dedicated to items we use in the keeping of our snakes.
These items may be normal for us to use but maybe other forum members have never thought about using them in that way.
Or maybe it's an item that is used in a completely different way from its original design.
I'll get things going with this.

Feeding dishes:
Lids from- Pringles, pickle jar, cream cheese containers,
I've also watched Walmart for clearance Holiday plastic bowls. They can be cut with a pair of scissors and made into very nice feeding dishes

I've also found the $1.99 pair of scissors in the checkout area at Hobby Lobby work great for cutting worms and pinkies.
I've spent $10 for a pair of scissors that didn't work as well or last as long as these.

[katach]

Paper towel rolls. They love climbing through it!! We cut little windows in them too. They don't last very long (because they wet), but with 5 people in the house we go through paper towels pretty quick. :)

[guidofatherof5]

"because they wet"
What, you don't have your snakes potty trained? Oh,my:D

[katach]

oops :D they GET wet.... hahahaha can you tell i'm a blonde??

[infernalis]

The plastic lid from a "yo crunch" yogurt container, glass ash trays.. candy dishes.

Ice cream buckets are great for gathering and keeping worms.

[MasSalvaje]

Ice cream buckets are great for gathering and keeping worms.

And feeding containers if you don't feed your snakes in their enclosure.

-Thomas

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Plastic Chinese takeout containers as soaking containers/shipping cups. dollar store hair cutting scissors as food choppers.

If you have a soldering iron, taking any plastic shoebox or container and using the iron (outdoors only) to cut a u shaped hole into one side, then spray paint it black and turn it upside down for an instant hidebox!

[Didymus20X6]

Tongs and skewers to present food items to the snakes. (Although Scarlett is very skittish about them and tends not to strike unless the food is on the ground in front of her).

As for paper towel rolls, I found something in someone's trash that was way better: bamboo. It's like paper towel rolls made of wood. Someone in my neighborhood was throwing a bunch of it out (presumably from their yard), and I collected several pieces, which I used for a number of things. Unfortunately, I'm now down to about 3 pieces now, but Scarlett loves crawling through one of them.

Bricks. Bricks make excellent substitute for rocks, and are really cheap if you know where to get them.

When I built my snake trap and my two-part enclosure, I saved the plastic disks from the flange pipes, which I use to put fish pieces, nightcrawlers, etc., so the snakes won't be eating substrate. I also sometimes use cheap plates and bowls from Wal-Mart.

Here's a useful device:

http://iw.suntekstore.com/office_cache/262/14000358/iw1284626017_image.jpg

What the heck is that, you might ask? It's a kerosene syphon pump. I got two of them at Wal-Mart for about $2 each. Along with a 4 foot length of plastic tubing and a couple of cheap 5 gallon buckets, these things are perfect for cleaning out the water enclosure.

[d_virginiana]

Butter lids for feeding dishes, and coolwhip bowls for water. They're deep enough that the snakes can soak most of their bodies in them if they want but don't take up too much space. :)

[Mommy2many]

I do what Shannon does, plastic chinese food containers. We get so many of them, I just swap them out, wash and get ready for another swap out! Dollar store has nice ceramic bowls (if you want to get fancy) but as stated in another thread, my snakes like boxes, so no more expensive hides around here! It'll be boxes, cardboard tubes, plastic thingy's and the such!

Oh and thanks Wayne, I love the shredded aspen from Walmart (now that I found it) best stuff so far for keeping clean and not so smelly in the summer time!:D

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to see so many suggestions. Thanks everyone.

[Cfleming]

Spice containers or salt and pepper shakers for dusting worms and stuff. It is so much simpler and you get a more even coating.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Fake plants from the DOLLAR STORES!!! I can't stress these enough. They are very cheap, just as good and any other fake plant, and even if you house some snakes in tubs, just throwing one or two in there spruces things uP majorly. And if they become soiled, they are inexpensive to replace. I regularly buy new ones because you really can't get them all the way clean if they get pooped on.

[Didymus20X6]

Flower pots also make great hides. Just break a hole in the rim using a pair of pliers.

[guidofatherof5]

Fake plants from the DOLLAR STORES!!! I can't stress these enough. They are very cheap, just as good and any other fake plant, and even if you house some snakes in tubs, just throwing one or two in there spruces things uP majorly. And if they become soiled, they are inexpensive to replace. I regularly buy new ones because you really can't get them all the way clean if they get pooped on.

I put my dirty fake plants in the dish washer. They seem to get very clean.

[Selkielass]

When I cook with fresh coconut, I save the shells for hides. (Put the unopened coconut in the freezer for 15 minutes before cracking to loosen the meat so it can be broken out in large pieces without shattering the shells.
Some produce managers will also be willing to save and sell you spoiled coconuts cheap (or free) for craft purposes.

I like old pyrex baking dishes for water- they are inexpensive at thrift stores and really cheap at yard sales.

I picked up a neon orange knife, cutting board and scissor set at the dollar store- they work great for cutting pinkies and worms and there is no mistaking them for kitchen utensils.

When I'm hiking and geocaching I'm always on the lookout for interesting pieces of wood for cage ornamentation. Scrubbing and powerwashing gets off dirt and most of the bugs, and and hour or two baking in the oven kills any lurking deep in the wood.

[RedSidedSPR]

Great suggestions... can't think of any that haven't been mentioned...

this ones kinda useless. But for those who don't have those hemostats, needle-nosed pliers work as a pretty good tongs. I never use tongs, i just use my hands, but when i do, i just grab my pliers :D

[d_virginiana]

To get hanging decorations I use a type of expanding foam called 'great stuff'. After it hardens I sculpt it and glue it to the side of the tank with 100% silicone. Then I coat it with the silicone and press the coco-fiber I use for my frog into it. Then you can stick cheap plastic plants into it. So far I haven't had any issues with things falling off and the snakes love it :)

[RedSidedSPR]

I may try that... cool

[guidofatherof5]

I read in another post from Wayne that he uses the long stick of a cotton swab to offer slugs to his dekayis.
I sometimes use a bamboo skewer to do the same job.
I purchase them from Walmart. They have a sharp point at one end which also allows you to pick up worm chunks.
These skewers can be washed and reused.
The ones I bought came in a pack of 50 for a couple dollars.

[RedSidedSPR]

I just use my hands when offering snakes food.... It's weird, because when I started chopping worms, I tried something like that, and they were so interests in this thing, they ignored the food......

But good idea. Skewers would save you some mess.....

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Great ideas. Ill have to defffinatly try some of these. Thank you all.

[drache]

I like disposable chop sticks for feeding tongs - especially the bamboo kind

[jitami]

I use pressed cardboard drink holders turned upside down as hides. The garters & the king all seem to love them. I keep a stack on hand & toss them when they get dirty.

http://www.roundeyesupply.com/v/vspfiles/photos/5301460-2T.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

I went by our local "China Wok" and purchased 12 takeout plastic containers for a couple dollars.
The top lids make a good shallow water dish and the bottom is a good deep water dish.
Top load dish washer safe, also.;)

[Mommy2many]

I have a complete service for at least 12 from our local chinese restaurant! I use them as deep water dishes all of the time and swap them out. If I get disgusted with them, I just toss them. My Florida Blue (Jesse) insists on swimming in it the minute I put fresh water in. Then he looks at me with a face that seems to say, "What"???

[guidofatherof5]

Then Jesse takes a dump in it :D

[Mommy2many]

That or he drags all of the substrate thru it and makes it all "yucka":mad:

[guidofatherof5]

I thought "Yacka" was a plant:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Apparently you thought wrong :p

[drache]

it's a sound word
you're thinking yucca - that's a plant

I love using the pressed cardboard egg cartons for baby hides
I rip them in half to a half dozen size, so they fit easily into a 10 gallon tank
the babies will hang out underneath, as well as in the egg dents, and it's very cute to open one that's been sitting in a tank full of babies

[Mrs N1ntndo]

To get hanging decorations I use a type of expanding foam called 'great stuff'. After it hardens I sculpt it and glue it to the side of the tank with 100% silicone. Then I coat it with the silicone and press the coco-fiber I use for my frog into it. Then you can stick cheap plastic plants into it. So far I haven't had any issues with things falling off and the snakes love it :)

I have some coco-fiber and I was wondering how to exactly use it. I would like to use it for my Pheobe(eastern garter) . now I know theres directions on how to expand it but i dont know what i would do after. I need to get better bedding for her and I have this and I need to know how to do it for her. please help.

[Mommy2many]

Is your coco fiber in a "brick"?

If so, you would need to soak it in water, then dry it before you can use it in the enclosure. That process would be very quick in the hot sun these days, if spread out on a cookie sheet or two.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

YA its the kind that you add water to expand and then it will dry again, im pretty sure. Ive never used it.
This brick makes over 2 gallons on the stuff(thats what is says) and I know I dont need that much. I have a 20 gallon tank and I dont know how thick to make it . So i mix it together like it says and then I have it spread out to dry and then put it in encloser right. after that am I able to put all the suff in right away and then Pheobe

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Also how does it look when it drys after and is Pheobe ok to eat on it or no?

[jitami]

I've never used it, but did some quick googling. I really liked the way it looked and yes you should be able to put everything back in the tank right away, including Pheobe, but I wouldn't feed her on it. Seems like it would stick to food easily. Hopefully someone who's actually used it can confirm or deny this, tho.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I've never used it, but did some quick googling. I really liked the way it looked and yes you should be able to put everything back in the tank right away, including Pheobe, but I wouldn't feed her on it. Seems like it would stick to food easily. Hopefully someone who's actually used it can confirm or deny this, tho.

Thnak you. I havent seen what it looks like after exspasion. she wants to burrow so I wanna do this stuff soon. Should I do like half the brick because like I said it says that the whole brick will do over 2 gallons of it.

and my coconut has an easy break away spot so breaking it in half actully will be easier then I thought.

[jitami]

I would think half a brick would be enough, but again, I've never used it...

Here's a pic. I'm just going to include the link since it's from a different forum.
CornSnakes.com Forums (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=140433&d=1295911274)

[jitami]

I did find this quote: 'Plus, one brick expands a lot and makes enough substrate for a 20-gallon tank!'

Found it here:
PetSmart Zoo Med Eco Earth Value Pack Customer Ratings & Reviews - Top & Best Rated Products (http://reviews.petsmart.com/4830/2752603/zoo-med-zoo-med-eco-earth-value-pack-reviews/reviews.htm)

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I would think half a brick would be enough, but again, I've never used it...

Here's a pic. I'm just going to include the link since it's from a different forum.
CornSnakes.com Forums (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=140433&d=1295911274)

Thank you for helping. um I tried the link and sence Im not a member then it wont let me see it. I would join except we dont have a corn snake. We want one badly but cant seem to find one even though there sopposed to be in our area. Ill google it and see and then maybe I can post a pic. I will try. thank you and hopefull someone will answer then other part so that I can do it soon.

[jitami]

Sorry... I am a member there, so didn't even notice. Seems I'm a member everywhere. lol I did find it via google images, though, so you should be able to see a couple of enclosure pics that way.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

thank you for helping though. I am a member to different places to but this is the only snake site.

[guidofatherof5]

Pringles can lid = baby feeding dish.

[brain]

Thank you for helping. um I tried the link and sence Im not a member then it wont let me see it. I would join except we dont have a corn snake. We want one badly but cant seem to find one even though there sopposed to be in our area. Ill google it and see and then maybe I can post a pic. I will try. thank you and hopefull someone will answer then other part so that I can do it soon.

I have a fellow herpper I just sold my kings to let me contact him to see if he has something in his collection, he might be willing to part with. I’ll let you know.

Just corn or hognose?

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I don't know if this has been mentioned or is just common knowledge, but for cage bedding scoopers, I use a big sturdy dustpan. They beat the heck out of a litter scooper of ANY sort!

[guidofatherof5]

Good one to bring up Shannon.
I use them but never thought about post it.

[Mommy2many]

I use them too. I also spot clean with disposable gloves; just grab handfuls of substrate and simply throw it out. My snakes are very curious about this process. They have to inspect the area as I go, just like cats with a newly cleaned catbox!

[guidofatherof5]

I do that too, but why the disposable gloves:confused::rolleyes::D

[Mommy2many]

Snake Poopies. Eeeewww...

[guidofatherof5]

Hides:
Store bought and my snakes won't use them.

Any food cardboard box and they flock to it.
I also purchase meat trays from our local Sam's club. They are Styrofoam. Entry doors are easily put in and they are dish washer safe.
They charge .99 cents for 2 dozen(12 small and 12 large)

[RedSidedSPR]

I do that too, but why the disposable gloves:confused::rolleyes::D

Exactly.

[RedSidedSPR]

Hides:
Store bought and my snakes won't use them.

Any food cardboard box and they flock to it.
I also purchase meat trays from our local Sam's club. They are Styrofoam. Entry doors are easily put in and they are dish washer safe.
They charge .99 cents for 2 dozen(12 small and 12 large)


Weird how they dont like the store bought.

[kibakiba]

It's no fun picking up wet snakie poop that looks dry, then getting it under your nails.

[RedSidedSPR]

Soap. Use soap.

[kibakiba]

Soap doesn't exactly help when your nails are as long as mine. Scrubber things made for nails don't really help either.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I keep my nails very short (because of sculpting, nails nick the clay) and I must say, even under my short nails, snake poop is not fun!!! :cool:

[guidofatherof5]

I usually cover the wet stuff with substrate and then pick it up.
Doesn't always work, sometimes I end up with poop on my hand.
I swear when that happens I can hear snakes laughing:D
Little jerks.

[RedSidedSPR]

I pick up the stuff around it and It doesn't touch me! If it does, big deal.

It's really easy with my babies cause I just have to pick up the one little peice of soiled bark. :D

[Didymus20X6]

Not so much for handling garters, but I have couple pair of "mad scientist" gloves (thick PVC gloves designed for handling dangerous chemicals). They are thick, so if you wanted to handle a particularly mean snake (like Red's water snakes). I use a pair in the snake room for cleaning, one in the kitchen (no dishwater burns with these things), and one for automotive work.

Here's a great thing for herping: a Gopher. You know, those sticks with the suction-cup claw on the end. Use it to move small planks and sticks, or even pick up specimens with it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Or: use your hands :D kidding great suggestion.

Sorry, ive just always used my hands for everything. Hand feeding, is truly hand feeding. No tongs. Crap duty. Flipping tin and handling highly venemous species..... bare hands baby :D (kidding never done that)

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I have a fellow herpper I just sold my kings to let me contact him to see if he has something in his collection, he might be willing to part with. I’ll let you know.

Just corn or hognose?

it also depends on how much also for them.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Im glad that I found something that I dont believe is in this list and Im happy to help with ideas... I used a caprisun box. I shortened the box so that it would fit for the width of my 20 gal tank. that gives me a window to watch her and I put a bigger hole on the side where the handle is so she can go in and out there and then I cut an extra hole up top for her. Its stong and I have plenty cause my daughters drink these all the time. Pheobe loves it.

Also what I coulda told you about before and didnt realise it was for my water dish for her I use one of those tv dinner containers that is that doesnt have the sections in it. I have a cpl of those and i wash them over and over cause ther easy to wash ( not dishwasher safe) but thats ok it dont take long to clean. plus ur not spending a lot and Pheobe is able to go all the in with whole body and still move. She likes it a lot. Always swimming in it.

[Plissken]

Just had a litter of babies and was worried about the security of the lid on my 10gal, even with clips. Seemed like there was still a lot of play. So I went to wal-mart and got some foam window weather striping for $3 and put it around the inside edge of my tank lid. The clips compress it down like a gasket so there is no gap. I'm hoping this keeps all the wigglers from exploring to far. :)

[mb90078]

Also what I coulda told you about before and didnt realise it was for my water dish for her I use one of those tv dinner containers that is that doesnt have the sections in it. I have a cpl of those and i wash them over and over cause ther easy to wash ( not dishwasher safe) but thats ok it dont take long to clean. plus ur not spending a lot and Pheobe is able to go all the in with whole body and still move. She likes it a lot. Always swimming in it.

Yep, I use the ones from Mac & Cheese (full dish). Reusable when you wash them, but still disposable. Good dimensions on it.

[J@50n]

When I want to give mine some exercise and let him explore I take him to the middle of our carpeted staircase and let him crawl up and down them... He loves it :) He just keeps going up up up and then back down down down :P

[kibakiba]

He might be nervous about it and doesn't know where to go, because all he sees are the steps. I don't really know, though. Runt hates water and when I give her a bath, there's a dry side and a side filled with a bit of warm water. She paces around the tub, wet and dry trying to find a way out. I only really put her in the tub when she's near shed, because she has the tendency to retain, or be patchy.

[RedSidedSPR]

Id never reccommend doing that stuff with a snake, until he's calm, not musking/pooping, etc...

[J@50n]

He seemed happy, when he got to either the top or bottom he didn't try slithering away...

[jitami]

Many people recommend using the stairs to exercise more sedentary snakes who tend to get overweight easily. Our garters don't usually have that problem, but as long as the snake is safe and you're watching him carefully I don't see a problem with it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Just sayin, I'd "tame" him before doing anything potentially stressful.

[jitami]

Just sayin, I'd "tame" him before doing anything potentially stressful.

Makes sense... I lose track of who is tame and who isn't :)

[snakehill]

Many people recommend using the stairs to exercise more sedentary snakes who tend to get overweight easily. Our garters don't usually have that problem, but as long as the snake is safe and you're watching him carefully I don't see a problem with it.
That's a good idea! Never heard if that!!:)

[jitami]

I should probably add a disclaimer... on my stairs, on the edges, where the carpet meets wall, there is a sizable gap. You can't see the gap, but if you push in on it it's there, under the carpet, and probably 1/2 an inch wide on one side. I would worry about little guys like garters getting into that gap. A big fat boa... I wouldn't worry so much about :)

[snakehill]

Does it work on wood stairs or are they too slippery?:confused:

[kibakiba]

It might be too slippery. My snakes never move if I put them on wood, but if they get startled and start slithering away quickly, they don't go anywhere, but they're trying so hard to get away.

[RedSidedSPR]

Mine are fed on a slick desk half the time. They dont really move with ease, but they don't mind.

[PINJOHN]

to get back on topic:p i use glass ash trays, since the public smoking ban it seems that a lot of people chose to go with the flow, and gave up smoking, consequently the local charity shops were full up with them, its a win win charity makes a bit and i get heavy feeding dishes that don't move ;)

[annulataarethebest]

I always need a supply of paper towels for cleaning cages and thawing mice every other day. For water bowls I sometimes use the ziplock plastic containers from wal mart, and cut a hole in the top. Keeps it from spilling and doesn't make the cage as humid. I'm constantly buying substrate as well, big 10 pound bags of sani-chips from lll reptiles, or rodent bedding from petco.

[Venti]

Folding a paper towel in half is a good hide for babies, you can get it nice and damp so they can finish their first sheds, and it won't squish them.

Also, I highly suggest using plastic forks and knives to cut up worms and feed them to your snakes.

[ConcinusMan]

I use pressed cardboard drink holders turned upside down as hides. The garters & the king all seem to love them. I keep a stack on hand & toss them when they get dirty.

http://www.roundeyesupply.com/v/vspfiles/photos/5301460-2T.jpg

Egg cartons work well too.


When I cook with fresh coconut, I save the shells for hides.

That's funny. Pet stores sell them as hides too. (called T-Rex "Dome Home") At about 1,000 % markup of course.

[RedSidedSPR]

I have one from the pet store... they LOVE it. It was only $2 so I'm not complaining, plus it's nice an small... so i don't know about it being too expensive there.

[ConcinusMan]

I just get the feeling that you could buy a whole coconut, and have not only a coconut to eat, but get two hides, cheaper than $2 a piece, lol. Just dry them and cut 'em.

[RedSidedSPR]

Right. Exactly.

Just saying they're not overly expensive.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I actually just bought some coconuts at produce junction specifically for making hides out of. at $1 per coconut, that is 50 cents per hide... the only trouble is the work involved.... I have to have my dad saw them in half for me... then of course it's always SO FUN digging the meat out of the shell. It is tought but I use a butter knife and got pretty good at popping the meat out in 2 or 3 large pieces. I like coconut shells because they are TOUGH, and they are a nice size for many snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

Someone(member) suggested freezing the halves as a way to make it easier to remove the meat.
Sorry, I don't remember who it was.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

i tried tht steve and it works better when there room temp. The coconut meat was so hard after freezing . I thought it was so cool cause with it room temp i was able to work it around and pop out an entire half. It was awesome. I had to turn around and break it up anyway but it was fun and I know i can do it...lol. I shoulda takin pics. Next time i will for sure.

[guidofatherof5]

OK, thanks.

[brain]

I raise mice for my snakes and they have to eat so I save the paper box, which holds the plastic bag of dry food, for a hide and dispose of it, as it gets messy.
The dollar store had 6” diameter by 1” high ceramic cat dishes and the make a great water dish. Just shallow enough and heavy enough. I picked up like a dozen.

[mb90078]

Everybody is aware of using toilet paper and/or paper towel rolls for easily disposable hides. Something that I've been doing lately though, is cutting up the rolls into 2" x 2" (roughly) squares/diamonds and laying them on the top of the substrate. Not sure if it's coincidence or not, but they seem to like to defecate on them, which keeps the real substrate cleaner. It also makes cleanup easier.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I have a question. I am asking here cause it has to do with this kind of thing. My husband used to collect legos and i was wondering ur all opion on if it would be ok to build something wwith those for inside of th encloser for the babies. I wouldnt use the little single pieces unless it was in the middle of it all . So what do u all think. I have a lot of ideas for that and I dont want to do it if isnt good. I just figured easy to clean and easy to change into somthing else. So whatcha think.

[jitami]

I had completely forgotten about it, but my boys did make lego hides for Sly years ago. There's no reason not to use them :)

[d_virginiana]

Hmm.. I guess it would depend on what exactly you built. Like, a small little structure for them to climb in and out of wouldn't be a problem, but legos are pretty light, and you need to be absolutely sure really young babies can't tip anything over on themselves. If you did it, maybe put a picture of what you built up beforehand and ask if anyone sees any safety issues before putting it in their tank?

[Mrs N1ntndo]

ok I will do that But I will say this too. I planed on having the bottom that is completely flat that the legos go on and hook too and also make it wide enough so it wont topple. But I will take pics and let u all see first. I ll put it in the tank wo babies also and take pics. I plan on starting it tonight then and I will keep u all updated on it. Thank you..

[d_virginiana]

There shouldn't be any problem with that. It'll be neat to see what it looks like :)

[katach]

Can't wait to see what you make!

[guidofatherof5]

Bulk food item plastic lids from things like salad dressing, peanut butter, cheese puffs, pretzels, ect. make great water or food dishes for babies and young snakes.
These lids are best for babies as they don't have high sides. This makes it much easier for babies to find their water and food.
Easy access to water is very important for newborns as dehydration is a big concern.
Keeping the water dish at almost ground level is important.

[tress29]

I also purchase meat trays from our local Sam's club. They are Styrofoam. Entry doors are easily put in and they are dish washer safe.

With that idea in mind, I bought the 16oz styrofoam container of mushrooms. It would hide a bunch of gartes, but not one yearling ball python! I bought him a bigger hide, but it doesn't fit in his tub. Once he moves into the 20L...

[Light of Dae]

On the whole Coco Fiber topic a few pages back... I was using aspen shavings with was good but wanted the darker look. I used it dry, just broke apart the brick by hand into bigger-ish chunks and it works n looks great, the one thing I would suggest though with it, break it up somewhere's else, it ends up having little little bits like dust... suppose its no different then the dust you get in a bag of aspen really... I just prefer to remove as much as I can, She loves borrowing through the coco fiber n I didn't want her to inhale any dust.

Useful item to remove substrate dust.... Window screen mesh! tie it over a bucket or do what I did n make a mesh bowl to sift your substrate... hmm even a flour sifter would be the same thing I guess :)

There's a picture where ya'll can kinda see the coco fiber in my set up in an "Enclosure" forum I started called "new terrarium set up?" its on the last page :)

[kibakiba]

I never get dust in my aspen. It wouldn't be good for the snakes. The kind I get are thin and small strips, which seems like it would be dusty, but its not. Kind of like they went though a little de-dusting process.

[Light of Dae]

the Walmart brand of aspen I bought seemed rather to dusty for my liking, it just meant that I took sweet time de-dusting it myself, I'd rather waste my time n be safe then be sorry. Especially since there ain't no reptile vet around here.

[guidofatherof5]

I received a package from PINJOHN during the Christmas season and used the package as a hide.
As you can see they love the close quarters it provides. I think garters love a tight fitting hide.
That first snake out is our Lucky.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/happy.jpg

[EasternGirl]

I have been trying to find something around the house to use as platforms in my enclosures. I see members have built them...I am not so good with the building of things. I tried to find a cardboard box I could use...but could not find one that I was satisfied did not have any dangerous places inside for the snakes to get caught trying to wedge themselves. I think I figured out that a very small plastic stool might work...may go to the dollar store this week to look around. Any other ideas? That don't involve me building anything?

[garterchick]

I save the cardboard inserts that come with the toner cartridges for our printers at work. They make cute little baby "castles".

[chris-uk]

I have been trying to find something around the house to use as platforms in my enclosures. I see members have built them...I am not so good with the building of things. I tried to find a cardboard box I could use...but could not find one that I was satisfied did not have any dangerous places inside for the snakes to get caught trying to wedge themselves. I think I figured out that a very small plastic stool might work...may go to the dollar store this week to look around. Any other ideas? That don't involve me building anything?
Find a solid platform, say a sturdy piece of cardboard. Take a bunch of kitchen roll tubes and cut them to length as 4 legs, splay the top end of each tube, stick to bottom of platform. It's not pretty or permanent, but easy to replace and will give you an idea as to whether your snakes will use a platform. As an optional extra, cut a small door in the bottom of the legs to provide extra hiding places.
I know there is glueing involved, but it's not building.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I have actully used paper towel and toilet paper roll tubes and cut a hole big enough to squeeze the other in and basically linking them together . Cutting flaps in them and things like that and my snakies love it. Also starophome inserts to things I use too. . They love to hide and climb on them. There are no places for them to get stuck and it looks cool when there hanging all over it. Exspecially during the seasons where they are out and about more. This winter i kinda kept it simple cause theyre not as active.

[EasternGirl]

Chris, you are talking about paper towel rolls right? Okay...I had an idea like that with a cardboard shoe box top...perhaps I will try to glue the rolls onto that and see what I can make with that...thanks!

[guidofatherof5]

I used to grab a pinch of Rep-Cal and sprinkle it on the food.
Then I decided to use an old spick container.
This works so much better.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//769/medium/Dusting_bottle.jpg

[Didymus20X6]

"Then I decided to use an old spick container."

THAT'S RACIST!

[guidofatherof5]

"Then I decided to use an old spick container."

THAT'S RACIST!

A pox upon me. "Spice container" Sorry about that.

[Didymus20X6]

Just be glad I couldn't find a picture of a frowning Jesse Jackson quickly enough.

[guidofatherof5]

I've always disliked deli cups for shipping, I don't like the way the lids fit and I don't want to use tape to secure them. I suppose I could purchase some large rubber band but still worry about the container deforming and the snakes escaping. Until now I just put the deli cup in a snake bag and zip tie the bag shut. In the process I lose a snake bag.
I could always start shipping my snake inside a round ziplock container with a screw on top but they are expensive too.
I think I may have found a cheap(free) container that solves the problem.
This is a 15oz plastic peanut butter jar. Drill a few vent holes and there you go. No chance of escape and they don't go in the landfill. With all the different sizes of containers in our homes I'm sure I will find plenty to suit all the shipping needs I have.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/shipping_container.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Interesting.

[MCwyo]

Good idea on the peanutbutter jar.

We have a dollar store here that carries tupperware for $1... it's pretty nice tupperware for only a buck, and they have a large variety of shapes and sizes.

[guidofatherof5]

Good idea on the peanutbutter jar.

We have a dollar store here that carries tupperware for $1... it's pretty nice tupperware for only a buck, and they have a large variety of shapes and sizes.


I worry about any lids that snaps on. Screw tops are much more secure.

[MCwyo]

They do have some screw on tupperware. Mostly snap on though. Great for water dishes (swimming pools :D ) and feeding tubs.

[guidofatherof5]

After making Tank his Birthday cake I was cleaning up and noticed the lid to the frosting.
Now, this was one of those lids with the sprinkles in the top. After removing the foil that protected the sprinkles I notice this lid was deeper then most frosting lids and would make a wonderful water dish for newborn scrubs. Other frosting lids make great food dishes but poor water dishes.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/water_dish.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Nice.. I think I'm about to switch to something like that for my water dishes, I've always used the ones from the pet stores, cuz they look cooler... But they're a pain..

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I found out that the metal bottom and lid from a pringles tube make good feeding dishes.

[guidofatherof5]

I found out that the metal bottom and lid from a pringles tube make good feeding dishes.

Good idea William.
The metal bottoms and tops from concentrated juice containers work very well as food dishes also.

[ConcinusMan]

Seems a peanut butter jar is just too big. you want the snakes to fit snug. Too much room lets them bounce around. Dollar store containera have always worked OK for me, but choose carefully. I do tape them too. If You don't like that, walmart has rubbermaid snap-on containers that aren't terribly expensive. There's no way those lids are coming off. I have a hard time getting them off on purpose.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rubbermaid+easy+find+lids&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[taharial]

OH great thread! I put a few old broken pieces of slate (very thin about hand sized) on top of the substrate (aspen chips) and Mamas burrows half under it with her head sticking out all the time...

[CrazyHedgehog]

I have used lots of different things as food dishes in the past, now I use a small square of grease proof paper for dry ish stuff or folded up foil that can be easilly shaped pulling edges up for anything sloppy. Once eaten its a quick throw away! quick, cheap and easy..

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Great ideas especially with the foil dish :)

[guidofatherof5]

Large plastic ice cream containers with lids make great shed boxes.

[guidofatherof5]

When drilling or burning air vent holes in the containers be sure to do it from the inside out.
That way the sharp edges will be on the outside of the container.
These edges are sharp enough to injure a snake inside if not done properly.
Just a word to the wise.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I found that a heated knife usually gives smooth edges when melting the plastic but sand paper smooths down the toothy bits well.

[ConcinusMan]

When drilling or burning air vent holes in the containers be sure to do it from the inside out.
That way the sharp edges will be on the outside of the container.
These edges are sharp enough to injure a snake inside if not done properly.
Just a word to the wise.

I always burn the holes, and always from the inside out. Drilling sometimes cracks the containers. Making the holes from the inside out doesn't always keep sharp "toothy" parts from forming on the inside, but if you press it down with your finger while the plastic is still hot/soft it will usually take care of that.;)

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Cling-film and aluminium foil tubes work great for babies because they are much more narrow than kitchen roll tubes so make them feel safe.the are also made of much thicker and dancer card board so they wont cave in and will probably last longer.I cut one into smaller tubes and stacked them in the shape of a log pile there lots of places to hide and explore.My marcianus loves it!

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, that's the kind I use for small snakes. Narrow, wood-like tubes.

[Invisible Snake]

Heyyyyy everyone, couldn't sleep so I was surfing the interwebs and I found a cool DIY on how to make a humid hide with everyday items.

Here's the link - Sushi box humid hide- Quick and easy! - sSNAKESs : Reptile Forum (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-enclosure-discussion/94997-sushi-box-humid-hide-quick-easy.html)

[Kasturi]

Wow, this thread has staying power.:D It's right up my alley for sure! My favorite water bowl is a type of dog water bowl. It has a cut out for your fingers to fit in to pick up the dish. So, it serves as a water bowl and a hide. They come in various sizes, colors and design. I was lucky enough to find a few really cool ones at Petco on clearance. They were bamboo, came in great colors and had a great design. $1.50 each! However, you can regularly find the plastic ones for a few bucks. All my girls like them for a cool hide.

[guidofatherof5]

Here are a few items that come in very handy in the snake room. The syringes are a very handy when a sterile needle is needed. No need to burn one or get out the Isopropyl alcohol. I get mine in bulk at Sam's Club, a 100 of them for $12
On another syringe note. Most pharmacies give out dosing syringes for free with many meds. I have also explained I needed one for my animals and they were glad to give me one.
The other items usually get put out in the trash. I usually grab a couple extra condiment cups from the local restaurants when I'm there. They've always let me have a few extra when I ask. Buying 10,000 of them at Sam's Club is not cost effective.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/syringes.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/everyday_items.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

I get mine in bulk at Sam's Club, a 100 of them for $12 I have also explained I needed one for my animals and they were glad to give me one.

Jeez, cheapest place around here is nearly $30 for 100 and no pharmacy / store will sell single bags or give out single syringes anymore. Cases ONLY. Had to get a couple from my vet when I needed them. However, there's a needle exchange just down the road. They'll give you new ones for your used ones, free of charge. I know that's not what they intended the program for, but heck, I did it anyway after I got done treating bertha for that RI so I'll have them handy. Perfect for injecting meds into food.

[guidofatherof5]

The free syringes where the non-needle type for dosing oral meds.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh, OK. The ones the vet gave me had removable needles. Leave them on for injecting antibiotics into food, or I would just pop the needle off and give it to her that way.

[Buck]

Well, if you like crafts and can't find a suitable water dish, here's something that I did last night:

1. find a topless box of appropriate size (this may require you cutting or taping it into the right shape)
2. take a piece of plastic wrap (or other thin, flexible, leak proof plastic) large enough to cover the entire inner area of the box plus an inch or two
3. drop some liquid glue into each corner of the box (note that hot glue will melt through the plastic unless slightly cooled)
4. press the plastic properly into each corner, fold over edges
5. glue to outside of the box, allow to dry

Viola!

[guidofatherof5]

Photos please. I'm a visual learner.:D

[ConcinusMan]

Well, if you like crafts

Of course I do. Especially when the end product is useful and makes use of **** I was going to throw in the trash anyway.



Photos please. I'm a visual learner.:D



Yeah, me too. having a hard time visualizing the process, and end product.

My brain has always been in a "Show me state" and I don't even live in Missouri. Never been east of western Texas. :p

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data/821/medium/everyday_items.jpg

Excellent. Now people can see what I mean when I say "shallow, easily accessible water dish". While these dishes probably hold less than a few "spoonfuls" of water, these are essential for baby garters... particularly in the first few weeks of life. Check the "dish" several times a day. Make sure there is always at least a small pool of standing water in it. Newborn snakes can, and will, just "stumble" into it. Don't expect them to find water otherwise. Very important! Make it not only easy, but inevitable, that they will "stumble" upon standing water, even if it's only a millimeter or two. So long as they keep "stumbling" into it. ;) Sour cream, yogurt, whatever... you get the idea. Try to make sure that nothing dry is laying in the water... it will suck the water out like a straw, (not unlike osmosis) and deposit in on the substrate. Yes, water can flow uphill. Anyone who has siphoned gasoline from a car knows that. Works the same way when siphoning any liquid. You CAN make water go uphill. The path of least resistance is not always down with gravity.

A sour cream lid is great for baby garters. But like any baby, you must be there often to make sure their "bottle" is full.

DEHYDRATION IS THE #1 KILLER OF CAPTIVE NEONATE GARTER SNAKES.

I'm kidding. I just made that up. But it's pretty important to keep them hydrated. :cool:

[Selkielass]

Clear glass dishes and saucers are my favorite garage sale finds. (Ash trays, relish dishes, shallow flan or custard cups.) They work like the disposable alternatives above, but the clear sides allow the snake to be attracted by food movement. Clean up *is* required, but they are sterilizable.

Speaking of sterilizing dishes, microwave baby bottle sterilizers are great if you happen upon one. (a I don't like crossing pet utensils and human kitchenware, even for final sterilization of clean dishes.)

[Greg'sGarters]

Plastic Chinese takeout containers as soaking containers/shipping cups. dollar store hair cutting scissors as food choppers.

If you have a soldering iron, taking any plastic shoebox or container and using the iron (outdoors only) to cut a u shaped hole into one side, then spray paint it black and turn it upside down for an instant hidebox!

I have a gas stove. I just take a butter knife, heat it using the flames from the gas stove and melt it out.

[ConcinusMan]

That's how I put holes in shipping containers too.

[guidofatherof5]

For those of you who use contact lens solution and have ever received sample bottles here a good reason to same the bottles.
Products like Betadine and Hibiclens are hard to get out of their original bottles in the small amounts needed for treating minor infections on our snakes.
These bottles make it easy to use the products one small amount at a time.
All I had to do was pop the tops off and clean them out.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/bottles.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/bottle1.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

I've already suggested using cottage cheese container lids as feeding dishes. This left the container itself to be thrown away. Duh.

The 24 oz container and lids make great feeding containers. Now none of it has to be in a landfill.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's another idea that can serve two purposes. Cake frosting container and lid.

Keep the lid as a food dish.
Keep the container and lid as a feeding container for little scrubs. It's a nice small round container that keeps the scrub in close proximity to the food. It also keeps both item out of the landfill.;)

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/icing_container.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Frozen orange juice concentrate lids make great feeding dishes for baby scrubs. They don't rust and are easy to clean.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/orange_juice_lids.jpg

[Sonya610]

To get hanging decorations I use a type of expanding foam called 'great stuff'. After it hardens I sculpt it and glue it to the side of the tank with 100% silicone. Then I coat it with the silicone and press the coco-fiber I use for my frog into it. Then you can stick cheap plastic plants into it. So far I haven't had any issues with things falling off and the snakes love it :)

I wonder if Silicon would adhear that to wood as well as glass? I built a foam wall with a couple of ledges for sunning and plants (and used spray glue to cover it in coconut substraight).

The garters LOVE IT for sunning closer to the heat lamp. Just sticking shelves on (instead of a foam wall) would be so much easier! I guess if the silicon didn't work I could peel it off the wood wall without it causing any damage. I will try this!

[Stefan-A]

I wonder if Silicon would adhear that to wood as well as glass?
I'm afraid it doesn't.

[Sonya610]

I'm afraid it doesn't.


Oh. Maybe I need to build another foam wall then. They do love it for sunning/heat lamp time probably because it is high up and also reflects their own heat back.