Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone, I've unexpectedly inherited some boas. I have some Vision tubs I'm seeking feedback on making a plywood rack for them to slide into. I don't have access to melamine nearby but I do have some sheets of 3/4 cdx plywood on hand and a table saw.

My question: Will it be the worst thing in the world if the snakes are exposed to bare plywood as the ceiling in their tubs? I'd rather not paint anything due to fumes and I need to get these set up asap.
Is there a nose rubbing potential that wouldn't be there if it were instead melamine?

I appreciate the input! Thankyou.

You really need to seal the wood with a poly sealent,it wont stand up to humidity in its current form.
It would be a waste of material,Im sure you could figure out how to secure the animals while a poly sealant flashs off for four,five days.
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TnK

There's no major risk to the snakes, unless you have an extreme nose rubber.

There is risk of damage to the rack from the humidity. The damage to the rack could compromise the well being of the snakes. I understand that you don't have access to melamine. My suggestion, is to design the rack, to use the tubs WITH the lids. That will help mantain the humidity in the tubs, while protecting the rack and heat element, from the humidity.

RE: I have some Vision tubs I'm seeking feedback on making a plywood rack for them to slide into.

My question: Will it be the worst thing in the world if the snakes are exposed to bare plywood as the ceiling in their tubs? I'd rather not paint anything due to fumes and I need to get these set up asap.
Is there a nose rubbing potential that wouldn't be there if it were instead melamine?

Sounds a bit thick for the job, but you can use it. Like mentioned, you want to seal it good with polyurethane. But, this works best, if you use finish grade plywood.

I have had several cages built of plywood, (never any racks though) and still have a couple cages of finish grade woods, and I like the latter for a multitude of reasons. Long lasting if built right.
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Richard Carew
Sunset BCI
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would be to line the ceiling area. Home depot and Lowe's sell a 4'X 8' sheet used to line showers. It is fairly thin and light and would solve both the humidity problems and create a smooth surface to prevent problems with nose rubs. They also sell plastic flashing in various widths that couls also be used as a liner.

I have a rack built with plywood,I used a peel and stick kitchen cabinet/drawer liner it is easy to sterilize and prevents nose rubbing.
Jay

Now I like that idea. So it sticks ok to the plywood? Any brand better than the other brands? We have a Walmart near here. Thankyou, and thanks to the others for replying.

I would use a spray glue as a primer if going that route,couple extra bucks but you would know it was STUCK !

>>Now I like that idea. So it sticks ok to the plywood? Any brand better than the other brands? We have a Walmart near here. Thankyou, and thanks to the others for replying.
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TnK