Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Have needed to do this for a long time for my mambas...I have 3 Model 600s(economy, 6 ft. long)....what diameter and size of PVC pipe do you use to block the upper and lower lips? These are 6 feet long models, should the length be slightly longer so they fit more snuggly? If anyone has a better method than the PVC pipe any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks,
Drew.

Vision really needs to fix a few small flaws in there cages.
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Archie Bottoms

I don't keep hots but still blocked some of my vision lips with Great stuff foam, works way better than pipe insulation IMO. The snakes were able to find a way to push the foam out no matter what.

Nate

I solved that problem with cut-to-exact lenght 1/2" PVC pipe.
You can't really control Great Stuff foam, as it pool's higher in some area's.
Cut the pipe so it wedges in tight. Work's like a charm, and snakes can't "nudge" it out.

Randal Berry

So If the cage is 6 ft. long should i cut them maybe an 1/8 to 1/3 longer to "wedge" them in tight or should exactly 6 ft. be adequate?I assume you put caps on your PVC ends to prevent your snakes from possibly crawling inside the PVC pipes,I don't know where to get those. Maybe they would make up the extra "wedge"needed for tightness. Also on the PVC pipe measurements, did you mean 1/2" in diameter or 1/2" thick Randal?... I'm assuming 1/2" in diameter. Thanks for your help in this Randal.
Drew.

Drew,
Not an 1/8", just a smidgen over the inside length. I suppose you could wedge an 1/8th" length in there, you want it tight however, and I wouldn't use PVC caps (no need to) UNLESS you can find the square end caps. most of what you see today from Home depot/Lowes, is "rounded" caps.

For a feeling of security, I suppose you could "adhere" the PVC pipe with some sort of glue like 100% silicone or Liquid Nails to ensure that it stays in place.

Randal Berry

Drew,
I'm sorry.
I meant diameter.

Randal

OK so 1/2" diameter PVC pipe, try to avoid the use of caps, and maybe just 1/16" of an inch longer than the length of the cage, does that sound ok? I assume pvc is pretty cheap so I should be able to do some trial & error. I'm just sick and tired of having to dig my female Black Mamba out of the upper lip. She has limbs in the cage but she still practically lives in that upper lip...Thanks for your help,
Drew.

Another ? for you Randal---have you ever set up horizontal pvc pipe perches in vision cages? Another think I would like to try...Drew.

Yes, I have made them for chondro's and other arboreal snakes, plus there easy to clean.

Randal

What do you use and how do you install your perch mounts...for my mambas the perches themselves could be smaller in diameter. just need to stay in place well...
Maybe I could call you tomm. or Tues. if you don't mind if you're not working.
Drew
my email is:
scgbvfan@bellsouth.net

I use both bamboo and pvc pipe.

A simple screw through the side of the cage will work for holding the bamboo.

For the pvc, I like to use shower rod/clothes rod brackets which will allow the pipe to be removed for cleaning.
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Tim Cole
www.austinherpsociety.org
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
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Conservation through Education

If you want to use PVC perches horizonally, simply cut your PVC pipe, (whatever diameter you use) 1" longer than the cage width.(the PVC pipe should stick out 1/2" on both sides).This allows you to use PVC caps, which will hold it in place and won't slip out on one side or the other. Be sure to use PVC cement to ensure that.

Randal Berry

To hold the pipe in place to block the "lips" I've always screwed it there. Holding the pipe in place I drill a small pilot hole, then use a screw just long enough to go through one side of the PVC, putting one near each end and one in the middle. You might think it's overkill, but I know it will stay in place and since they are small screws they aren't really noticeable.
Andy

,
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give up television - 100% cold turkey. Leave what isn't real and go to what is real.
Spend time with nature, see the ground and the sky, feel your place on this earth,
see the trees, the plants, birds, animals, feel their life. And feel your own life.
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