Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A while back someone started posting useful tips, I hope this one helps. I thought it was a good idea back then for us to share ideas, maybe we can get some new ideas to make things easier or less expensive.

Please don't try this if you aren't handy with tools. The bucket could be cut safer with a different saw. I had this jig set-up since back in the days when we cut off the buckets for mice colonies or single prego rats. I also used the cut off buckets for water bowls for burmese.

I cut off the bottom and also the tops. Holesaw the bottom, add a lid to the top and holesaw it too.

>>A while back someone started posting useful tips, I hope this one helps. I thought it was a good idea back then for us to share ideas, maybe we can get some new ideas to make things easier or less expensive.
>>
>>Please don't try this if you aren't handy with tools. The bucket could be cut safer with a different saw. I had this jig set-up since back in the days when we cut off the buckets for mice colonies or single prego rats. I also used the cut off buckets for water bowls for burmese.
>>
>>I cut off the bottom and also the tops. Holesaw the bottom, add a lid to the top and holesaw it too.
>>
>>
>>
I need to get me a few of those

I do the same thing with the black plastic garbage cans that wallmart sells dirt cheap and to saw out entrence holes in large thick plastic dog water dishes.
With a rock/plastics power saw you can use anything for hide boxes. And adjust the height of the hide box and tailor it for the snake.

Definately watch you hands and eyes as cutting plastic with a saw that doesnt heat while cutting can be extremely dangerous.
I've seen some weird ^%*! on the job sites.
Wood saws and most power saws (anything with a serrated blade) will not heat enough while cutting to melt plastic. This will either cause shards of plastic to go flying around randomly at high speeds or just destroy the hide box your working on.

I found the best is to use a rock blade. The type used to saw inter-lock stones for driveways. The blade is steel with and not serrated. It'll heat the plastic just enough while cutting and go through it like butter.
You could easily make a hundred hide boxes in a couple of hours.

great post!

I like the bucket idea for bigger snakes. For smaller stuff I buy the water trays for plastic plant holders and they work great and are pretty cheap. I know they come in 10", 12" and 14" but they may have more sizes. I just use a pair of tin snips to add an opening and you've got a hide for less than $3.00

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www.dbherp.com

Mike,
You are creative! I really like this idea for hides. Being able to cut them to the right height for a particular rack is great. Definitely going to give it a try.
Keep those tips coming
Grant

I think a top entry defeats much of the purpose of a hide though. A side entry keeps the all important open-air over the top covered, and nice and secure for a reptile whose primary predatorial concern is from above.
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

Great idea! I like the large diameter plastic pvc pipe for hides. I just cut a section, place it front to back in the tub and the snake can move back and forth inside the pipe from the cool to hot side. Although it does make feeding pk or ft a bit more difficult since the snake is snuggly tucked away.
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