Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am in the process of putting plans together for Digit's new
cage. I went to the park and found a really nice branch limb.
I have cut it down and am soaking the pieces in water and bleach
to kill mites but I am wondering if I should also seal it?
Also, what kind if necessary is totally safe for Digit?

I plan on putting the branches back together according to
James Hatfields book. I am hoping it turns out really cool.
Also, do you forsee any problems with putting Digit in such
a large habitat? I am converting a closet and it is 8X2X8.
He is only 8 months old and I am wondering if this would cause
any stress because of the size. I know the depth is a little
narrow, but this will only have to last him maybe another year.

Please give any other advice or problems you forsee.

Thanks in advance
Linda, Beanie and Digit

I wouldn't bother sealing the branches, just make sure there are no splinters or loose stuff that Digit might think he should eat. Make sure you soak the branches several times in water after the bleach treatment, and air them well too, they should be fine. I wouldn't worry about the enclosure size, he should be fine because he is already handleable by you... small enclosures are good for taming.

How's Beanie doing btw? Still being a brat?

yeah, she is still a brat! Going on 10 months with no
eating. She picks a little but never eats enough to amount
to anything. She seems in good health and spirits though.

With Digit, I had a concern that you mentioned. Digit is
getting better about me picking him up but many times still
does the mad dash around the cage. I was a little concerned
that he may injure himself in the large enclosure because
much great distance of falling. I have read that larger
habitats make taming easier. What do you think?

I really want to give him more room but not at the expense
of him getting injured.

Linda

What I did with Tempest, was stagger the shelves so he could never fall very far, either side to side or front to back. Maybe do the same thing, with the wire shelves for kitchens or mesh, or branches. Its narrow enough you shouldn't have any trouble catching him, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just make sure he has somewhere cushy to land, maybe something padded at the bottom. When I moved Tempest into his cage, he went flying down his branch and fell like a dead chicken - luckily he didn't hurt himself, it wasn't too far to go! Once they get the hang of their space, they won't fall.