Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is there any advantages/disadvantages to using contact paper instead of staining the inside of a cage? the bottom of the cage will most likly be covered in expanded pvc (thanks for that one chris harper)!! any hints or sugestions on this would be greatly apreciated!
alex

Hello,

I have used contact paper in one cage so far and had good results. However, the Wildlife Discovery Center where I work part time has several cages using contact paper that have not fared well. Those cages where contact paper has not worked are ones housing monitor lizards. Because the monitors are so active they simply shred the paper off the cage walls. We got the idea from a design pioneered by Green Tree Python breeder Greg Maxwell. Applied properly, the contact paper provides a good sealing surface in the cage, even in cases of high humidity. Of course it likely will work better with snakes than lizards. As far as lizards go, smaller less active lizards are probably contact paper safe. Check out Greg Maxwell's site (www.finegtps.com) for instructions on how he applies the contact paper.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois