Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Bob, you used it for the quarantine cage for a tree monitor. Did you continue to use it, or did you replace it with branches?

I have used it as a backdrop with live pothos plants threaded through the holes for chameleons with good results. They used the leaves for cover and would climb on the branches and the lattice. The chameleons even would eat some part of the leaves (it is non toxic). They would get on the back side of the lattice for cover if they wanted.

I am building a 7 foot tall cage and I have a ton of wood lattice in my basement. If lattice is strong enough to hold a black tree monitor (also have braches, ledges, etc. in cage.) This would make an awesome looking cage with a lot of climbing space and cover for the monitor.

I do not have a black tree, but my wife and I are considering getting one in a month or so.

so:

a.) is lattice ok for black tree monitors?

b.) is pothos ok to have in black tree monitor enclosure?
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Ed

There are water dragons, chameleons, and monitors in my jungle room.

Hi Ed,

Yes, I am still currently using the lattice in my quarantine enclosure for the little beccari i've got. It appears to be working great for her, she's coming along very nicely. I do not see why lattice would not work for adults.. An adult should be fine. I have also incorporated some branches in with her, to give her some "natural" feeling resting positions, I'd imagine that some areas of the lattice may not be too comofrtable to rest/sleep on. I'd also encourage you to incorporate some branches into your enclosure.

As far as live pothos, I've seen it used in some tree monitor enclosures, including the bronx zoo. The only thing that I would be concerned with, is that monitors, regardless of size, can be rather abusive when it comes to live plants. I would imagine that their sharp claws would do sufficient damage to most plants.

But then again, pothos is a rather vigorous grower, so even if it is damaged, it will regrow rather rapidly.. So I say, go for it... although sythetic plants work just as well, and you don't have to worry about keeping them alive.. just my opinion,

hope this helps a little bit,

take care, have a great day!

bob

n/p
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Ed

There are water dragons, chameleons, and monitors in my jungle room.

Hello
I thought of using that lattice stuff a long time ago, it really seems like it would be great for cover and climbing...but my friend told me that it is made out of pressure treated wood, and that is toxic to reptiles. So I haven't tried it.
Maybe it bears looking into? Finding some that is safe?
Good luck
D.

How about the white or tan pvc lattice? Would that be safe?

Pam

Hey goon,

That's a good topic to be brought up, I forgot to include that in my post. The lattice that I use is not pressure treated, as the pressure treated wood contains nasty chemicals which I'm sure would affect the health of my captive.

It's rather easy to tell the difference between wood that's been treated and wood that hasn't. Treated wood typically has a greenish color to it, whereas untreated, has a more wood-color to it. Treated woood is also reflected in price, with it being significantly more expensive.

While I suppose you could use the new pvc lattice that is ever so popular now, along with pvc fencing, I still prefer the wood latice, as it is easier for a monitor to grip onto, as opposed to hard plastic.

Just my thoughts, but good point to bring up, goon. Cheers,

bob

hi all,
i use lattice for my finschi. its lattice of white pvc used for decorative fences and such... i bought 1 sheet with smallest spaces 1" x 1". i have pics if you wanna see. it sure has made the cage more useful since she is able to get all the way to ceiling, onto shelves if so inclined.
later all,
-john