Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been trying to find some sort of flat rock to put in my Mali's cage. Problem is, slate is rediculously expensive at pet stores and such.

Anyone ever use cinder block or the like?
I've heard rumors that toxic materials may be used in their manufacture. Anyone know for sure? I'm not too comfortable risking it...

>>I've been trying to find some sort of flat rock to put in my Mali's cage. Problem is, slate is rediculously expensive at pet stores and such.

"at pet stores and such". That is your problem. Go to a tile or home supply store (Home Depot). A box of five 12" tiles is about $11 around here.
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2.1.0 uromastyx geyri (Saharan/Nigerian)
0.0.4 uromastyx hardwickii (Indian)
2.1.0 uromastyx macfadyeni (Somalian)
1.1.0 uromastyx ocellata (Sudanese)

"Yes, it's a problem. No, I don't want to talk about it."

I picked up patio stones of different sizes cheaply at Lowe's dept. store, used them to make kind of a neat little structure that gets close to the light and also provides some shelter. only drawback is they are pretty heavy.

I have brick pavers and slate in my Uro's enclosure. Usually there is a rock provider around an urban area. Call a business that does ponds, they will have some or point you in the right direction. BTW, Slate can flake off, so examine it before you put it in your uros cage.

Go to a home and garden or landscape store. You can get slate at a very reasonable price.

Talk to Jimbo - he lost a uro, I believe, to lead poisoning from cement in the cage. Not all cement or cinder blocks have toxic junk I'm sure, but some do.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx geyri (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis (Tank, Turtle, and Spike)
1.0 Uromastyx ornata (Scuttlebutt)
1.2 Anolis carolinensis (Bowser, Leeloo, and Sprocket)
0.1 African dwarf frog (Sheila)
1.0 Betta splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

Yes, after losing a uro to long term lead poisoning, only then did I learn that my herp vet had already been in the midst of researching the effects of brick, cinder blocks, concrete, and pottery in reptile cages. Many (read: 'much, but not neccessarily all') of these products can produce toxic effects, that may or may not be immediately noticeable.

Uros constantly lick things and ingrediants in these items or glaze on pottery can be harmful. Please research your possible decisions before putting in their cage. Heck, I just moved in to a house with a LOAD of flagstone outside. Swing by, I'll give you a piece or two.

-Jim
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2.1 - Rocky, Runako, and RoxyIII (my care sheets)

why is lead even in these products? i thought it was illegal since it was harmdful to living things
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vonnie
***There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. Mary Wilson Little ***

I'm not sure that the toxicity (sp?) is always stemming from "lead", but rather other things toxic, at least to reptiles. I know "cement" is in a lot of different things and shouldn't be readily available to the uros. Concrete is a mixture of sand, coarse aggregate, Portland cement, and water. Cinder blocks are made from concrete. Mortor, that light colored stuff between bricks, is a paste made of water, cement, lime, and sand. See the common dinominator here?

Hope this helps.
-Jim
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2.1 - Rocky, Runako, and RoxyIII (my care sheets)

I'd just go to Home Depot or Lowes and get either some tile or a small slate paver. The tile will be lighter weight, and they usually have some singles that they sell.

Craig

You can run, but you can't hide... unless you're a uro

I'll definitely stay away from the cement and bricks...