Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is plywood suitable for an enclosure for ball pythons? does it need to be "sealed" for the pertection of the python? thanks for all your input.

thanks
Deal

Yes it should be fine.

Melamine is better though.
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.gmherps.com
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

It depends on what type of ply. If it is pine then you need to seal ALOT. To prevent moisture and protect the snake from the pine. I would use birch ply. It would be better for the snake. You still need to seal it. There are many products. I have used poly urethane, spar urethane, and marine epoxy. The marine epoxy is the best but hardest to work with and expensive. You could submerge the cage in water if marine epoxy is done right. I would suggest polyurethane. Use many light coats in stead of a couple heavy coats. REMEMBER: ALL THESE PRODUCTS OFF-GAS. YOU HAVE TO WAIT WEEKS SOMETIMES TO LET THE PLY CURE BEFORE PUTTING THE SNAKE IN THERE AS THE FUMES WILL KILL IT!
Melamine is cool but will swell when it gets wet and it chips easily but if done right can still make a nice cage. You mainly need to caulk all seams well so no moisture can penetrate the top layer and get to the inner board.
Travis