Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new enclosure that I built (8' X 2' X 2') made from wood and plexiglass. Sealing the wood with Behr Red stain and wood finisher. I will of course let it dry throughly before even thinking of introducing the retics (2). Wanted to get some feedback from the experts here if I may.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike
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"New strategy R-2, Let the Wookie Win!!!"

Let it fully dry and air out completely, and you should be fine. You might want to run a wet rag over everything once it's dry to get any extra residue off.

Only problem that I see, is that you mentioned "retics (2)". Definitely not a good idea to house two together...unless you have the cage partitioned (which might already be the case). If not, it would be well worth the time and money to do that, or build another.

I would not even consider putting your snake in the cage for at least a month.
Make sure the temps are warm. (I put an oil filled radiator in my newly finished enclosures) and let the finish "offgas"
This process takes longer than you might think.
When you think the cage is ready...let it sit some more.

I suppose I'm a bit confused by your "offgas" technique (oil filled radiator). Can you expand on that a bit further?

Thanks
Mike
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"New strategy R-2, Let the Wookie Win!!!"

After you finish staining and sealing your cage,the finish needs to cure.
Make sure you put the finish coats on very thin! Otherwise, the undercoats will not dry, and your cage will always smell as though the final coat is still wet.
The cages I mostly make are aboreal type, meaning tall.
I take on of those electric heaters that look like a radiator, and stick it right inside, and let the heat run.
It takes dry heat to cure a finish enough to off gas the finish.
During the summer...a couple of weeks in the hot sun should work.
If you can still smell solvents, it's not ready to put your snake in.

Another thing...make sure you seal all seams with silicone...to keep snake poop, and other stinky stuff from leaking through