Vivarium for copperheads - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by crotalus17 on September 3, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I plan to build a cage with live plants to house a copperhead. I've been reading on the DIY fake rocks and decorations, but wondering if the materials used will have an effect on the snakes health. I've seen examples using great stuff foam and silicon over cardboard, or using a mortar/cement/grout compound over a few foam packing sheets. Sounds like these substances could potentially be toxic to the snake. Any input? I also plan to have a small waterfall, so the snakes drinking water will potentially be in contact with these materials.

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by Cro on September 3, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
John, When you use products like that, it is important to let them outgas a few days before putting them into use. You can speed up the process a bit by putting them out in the sun on a hot, clear day. Cement in cages is often sealed with polyurethane. Try to use the water based poly, and not the solvent based one. Stuff like the silicone will not be a problem once it is dry. Also, wash the surface of any sealers like that with soap and water a few times. If you can still smell a plastic smell, then the stuff is still out-gassing. Keep in mind that mite eggs can be transported into the cage with the soil in those live plants you plan to use. It is best to wash the roots free of soil, and then replant them with soil that is sterile. Hope this helps. Best Regards John Z

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by agkistrodude on September 3, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I would also be sure that the potting soil is fertilizer free. No Miracle Grow or time released stuff in it. Just organic dirt, maybe mix a little peat moss in it. Take care, Marty

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by Rob_Carmichael on September 3, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Depending on the size and sturdiness of the cage just use real rock - there are many places to get them, or, you can find them locally if permitted. I love using the real deal when I can. With our copperhead exhibit, we offer a rock pile, soil/sand/peat/forest humus substrate and a few inches of dead leaves. Add a nice looking water bowl, some old dead tree limbs and voila, one cool looking exhibit.

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by AquaHerp on September 4, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I use Portland cement for my rockwork. It's easy to work and shape. I don't worry about the cement unless I am using it for aquatics. In that event you need to give it a couple weeks to leech out and for your pH to stabilize. DH

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by Cro on September 4, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
While real rock is easy to take in and out of a cage, there are some of us who are driven to be more artistic, and want to create something more permanent. Some of the rockwork exhibits I made with portland cement at the Atlanta Zoo back in 1979 are still in use today. What is that, 30 years ? If someone here asks about how to do concrete rockwork, then it is likely that person is a artistic person, who is wanting to create something unique and more permanent than just putting rocks in a cage. I know Doug appreciates that, as do I. It is worth trying. Some folks have success with it, and some do not. If you choose to do that, you are dedicating a cage to that rockwork for a long, long time. So, do it right, and take your time. Best Regards John Z

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by pictigaster1 on September 5, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I like to use man made stone glued to the walls or thin sliced lime stone cut in to sheets with the natural side out.If you use a water fall let the cage mature a month before adding animals so the bacterea is balanced in the water fall or put a drain on the fall and drain it every day for a few weeks replaceing the water every few days.If you let the water fall bacterea mature you only have to do a partial change weekly.I also love terra forming with portland and acrylic sealer with this you can make your own rocks.I would look in our article section at abilene zoo.See all the cool stuff Doug aka aquaherp did there .The dude is good .

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by Rob_Carmichael on September 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I agree with John, if you have the artistic ability, and want to have fun with it, make your own rocks. I just know that as of now, when I look at rocks in exhibits (including mine), I can tell when its fake and when its real (even on well done displays) - there's just something about the real deal. And, it also allows me to change the look and create exhibit stagnation. But I'm sure once I start pouring my own cement like you guys and give it a whirl, I'll probably get addicted and change my mind:-)

RE: Vivarium for copperheads	Reply
by Cro on September 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Rob, you are right that in a lot of exhibits, it is fairly easy to tell real rocks from fake rockwork. However, that has a lot to do with the skill of the artist. The folks who are really good at it, spend a lot of time creating striations in the rock with tools like tooth brushes, etc. And, of course, you have to also be skilled at painting that portland cement to look like something besides cement. We had a fellow at the Atlanta Zoo, named Denton, who was a extremely skilled artist. He would spend a month painting a background in a cage, and doing the rockwork to match. It was really amazing, and I would say that he was probably one of the most skilled exhibit creators there ever was. It only works with cages that are not going to be moved. The cement, even when dry, weights a lot. However, if you try it, and get good results, it can become very addictive, and you will soon be looking for other cages to modify, LOL. Best Regards John Z

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