New DIY hides

AReaHerps

Arachnopeon
Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
15
I've been lurking for a while but I wanted to at least contribute a little bit. I normally make my own perches for my arboreal snakes out of torched PVC. I was looking for some inexpensive but cool looking hides for some of my Ts. Here you go. Hope you guys like them. Let me know if you try and like it.
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I have these inside my head 2 pulchripes cages and inside my 3 albopilosum cages. Pics shown are my pulchripes.

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SamuraiSid

Arachnodemon
Joined
Sep 30, 2010
Messages
758
...... Are you sure those pics arent of your albopilosum?? I've never seen a juvie pulchripes so I honestly dont know, and not experienced enoguh to say for sure......


I really like your hides. Simple, cheap and fantastic looking!!!! That second pic looks like chipping or peeling of the first layer of pvc. Does it ever flake off?
Again, truly awesome looking stuff, man. I intend on using this for all my future hides.
 

SamuraiSid

Arachnodemon
Joined
Sep 30, 2010
Messages
758
I imagine a whole tube would slightly resemble bamboo, and that would look great and no mold!!!!
 

AReaHerps

Arachnopeon
Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
15
...... Are you sure those pics arent of your albopilosum?? I've never seen a juvie pulchripes so I honestly dont know, and not experienced enoguh to say for sure......
I really like your hides. Simple, cheap and fantastic looking!!!! That second pic looks like chipping or peeling of the first layer of pvc. Does it ever flake off?
Again, truly awesome looking stuff, man. I intend on using this for all my future hides.
You made me think way too hard! You're right...these two are in fact albopilosum. Sorry guys. I really should have known. OOPS!
No flaking! Some tips below

that is so retardedly simple its perfect, whole tube for pokie?
Haaaa haaaa haaaa!!! Indeed. You could definitely do a whole tube but then you would NEVER see it...EVER! I would say still cut it half and when torching it, it creates extra texture to the plastic which would help it with it's webbing.

Basically here is what I do.
Select PVC size
Cut it in half
Get a tub with some cold water and a rough rag
Quickly torch random areas of the cut pieces
(torch only 1 side at a time otherwise plastic gets too warm and becomes too flexible)
If you want to flex it and create really funky shapes then warm it up and get some pliers and pull/twist
Let them cool and torch the other side
Let them cool
If you want to create multiple "layers" of torching then torch, cool, torch
When you are done with your last torch "layer' then quickly dunk in the tub and start rubbing the pieces with the rag taking off all flakes and burnt pieces.
Dry them and ummmmm...you're done! As was said...retardedly simple!

---------- Post added 04-13-2012 at 09:03 PM ----------

I imagine a whole tube would slightly resemble bamboo, and that would look great and no mold!!!!
Exactly! No mold...ever! :)
 

SamuraiSid

Arachnodemon
Joined
Sep 30, 2010
Messages
758
Thanks for this AReaHerp, you've got my head spinning with ideas!:)

And welcome to AB.
 

grayzone

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 17, 2011
Messages
2,461
should probably point out WEAR A MASK and avoid breathing fumes.... hate to be a buzz kill.... other than that im for it. they look nice, are cheap and mold free, PLUS YA GET TO PLAY WITH FIRE lol what more can a guy ask for???
 

hydrophyte

Arachnoknight
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
180
Be very careful doing that. When burned PVC releases dioxins and furans, which are some of the worst toxins in the whole world. I don't know if very much toxin residue might accumulate on the burned material.
 

AReaHerps

Arachnopeon
Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
15
Be very careful doing that. When burned PVC releases dioxins and furans, which are some of the worst toxins in the whole world. I don't know if very much toxin residue might accumulate on the burned material.
Yes. I should have mentioned that all of this should be completed outside. Honestly I assumed it was understood if you're using fire. I know people that have used this method for perches for snakes and other animals for years. I've had mine with my Ts for quite some time. The only time the toxins are released are during the torching process. When the plastic has been cooled, cleaned, and cleaned again all remnants of toxins are gone.

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grayzone

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 17, 2011
Messages
2,461
Yes. I should have mentioned that all of this should be completed outside. Honestly I assumed it was understood if you're using fire. I know people that have used this method for perches for snakes and other animals for years. I've had mine with my Ts for quite some time. The only time the toxins are released are during the torching process. When the plastic has been cooled, cleaned, and cleaned again all remnants of toxins are gone.

Sent from my Android Tapatalk App!
youre right with assuming people SHOULD THINK you meant this for an outside project, thats how I TOOK IT... i thought it more suitable to add WEAR A MASK.. outside or not those fumes (also the burnoff and fumes from a torch) CANT BE GOOD for you.. as hydro mentioned..
 

cj5y

Arachnopeon
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
27
I never thought about this. I've always loved using PVC hides but it looks so darn tacky. This is a great way to give that natural look.
 

hoffcass17

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 10, 2012
Messages
7
Freaking genius! Yay. I was just thinking about redecorating my cages. Now I have a good excuse...
 

poisoned

Arachnodemon
Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
690
youre right with assuming people SHOULD THINK you meant this for an outside project, thats how I TOOK IT... i thought it more suitable to add WEAR A MASK.. outside or not those fumes (also the burnoff and fumes from a torch) CANT BE GOOD for you.. as hydro mentioned..
Burnoff and fumes from torch are nothing compared to what comes out of car exhaust system. But I agree, wearing a mask would be safer option, especially because of burning PVC.
 

MSpear

Arachnopeon
Joined
Feb 24, 2013
Messages
12
Thanks for sharing! What an awesome idea! So happy to have a project this weekend!
 

Heckboy

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jul 1, 2011
Messages
28
And I was just looking at some extra chunks of PVC pipe at work today...
I wonder how this would look with black pipe. Probably pretty sharp.
Great post, thank you!
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
17,851
This is really cool! I may try this.

Also, if you wanted to bend it, you can heat up sand, and fill the pipe with sand. Alternatively, to prevent a hollow tube's walls from collapsing against each other, you can fill it with sand, and then warm up the walls.
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
17,851
I want to know if anyone has tried doing what the OP has done, and tips beyond what OP mentioned? OP hasn't been here in a year. Thanks!

---------- Post added 12-20-2013 at 12:47 AM ----------

I want to know if anyone has tried doing what the OP has done, and tips beyond what OP mentioned? OP hasn't been here in a year. Thanks!
 
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