MissCutiePatootie
Hatchling Member
So, I'm in the middle of designing my boy Malachi a new 4x3x3 home. (Possibly slightly longer if I find the space?) I'm drawing up a rough draft of what I want it to be like and I'll post it either in this thread or a new one soon. This is just the start of my rough draft for those who want to see. https://i.imgur.com/HvIy3nn.png I haven't added much detail to the drawing yet but I'm aiming to make everything reversible/interchangeable and removable while keeping stability and it be visually appealing when removed.
His heat lamps will sit on top of the screen above the second level and maybe a secondary heat light above the third level. I'll mount his UVB fluorescent fixture on the inside of the screen closer to the middle of the tank too as I want this fixture to be easily removable when I take him places with me for more than a day.
So far my idea is to provide multiple levels for exercise (probably 3). I want to make the middle level for basking/UVB. The bottom level for his hides, garden and dig box (maybe just one on one side). The top for his food dish maybe? I was thinking about cutting a hole in the top level fit for the food dish to sit inside so he can't knock it around. My concern with this is he won't think to go to the top for his food though and might discourage him more than enrich his life lol.
So my second idea for the top level (leaning towards this one a lot) is to provide a second basking spot that has no UVB and give him more options for basking. Plus it might help the overall ambient temperature. Won't know for sure until it's made.
I'm still looking for more enrichment ideas. Malachi is let out of his enclosure every day for a few hours but I want his home to be entertaining to him too. All enrichment ideas are welcome! Would love to see photos of other people's setups for inspiration or any tips/ideas on building. For example what to do to prevent the top from bowing in the middle. I seen one suggestion was to use a support bracket to help support the top to keep it visually appealing and open.
His heat lamps will sit on top of the screen above the second level and maybe a secondary heat light above the third level. I'll mount his UVB fluorescent fixture on the inside of the screen closer to the middle of the tank too as I want this fixture to be easily removable when I take him places with me for more than a day.
So far my idea is to provide multiple levels for exercise (probably 3). I want to make the middle level for basking/UVB. The bottom level for his hides, garden and dig box (maybe just one on one side). The top for his food dish maybe? I was thinking about cutting a hole in the top level fit for the food dish to sit inside so he can't knock it around. My concern with this is he won't think to go to the top for his food though and might discourage him more than enrich his life lol.
So my second idea for the top level (leaning towards this one a lot) is to provide a second basking spot that has no UVB and give him more options for basking. Plus it might help the overall ambient temperature. Won't know for sure until it's made.
I'm still looking for more enrichment ideas. Malachi is let out of his enclosure every day for a few hours but I want his home to be entertaining to him too. All enrichment ideas are welcome! Would love to see photos of other people's setups for inspiration or any tips/ideas on building. For example what to do to prevent the top from bowing in the middle. I seen one suggestion was to use a support bracket to help support the top to keep it visually appealing and open.