Here is the box we built for Fred this week. Interior is 2.5' x 4' x 18" high. The inside is completely covered in RSP. (?...The plastic stuff..lol) We are going to put wheels on the bottom and still need to construct the top which will consist of 3 separate doors. We were thinking of doing plexi-glass on 2 openings & putting a screen door on one of the ends (or just leaving open). The 3 openings are approx 2.5' x 13". Even after adding the frame to each door, will this be too big of an opening for screening/ventilation?
I bought temperature and humidity dial gauges that are connected together. Where would you suggest putting these in the box. How high/low and which end/center? Also, what do you suggest I run the humidity at? I know they like alot, just not quite sure on a number.
We are also having the problem of Fred trying to climb his hide which is a plastic flower pot I cut in half. The problem is is that every time he does this he tips over. How long can they safely stay on their backs before being righted. He tries and tries but has yet to succeed. It could be just the plastic tote he is in right now, or the poor thing just doesn't have it in him. This is also how I have come to the conclusion that HE is definitely a male. His tail is huge! (and very ugly) Not what I thought a tail would look like at all. My hubby wanted to put a second level at one end, but I'm afraid for Fred. He has it made but I'm not sure it's safe to put in there.
I think my last thing is, is what to use for a substrate if I want to add real plants. Right now we have the coconut fiber. I believe I can just mix in some plain potting/top soil (with the fiber). Putting some earth worms in there would be awesome if they would populate. If it is done this way how often does it need to be changed? Or does everything take care of itself, because of the worms & plants being in there? This is going to be his permanent home since we are here in upper Michigan. It is also in our Family Room. I believe this to be a permanent fixture there. The windows you see behind it are North facing. So the light shouldn't be too much for him. I told my husband after it was completed that we could get rid of the kitchen table & use that instead with some short chairs. LOL
Oh! What would be the best plants to buy and put in there? I figured around 6 or so scattered about with some reinforcement so he can't totally destroy them. Will probably be doing my shopping at Walmart or Meijers also.
Sorry for the length, but I was trying to get it all out so there's not too many posts. I appreciate all your guys help and can't wait to get this completed and set up.
I bought temperature and humidity dial gauges that are connected together. Where would you suggest putting these in the box. How high/low and which end/center? Also, what do you suggest I run the humidity at? I know they like alot, just not quite sure on a number.
We are also having the problem of Fred trying to climb his hide which is a plastic flower pot I cut in half. The problem is is that every time he does this he tips over. How long can they safely stay on their backs before being righted. He tries and tries but has yet to succeed. It could be just the plastic tote he is in right now, or the poor thing just doesn't have it in him. This is also how I have come to the conclusion that HE is definitely a male. His tail is huge! (and very ugly) Not what I thought a tail would look like at all. My hubby wanted to put a second level at one end, but I'm afraid for Fred. He has it made but I'm not sure it's safe to put in there.
I think my last thing is, is what to use for a substrate if I want to add real plants. Right now we have the coconut fiber. I believe I can just mix in some plain potting/top soil (with the fiber). Putting some earth worms in there would be awesome if they would populate. If it is done this way how often does it need to be changed? Or does everything take care of itself, because of the worms & plants being in there? This is going to be his permanent home since we are here in upper Michigan. It is also in our Family Room. I believe this to be a permanent fixture there. The windows you see behind it are North facing. So the light shouldn't be too much for him. I told my husband after it was completed that we could get rid of the kitchen table & use that instead with some short chairs. LOL
Oh! What would be the best plants to buy and put in there? I figured around 6 or so scattered about with some reinforcement so he can't totally destroy them. Will probably be doing my shopping at Walmart or Meijers also.
Sorry for the length, but I was trying to get it all out so there's not too many posts. I appreciate all your guys help and can't wait to get this completed and set up.
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Me also.....
