Wooden viv

[kippen]

Been gone for a while! Hopefully get back into it now but was wondering if anybody has experience in keeping snails in wooden vivariums... not real wood ones but those coated chipboard ones that you can buy with glass sliding doors. Think they look really good and can get much larger sizes for cheaper than glass tanks with front doors but not sure how well they'll cope with the higher humidity. Any advice would be much appreciated:)

[kippen]

Oh and side note... I am still looking for companions for my lonely Barney so if anybody in the Uk has or knows where I can get healthy, non pet shop achatina fulica - preferably with delivery option - i would be grateful

[picklepies]

Hello, we used to use a vivexotic Viv, we coated it with polyurethane and aquarium sealent to super seal it and it worked quite well we had a bit of a problem with lighting, but we had very little in the way if tools back then, I'm sure with a drill, staple gun, etc it's be pretty easy to set up some led lighting
I have seen people using a mesh part with a heat bulb suspended over it to light and heat the tank, so that's always an option too! X

[Borini.]

It would have to be high quality wood and be treated extensively. I've read on Reptileforums.co.uk that people have kept Chinese Water Dragons (requiring high heat/ humidity), in wooden vivs in the past although many exercise caution with wood deforming and/or rotting. I'd advise starting there to see if you can get a good quality make.

I myself have only ever kept GALS in plastic tubs and glass terrarium (a nightmare to maintain high temperature - I imagine a viv would be the opposite!) so wouldn't feel comfortable giving you any concrete advice.

Do let us know your findings as its something I'm curious of.

Found this quote online if its of any guidance.

If you decide to build your own enclosure over buying a pre-made one please make the enclosure with non toxic ingredients. Plywood is fine, plexiglass is okay- but it will scratch easily. If you use wood in your construction polyurethane the wood to water proof it. Water based polyurethane's are the best ones to use as far as having less toxic fumes however water based urethane's can still take 30 days or longer to cure. Latex and oil- based coatings will take even longer! If you polyurethane though, please keep in mind that it will need to air out for a week to a month before you use it (and when you put your heat sources in take a good smell again since when it heats up more toxic fumes may be released!) and up to 30 days or more if you really want to be sure that all of the toxic fumes will be gone! If you use silicone to seal the enclosure use a brand that clearly states that it is aquarium safe, others are too toxic to herps. Water based latex paints are okay but again the enclosure must have time to air out. You don't want to kill your new pet!

from www.triciaswaterdragon.com/enclosur.htm

[kippen]

Super helpful thanks! I'll look into it some more but sounds like it could definitely work with a bit of modification... would also be something that would need preparing well in advance of putting residents in so good job they've already got a permanent set up ... was considering it as a future upgrade and so far seems like it will be well in the future but will keep you updated on progress as feel like it would work really well if I can find a way to get it to work!

[kippen]

Managed to pick up a decent sized second hand wooden viv that I've cleaned up to nearly good as new! Got some aquarium sealant too so just need to wait for some nice weather so I can start waterproofing!

Also, I went to an amazing entomological Fayre this weekend gone and finally picked up a couple of snaily friends for Barney. I've named them Winnie and Java, but they're still only young, around 4cm, so would they be ok with Barney who's fully grown at just under 14cm? Or would they be better waiting until they're a bit bigger?

[jolovessnailies]

That viv will look great when it is done Kippen love. Could you please tell me where the insect fair is? Since I have moved to Cornwall I haven't seen any advertised and when I lived in the Midlands I used to go all the time. I don't think they come to the south west but I would be willing to travel a bit because I really love them.

Hugs
Jo xx

[kippen]

They are good! It's only the second one I've been to but trying to get more involved in the community as it's a very specific interest so other than the people you meet there, there's no one I know to share the love of inverts with!!

It was one of the Midlands Entomological Fayres ... just outside of Newark, at the dukeries leasure centre. They're next one isn't until 3rd December. But there is one in Warwickshire on 31st May run by the British tarantula society and one in Birmingham on the 1st July

[jolovessnailies]

Thanks Kippen love, I know we are going to have to travel for the next one but I just want to find out where the nearest one would be. Possibly somewhere like Bristol. Yes it is a very specialised interest but the ones I went to were always packed. I wish I had friends around here who love inverts, Paul shows an interest bless him but he is not like me over them.

Hugs
Jo xx

[picklepies]

Hi Jo, I know exactly what you mean! I love the slimy sausages,and whilst Gareth does like them, he's Valery much of the mind they're mine lol. I'd be pretty interested in an insect fair too!
I'm glad you've managed to find Barney dome friends Kippen, I've always kept mine together regardless of size, and I've never had ant problems hope the Viv waterproofing goes okay! X

[jolovessnailies]

Hi Picklepies love. Yes, I do the feeding, spot cleaning, glass cleaning and water everyday for the snailies. Paul does however help me when we have to have a clean/squeeze out. He takes half the soil away and I squeeze the rest dry and place it back into the tank. I could not stand and shovel coir, it hurts when I stand for any length of time and have to keep resting when I squeeze the remaining soil. I have just contacted the Amateur Entomological Society who I am going to join and they have told me of an event on the 18 June in Bristol. Still a fair drive but I will go. It is two days after my 60th birthday too so it will be a treat for me.

Hugs
Jo xx

[kippen]

Well I'm back! ...again
The viv is finished! And although still lacking in the way of decor that doesn't bother the snailies so I moved the trio in today and gave them a massive welcome meal of all their fave foods to help them settle! They absolutely love it... but it's so big it makes them look small! Might have to consider expanding the group a bit more I'm sure they wouldn't mind

Wanted to upload pics but won't let me... file to large or something. But for any of u who can, follow instagram @kippenskritters, the pics of the snails r up there, a long with plenty of the other critters living with us right now don't worry it's not my own private account it my 'business' account using the term business lightly as it's not official... but am in the beginnings/planning of an exotic and small animal rescue (which is my dream) so more awareness would be great... not that I'm using this for promotion or anything

[jolovessnailies]

I am glad the viv is finished and I hope the little snailies appreciate what a great mom they have lol! I really do not like tackling photos on here or any other forum Kppen love, I always end up getting in a dreadful muddle. Why you can't just copy them from your PC is a mystery to me. Good luck with the rescue hunni, that is a wonderful thing to do. You must keep us updated. I would send a donation if I were able to. I find it hard to discern which foods my snailies like best as they all like different things, which ensures of course that they get plenty of everything. Clever little snailies.

Hugs
Jo xx

[kippen]

Hehe 😂 they sure do know how to get what they want from us.

Thank you and I will keep you updated on rescue progress as best I can... need to build more of a name for myself as someone able to take on unwanted or mistreated exotics then hopefully either register as a charity, or if there's enough animals that need a place to go expand and open as a rescue zoo! But that's quite a long term goal 😊

[jolovessnailies]

Yes love, do you ever get the impression that you are not the boss in your house LOL? I think becoming a charity is quite expensive as friends of ours looked into it when they started their sanctuary. Good luck anyway hun. I hope you start it soon and are able to help lots of little ones in need. Please keep me posted if you can. I will probably be able to help sometimes albeit in a small way.

Hugs
Jo xx