Viv for life?

[Lorcan!]

Well, Im getting more and more ready for getting a Royal Python everyday!
But while I have a lot of things sorted, a Viv isn't one of them.
My Dad still hasn't told me whether or not I can actually get the snake, but he has said that he will help me build a viv for it! (I know there is NO logic in that, but what can you do?)
I realise that you need to change the size of the viv as they grow, but as I will probably have to spend a lot of money having frozen food sent here or going to collect it (I live in Shetland, but Im fully aware of all problems and I have found solutions to them all, so dont start worrying for me or the snake!), I was thinking, to save money, could I just build a full size viv for an adult Royal and then just corner it off, and slowly remove barriers as the snake grows?
I was thinking of makeing one with a wooden frame and a (glass or perspex? which is better?) front that acts as a sliding door.
Is this a good idea? or would it have some sort of negative impact on the snake?
Thanks for any feedback that can be given

[stephenie191]

You could build the viv arium and when the royal arrives just put a big cardboard box in one end so the viv seems smaller to it.

Dividers would work yes

[Lorcan!]

oh good!
Thanks!
Yeah, Ill start looking at sizes and stuff soon, then ill draw up some plans and stuff on autoCAD!
With my average archetect skills and my dads joinery skills, we should have a great viv up and running in no time!
Now onto the convincing him to let me actually get the snake bit . . .

[TomNocturnal]

Im currently looking at building a viv measuring 6ft x 6ft x 2ft - which is split into two down the middle, so each snake will have a 3ft x 6ft x 2ft viv. My two (well, one at the moment) Jungle Carpets will be living in there, but at present, are way too small.
So, what im doing, is sectioning off each half again, into 1/4s - giving four 3ft x 3ft x 2ft vivs. As each side will have its own heating and lighting, ill be putting the snakes into the two top 1/4s, so that when they get big enough, i can remove the 'floor' and dont have to re-jig any lighting/heating.

My reason for doing this was because i want to build my own viv, but not have to rebuild (and waste money) in 'x' months.

I also looked at converting a unit from IKEA. They are dead cheap and come with all the wood. Providing you or your dad has a small amount of joining/carpentry skills, you can put a solid back on, and some glass in the front. Easy as pie. at relatively cheap cost - not too sure if there's an IKEA on Shetland, thought!

Ill be starting to build mine tomorrow i think, ill be posting pics, so if you need any help or ideas...

[Bar1]

my royal was put straight into his 3 foot viv when i got him and have never had a problem with him him/her. if you do that just make sure your viv has alot of fake plants an hides ive heard that seems to work

james

[Fangio]

Originally Posted by Bar1

my royal was put straight into his 3 foot viv when i got him and have never had a problem with him him/her. if you do that just make sure your viv has alot of fake plants an hides ive heard that seems to work

james

I did the same when i first got my male, he was approx. 3 months old at the time and he was fine in there. Not all will be though.

[Lorcan!]

Originally Posted by TomNocturnal

I also looked at converting a unit from IKEA. They are dead cheap and come with all the wood. Providing you or your dad has a small amount of joining/carpentry skills, you can put a solid back on, and some glass in the front. Easy as pie. at relatively cheap cost - not too sure if there's an IKEA on Shetland, thought!

Ill be starting to build mine tomorrow i think, ill be posting pics, so if you need any help or ideas...

HA! I wish there was an IKEA here, but no, we have boots, the co-op, summerfeild and, erm yeah, i think thats it as far as mainstream goes. But thats a great Idea!
Ill go look there and have one sent up here (we have no problem having things sent up here, as long as its not some sort of animal)! then Ill just have to reinforce and get glass right?
Is Glass or Perspex better?
Some pics would be great!
Also, I don't want to risk putting him right into a full size viv without it being cornered off because as Fangio says, not all will be so happy with it.

[o0oTonyo0o]

Would you have to use dividers or could you set a large viv up with plenty of foliage and hiding places etc?

[Lorcan!]

Originally Posted by o0oTonyo0o

Would you have to use dividers or could you set a large viv up with plenty of foliage and hiding places etc?

Me personally? Im going to use dividers with lots of foilage, but as advice? I dont know sorry as I dont have any experience yet sorry.

[Dan1]

If you have enough hides and plants etc then you can put him/her straight into the big viv. They need to feel secure so maybe a shelf for him/her to hide under or climb on would be good as the height bay be intimadating at first, but at night you will find that he/she will be all over the place and will make the most of any room. Perspex or glass, Perspex can get scratched a little easier than glass and will hold heat a little better but its really up to you, if you get glass go for toughened stuff just to be on the safe side.

Dan