CORK TUBES!
The cork tubes were from a local aquatics where luckily they charge by WEIGHT and not per piece like many shops have started to do!....don't get me wrong...at £11.90 per kg (prices vary by kg per shop...mines pretty steep compared to others), it can be expensive BUT IMO cheaper than if they were individually priced and kitting more than one enclosure. These will not only give extra hiding but will also provide additional roughness to each enclosure to aid with shedding. :)
Why the new decor? apart from the cork bark just being awesome? :P
Mainly two reasons as to be honest, i should be finishing off getting hatchling enclosures (now moved to next month as i do have 4 ready to go with the first clutch only cooking for 5 weeks)...
I wanted to provide more climbing in various positions than the bamboo currently has to offers, this will add mental stimulation, more sturdy climbing places and more choice in hiding spots as this has become more limited since changing to fake plants.
Next.....needing more rough materials to aid with shedding since changing from gathered oak to the smooth and lovely looking bamboo...there is such a thing as too smooth (they did have some small bits of cork already) and i think i hit that line a month ago. Though i've not had to have much input with helping the gang, it is proving troublesome if they dirty their foot pads. Which in turn is hindering them sticking to smooth objects.
I think they are valid reasons and justify the shopping trip nicely ;)
For the off the ground hides i cut a section of each the tubes and then threaded sturdy, undyed string through both the tube and enclosure mesh. I WAS going to be looking at Whole coconuts for this purpose, but me being me...i like to cut shopping trips short, not to mention couldn't be arsed with the ferry over to Portsmouth for them lol!
For any cork bark i buy i do like to give the underside/inside a very good rub down to dislodge any loose bits and knock any sharp bits out! not all tubes are nice and relatively smooth inside, I used a washing up brush (not used for the dishes!!! :P ) as it's slim enough to be able to fit and great for the job!
And here is the aftermath! :)
Now don't disappoint me amigos...if i'm not trying for all thats holy to remove poop from inside them tubes....your doing it wrong!
Cup of tea time!!