back ground help...

[crixus]

I am currently building a custom cage for my Panther out of an old cabinet. I want to do a rock background from foam and then mold the plants into the back ground so nothing is sitting on the ground. 95% of his food keep in mind is in a feeder cup, i dont feed crickets just worms and roaches.

I was wondering if it would be bad to use coconut bark for the foam to give it more of a realistic look? I was worried about him possibly digesting some. Now it will all be stuck to the foam and like I said I basically monitor most of his feedings.

He eats breakfast with me every morning. I hand feed him while I eat mine and then set up worms and roaches in his bowl. I will also put up worms around his catch for him to hunt.

But just wanted to get opinions on this?

 

[scout83]

I've heard coconut bark holds moisture so I would think it would be ok it will help with keeping the humidity where it should be

 

[ridgebax1]

I saw a video on Youtube of someone making a rock wall like that and making places for the plants etc. I cannot remember the name of the person who made it but perhaps if you search you can find it. I thought it turned out really well. I am sorry I cannot remember more, I know she used something to make it look realistic too but cannot remember that either

 

[ChameleonMom]

Honestly I would stay away from the coconut husk or any substrate in your cage, whether on the ground or on the wall. My chams will often lick their lips and one errant lick of the substrate and an impaction can occur. I figure, why risk it?

Google R and J Reptiles. Julia makes fantastic backgrounds with reptile safe materials that look wicked in a cage. You may be able to get some ideas from their website!!

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Coco husk or coco coir will be fine in that context. Once adhered to the foam (best to use foam for the shape then coat with silicone which you press the texture into) it does not come off. I have a few shapes like that in my cham cages and nothing has fallen off. Even scrubbing them doesn't cause it to fall off. I'd suggest using some coco coir, a few pieces of tree bark and some moss - mix it up in different regions on the shape you're covering and it will look much more realistic.