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Post by joseph2 on Jan 3, 2005 11:55:52 GMT -8
Hi all. I just replaced the window screen in Zilla's habitat with 1/2 inch hardware cloth. I was advised to do this because Uvb passes through this stuff better than the screening. Now that that's done, I have a major concern. I read in my vet techs manual for exotics that hardware cloth is NOT to be used when housing birds because it can cause toxic lead problems. Seeing that avians and reptiles are closely related, I wonder if anyone has heard or had problems with this. It mentions nothing in the reptile section about this, but it's kind of funny that one of the outcomes of the lead toxcicity is diahrrea. Zilla has been pooping several times a day lately. Very rare for him. I'm not sure whether to attribute this to his being in season or if there is a connection here. It could also be the change of season or it could be nothing. Thanks.
Joe
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Post by Merlin on Jan 3, 2005 14:54:13 GMT -8
The regular uncoated hardware cloth is dangerous to igs. I have never heard any reference to lead but this stuff is notorious for cutting off iggy toes. Thats not to say there isn't a lead problem. It may be that it is more prevalent with birds due to their susceptablity to toxins (the old canary in the coal mine bit). Especially with hookbills since they chew on everything and use their beaks to climb around.
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Post by joseph2 on Jan 4, 2005 7:53:45 GMT -8
Hey Merlin. In which way is the uncoated dangerous? And how do I know if I have the coated or the uncoated? And since were on the subject, is there another alternative to this stuff in which I can use for Zillas windows (I have the cloth at his windows now and now I'm scared he might cut off his fingers) and for the top for the UV lights?
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Post by Merlin on Jan 4, 2005 10:47:38 GMT -8
The regular hardware cloth is just bare galvanized wire and, particularly with larger igs, can act in the same way a cheese slicer does. The thin wire cuts the toes. There is a type of hardware cloth that has a plastic coating on it that cushions it that is widely used. i beleive its called powdercoat. There is also a type of nylon netting some use,. I beleive they get it at places that deal with watergardens and goldfish pools. For the tops I use welded wire mesh. It is a lot stronger wire so it is a bit more difficult to work with. The wire itself is about 1/16 of an inch thick and the openings are 1/2 by 1 inch. This is plenty big enough to let the UVB through. This stuff is tough enough that I couldn't kick my way through it. And I am not a little guy! It will more than support your lights and heating equipment just laying on top of it.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Jan 4, 2005 14:15:31 GMT -8
There's also hardware cloth that looks coated, but it's just painted (duh... I guess it is coated, just not with plastic) The mesh Merlin was talking about can be found here: www.internetplastic.com/aquaculture.htmI asked them to mail me samples, and they sent me a great package of stuff: several small samples similar to what I requested, and a large sample of the specific item number I'm interested in using for Gil's new enclosure. The other great thing is that they sell it by lengths or full rolls. |
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Post by prism_wolf on Jan 10, 2005 11:08:33 GMT -8
The stuff Steph just asked for a package from is the stuff I've been using for 2 years now. Really good stuff and holds up in direct weather very nicely whereas the plastic hardware cloth from the garden dept. has a very short life span before it starts to deteriorate.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Jan 10, 2005 12:01:37 GMT -8
Hey V, do you think a 3/4" mesh is better than a 1 1/4" mesh? Either size will be able to contain Gil, but what other factors should I be concerned about? I'll be using this for his outdoor enclosure and the door of his indoor enclosure.
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Post by prism_wolf on Jan 10, 2005 13:21:06 GMT -8
The size mesh is mostly a preference for you. The smaller the mesh the less visibility there is through it...though it is still easy to see at 3/4"...the space between 1 1/4" is even better. I also use the diamond pattern. It's easier for Zair to climb than the square pattern.
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Post by Cyndi on Jan 10, 2005 16:27:33 GMT -8
Thanks for the heads up Merlin.
When we built our enclosure (before I found IZ), everything I read recommended hardware cloth because the toes can't get caught in it (like chicken wire).
We used 1/2 inch mesh, and I have noticed spots that Kyo has already bent, and he's not all that big yet!
Cyndi
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Jan 10, 2005 21:01:29 GMT -8
I was planning to use the diamond pattern too... because I thought it would look better; I'm glad you mentioned that it would be easier for Gil to climb though. Silly me, thinking about what looks good, not what's functional!
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