Limb sizes for branches

[davemailcall]

Here is a fun silly little question. My girlfriend is concerned that some limbs may be to big around for my veiled to get a proper grip to climb on. I've seen various sizes in pet stores and online. Right now I'm using the fake vines that come in 4 ft lengths and a few others that are slightly larger.

So the question is, whats a good rule of thumb in deciding how big (or small) of a branch to put in there? And when I say big, I mean circumference not length.

 

[wow]

there should be a large range of branches for him to grip and exercise his feet on i have seen my panther scale a 2/4 without any help so i wouldent worry about it.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I agree.

-Brad

 

[Ren]

Only problem I could see it that if the large stick, branch or whatever is slick or smooth, then you could use one of the small sized fake vines and wrap the large one with it, or some sort of rope?? Just an idea.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

It's a good idea.
I believe the goal should be similar to a zoo's.
Provide the animal with challenges that not only
simulate it's environment but provide it with exercise and mental stimulation.
We create habitats that are generally about 2 feet by 4 feet...pretty small territory. In my opinion, providing elements of mental and physical
enrichment is a no brainer...it must happen!
Plus the enclosures look so much cooler!!!
The same applies to keeping and offering a wide variety of feeders.
They're not all the most nutritious...but they provide new challenges, variety, and again ...mental stimulation.

-Brad

 

[Ren]

What do you think of dangling rope? Will they climb something no so stable or perhaps use it to cross vines or paths...?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

As much as these guys are monkeys, it has not been my experience that they appreciate or enjoy swinging
I think rope that does not have any kind of coating on it (from the manufacturer) can be a great vine.
Personally, I would secure it at both ends.
A while back Heika posted a DIY thread on vines she was making herself with
rope and some kind of silicone caulking (i think...???) and peat and cocofiber ...maybe?
They were cool...although , I think, kind of messy to create.
Do a search...it's a great project and really gives you a chance to customize
the branches...I haven't done it, but I might! Kitty's getting a new enclosure soon.

-Brad

 

[Ren]

I saw on a DIY show on HGTV once a guy making his own fake bonsai trees using apiece of driftwood for the based and then using bunches of floral wire to twist and turn the branches then wrapping the wire with a brown floral tape and finally adding needles, and or leaves of fake plants as well to choose the type of tree you want to build , and to finish it all off he used a hobby glue on one side of the tree and applied a fake green moss to it, the whole thing looked really neat and you could build it as big as you wanted and as fancy but i havent been able to catch the show on again or find anything on it to get a few more pointers to try this myself... but it sounds fun. kinda like a tree model