Caves for Sale (US)
Caves for Sale (US)
Hi all,
I've been looking about for somewhere to get slate caves in the states, but didn't find many places that had what I wanted. So, I decided to try my hand at making a few caves like those so often seen on this site.
I've already had a few inquiries, so I'll be making a lot more depending on interest. The ones in the pictures were made using natural slate, and conform to the dimensions most commonly used for H. zebra, though it does vary a bit because the thickness of the slate isn't uniform from tile to tile.
Here are some of the results:
Val
I've been looking about for somewhere to get slate caves in the states, but didn't find many places that had what I wanted. So, I decided to try my hand at making a few caves like those so often seen on this site.
I've already had a few inquiries, so I'll be making a lot more depending on interest. The ones in the pictures were made using natural slate, and conform to the dimensions most commonly used for H. zebra, though it does vary a bit because the thickness of the slate isn't uniform from tile to tile.
Here are some of the results:
Val
Hey Val,
You got some nice caves there. You might want to try using thinner slate tiles if you can find them as you'll find that the sides top and bottom fit nicer, it's also easier to work with the thinner stuff. That said I'm sure zebras are not so picky so long as the internal dimensions are correct .
Adam
You got some nice caves there. You might want to try using thinner slate tiles if you can find them as you'll find that the sides top and bottom fit nicer, it's also easier to work with the thinner stuff. That said I'm sure zebras are not so picky so long as the internal dimensions are correct .
Adam
Thanks Adam It's pretty much luck of the draw with the natural stuff, as the thickness varies quite a bit even in the same box. But I am looking around for something that will give a more uniform look. That first lot was a bit wonky I know, but again, that's due to the uneven surface of the natural slate and I'm going to try to correct it down the road
No problem Val . Don't worry they are a hundred times better than my first attempt at making slate caves or caverns as I called them . If you want to have a laugh search the threads and you'll find a picture of them.
I know it's a bit wasteful but I discard the thicker slate tiles and use only the thinner ones. You can always use the thicker tiles for the top and bottom panels of the caves and the thinner tiles for the side panels. That way I find that it doesn't throw your measurements out so much, just a thought.
Adam
I know it's a bit wasteful but I discard the thicker slate tiles and use only the thinner ones. You can always use the thicker tiles for the top and bottom panels of the caves and the thinner tiles for the side panels. That way I find that it doesn't throw your measurements out so much, just a thought.
Adam
- jerms55555
- Obsessed!!
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- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:50 pm
- Location: Los Angeles
Hi Adam,
No, I haven't been able to find any of the roofing slate yet. Actually, the people that I've sent caves to so far seem to like the thicker slate than the ones I've made with the thinner pieces. It's still a pain to work with, but I'm using a jig for the internal dimensions now and I silicone the slate around it. It makes for more consistent results, if not entirely negating the surface irregularities. I'm still looking for something that will be easier to work with, but in the mean time, my males like the ones I've made for them, so something's going right
Val
No, I haven't been able to find any of the roofing slate yet. Actually, the people that I've sent caves to so far seem to like the thicker slate than the ones I've made with the thinner pieces. It's still a pain to work with, but I'm using a jig for the internal dimensions now and I silicone the slate around it. It makes for more consistent results, if not entirely negating the surface irregularities. I'm still looking for something that will be easier to work with, but in the mean time, my males like the ones I've made for them, so something's going right
Val
If you've found a system that works for you then stick with it. My caves are a mixture of the thicker and thinner sided ones. Like I said before the male zebras have no preference and use either type of cave. The only real benefits of using the thinner slate as you have noticed is that it's easier to work with, it also cuts down on postage costs as they are lighter.
Adam
Adam
I agree entirely. The only real reason I'm still looking for thinner pieces is for aesthetics at this point. The thick ones weigh a lot more, but I can fit eight in a USPS flat rate box for just under $8 regardless of weight. So using the thinner slate wouldn't save anything at all on shipping actually.
Val
Val