Naturalistic setup for Tiger Hissers

[scottyk]

As in the title. I'm wanting to move my Tiger Hissers out of the bare bones setup they are in, and into something a bit nicer and more attractive. Anyone have any tips, comments or pics on this?

Right now I'm leaning towards putting down about 1/2" of substrate and adding a messy pile of cork slabs for them to live in.....

Suggestions and ideas are appreciated...

Scott

 

[8 leg wonder]

A pile of rotten leaves will be natual and provide a constant food source as well

 

[Rochelle]

Convoluted mopani wood looks great in a natural set up for these guys, as well as silk plants. Use peat for your substrate or co-co; both will work fine. They climb glass so make sure you still use bug-barrier.
We'd love to see pics of your finished project.
We keep a natural-type set up of E.posticus in our living room, and they never cease to be interesting and a great conversation starter for new visitors.
As for leaves - they prefer Oaks or Maples. Just make sure they aren't exposed to pollutants, like car exhaust and pesticides. (used in parks). Also - try to use dried leaves - not fresh green ones. They will rot and cause issues of their own.
Hope this helped.

 

[scottyk]

Thanks for the replies, and I will get some pics up. Here is one shot I took just to show what they look like. They are so beautiful, I thought they needed a nice enclosure to match...

Here in Oregon, clean leaves and wood are not a problem. 90% of the state is uninhabited, wild and pristine. I'd be more likely to have to worry about a mountain lion grabbing me while collecting than pesticides on the leaves

10 minutes out of town, it looks like this.....

 

[IguanaMama]

Hi,
I've kept my hissers in a naturalistic setting for years. I think you got really good advice, so i don't have much to add, except that it does work! They thrive and breed pretty much the same as in the more conventional set-up. Good luck!!!

 

[Rochelle]

That does it...I'm moving to Oregon!
What a beautiful picture....:clap:

 

[scottyk]

Ok- Got it all done....

I picked up a 50qt Sterlite Lockable, and added a huge screen vent to the lid.

Then added about 1/2" of Eco Earth. I'm going to mist just one side of the substrate, and am adding some moss and water crystals. This should create several humidity gradients throughout the enclosure.

Now for the decor. I layered some cork bark and grapevine to create lots of nooks at various levels. When the colony grows I'll add another piece or two. I finished it off with some terrarium moss, a silk plant and food/water. I'm going to add some oak leaves this weekend as a final touch...

Here are a couple of shots of the two biggest males in the group, and the finished product.

Enjoy!