Two-storey hide...

[Geck-O]

I made this for Stripes. He really likes it. The flash from my camera makes the colour of the hide look bad. It looks better in person. I was really excited because this is the first time I used styrafoam and grout to make something for Stripes. It took about a week to finish this. I didn't know which pics to put so I put all of them. Sorry for the big pics.

Front

Sides

Top

Back

This is the stairs Stripes uses to go to the second floor. I like it because it really looks like a rock.

This is where the stairs goes...

BTW, I have a problem with this hide. I let it air for about 3 days then I put it in. The next day, I opend it and there was a very strong 'paint' smell coming from the hide so I took it out. Should I air it for a longer time? Another problem I have is the the paint sort of stains my hand (just a little) when I touch it even though the hide is dry. Although I don't see any stains on Stripes. I used child-safe paint to paunt the hide so I should be safe right?

 

[hybrid]

Try washing it off first. Then air it out for another 3 days. I always place things in a closet before i place them in a cage to see if there is a paint smell coming from them. It helps me smell it when i open the door so this situation doesnt happen

 

[Dom3rd]

Thats a neat idea i like the two story aspect!!

 

[GeckoGathering]

Two Story

BTW, I have a problem with this hide. I let it air for about 3 days then I put it in. The next day, I opened it and there was a very strong 'paint' smell coming from the hide so I took it out. Should I air it for a longer time? Another problem I have is the the paint sort of stains my hand (just a little) when I touch it even though the hide is dry. Although I don't see any stains on Stripes. I used child-safe paint to paint the hide so I should be safe right?

Cute Job, very natural looking.
But Safe is the first consideration.
You sound as if you care for Stripes a lot.
If you smell the paint and it comes off on
your hand that is not a good sign it is ready for a gecko
in a confined area. Let it cure longer and see
what happens. It could be the primary layers before
the paint were not dry. You may have had an oil base paint.
Slow drying, more toxic, stronger smell.
Latex (water base) would be safer.
As far as CHILD PROOF
that may need more information to see what it describes.
IMO the manufacture of all the materials used should be
contacted, before thinking they will not be toxic for our little friends.
I don't think I need to mention how you will feel if bad things happen
and you didn't check. Take care. HJ

 

[Nancy]

Did you seal the hide after painting, etc.? The paint may be coming off because it needs to be sealed.