Corrugated pipe ramp?

[Magilla504]

When I creates my tubes out of corrugated pipe, I actually reshaped them a little. I used a diameter that was plenty big for my little Russians. Then I heated the sides and pressed the pipe down gently. Once the plastic cooled it was a an oval shape instead of the circle. I did it by myself but another person would be very helpful

 

[leigti]

When I creates my tubes out of corrugated pipe, I actually reshaped them a little. I used a diameter that was plenty big for my little Russians. Then I heated the sides and pressed the pipe down gently. Once the plastic cooled it was a an oval shape instead of the circle. I did it by myself but another person would be very helpful

How did you heat it? L

 

[Russianuncletwo]

Just jumping in here, a little off subject, but as traction came up, one of the best and cheapest items for ramps (temporary as well) and to cover slippery areas, also can be draped over half-logs are those thin, black HomeDepot "carpeted" floor mats that go for a little over $2.00. My male RT climbs on them better than any pet item texture I've seen. It's more durable than reptile carpet, cheaper, larger, pretty clean-able and w/rubber bottom, no liquids go through. Hope this lights up an idea for the tubing subject!

 

[leigti]

Just jumping in here, a little off subject, but as traction came up, one of the best and cheapest items for ramps (temporary as well) and to cover slippery areas, also can be draped over half-logs are those thin, black HomeDepot "carpeted" floor mats that go for a little over $2.00. My male RT climbs on them better than any pet item texture I've seen. It's more durable than reptile carpet, cheaper, larger, pretty clean-able and w/rubber bottom, no liquids go through. Hope this lights up an idea for the tubing subject!

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to have to go spend some quality time at Home Depot. I know there are some easy solution to all of this but I'm just not handy enough to figure it out.

 

[Russianuncletwo]

I'm not handy either, but that didn't stop me from finding just the right thing at HomeDepot this month. I can't nail, screw, glue, etc.! I wanted a movable and dismant-able extra part time outdoor enclosure, more like a drop pen. I got four 6' long "common boards", 8" high, about 5/8" thick, got 4 corner clamps (under $10 each) and put this thing together in minutes. Small as it is, my female likes to nibble the grass and weeds, when my male is in it, he'll spend up to two hours roaming and climbing the "props", hides and ReptiBowl I put in. Sometimes I can't be out with them (separately) all over the yard but wanted something safe and secure. I'd like to try two 12' pieces next and so easy-just turn the "things" on the clamps, remove two existing wooden boards and replace with the other two. No sawing, no hammer, nails, heavyweight activity and it works!!!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

How big is your tort? How about rectangular roofing gutter "down pipe"material? Too small".
It comes in plastic and aluminum. Or look around the hardware store for something you can re purpose that is a box section tube.

 

[Magilla504]

I used a "lighter" with a huge flame. Not quite a torch but it had a potent flame! I just heated a little at a time since I was by myself .I know one method for making workout rings for gymnast style workout, is to get regular pvc pipe and bake it in the oven a couple minutes . Then you can shape it quickly before it cools. Just make sure you use oven gloves ! I'm sure corrugated pipe thrown in a heated oven would be easy to shape too. Just do it quickly and don't leave it in too long. You could always look up on you tube how the pvc rings I talked about are done so you are more comfortable with it .
Also, not sure where you live but if you had an open flame like a little fire ring or grill you could use a little radiant heat from that instead of the other options. Just whatever you do be careful

 

[leigti]

How big is your tort? How about rectangular roofing gutter "down pipe"material? Too small".
It comes in plastic and aluminum. Or look around the hardware store for something you can re purpose that is a box section tube.

I figure it should be 8 inches wide.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I figure it should be 8 inches wide.

CRAP. Nothing comes to mind.

 

[Careym13]

I'm not handy either, but that didn't stop me from finding just the right thing at HomeDepot this month. I can't nail, screw, glue, etc.! I wanted a movable and dismant-able extra part time outdoor enclosure, more like a drop pen. I got four 6' long "common boards", 8" high, about 5/8" thick, got 4 corner clamps (under $10 each) and put this thing together in minutes. Small as it is, my female likes to nibble the grass and weeds, when my male is in it, he'll spend up to two hours roaming and climbing the "props", hides and ReptiBowl I put in. Sometimes I can't be out with them (separately) all over the yard but wanted something safe and secure. I'd like to try two 12' pieces next and so easy-just turn the "things" on the clamps, remove two existing wooden boards and replace with the other two. No sawing, no hammer, nails, heavyweight activity and it works!!!

Hey would you mind posting a photo of this?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hi, Tina, did you find a solution ?
Torts are such good climbers that just a bit of grip or traction should be enough.
Maybe just using a file would suffice ?

 

[leigti]

Hi, Tina, did you find a solution ?
Torts are such good climbers that just a bit of grip or traction should be enough.
Maybe just using a file would suffice ?

I decided to just build a ramp out of plywood. I will use a roof shingle for traction. The tube idea might have worked but I couldn't find one big enough. And when I did find one big enough it was way way too expensive.

 

[Russianuncletwo]

Roof shingle tends to have tar on it and some other no-no's though. Can you pick up some thin slate?

 

[leigti]

Roof shingle tends to have tar on it and some other no-no's though. Can you pick up some thin slate?

I know what you mean with the shingles. Slick will probably make it to heavy. I might try some of that nonslip stick on stuff you can get at the hardware store. I've seen people put little pieces of wood all along it too but I'm not sure what those little pieces of wood were. This thing is going to be about 5 feet long by the time it's done. Actually closer to six. So I'm still open to any suggestions.

 

[leigti]

Update of finished project this weekend....

 

[Anyfoot]

Update of finished project this weekend....

Can't wait to see what you have done.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Can't wait to see what you have done.

Me neither!

 

[Russianuncletwo]

Especially after finally giving my Luna (with smaller Jadely trying to copy!) the opportunity to climb himself from the "table" to the primary indoor hiding/basking enclosure with a makeshift ramp/bridge and seeing him just so much more laid back going from "area 1" to "area 2" when he could do it by himself and seeing a "connection", I cannot also wait to see what you've done to give me ideas to do something more permanent here.

 

[leigti]

OK, here is the basically finished product. It's not perfect, and any real carpenter will be disgusted but all things considered I think it will work fine. My tortoise isn't quite used to using the ramps yet. But I think she'll get the hang of it. Any and all comments and suggestions for improvement are greatly appreciated. I use heavy duty shower curtains to help keep the heat and humidity in since it will be getting cold here soon.

The ramp is 8 inches wide and the sides are 6 inches tall. They are hinged together. I used stair traction tape and little square dowels.

 

[Russianuncletwo]

Pictures are a little confusing but I may just be tired!! Before getting to the ramps, are the shower curtain coverings open on one side so they still get plenty of air? Now the ramps-are the slats or steps exposed or are you laying a board over them? Is there enough traction? (You'll find out when u see them use it!) You give me an idea of slats, if i'm using the right word, w/reptile carpet over it.