Multi-Mantis Enclosure

[mantid_mike]

So I found plenty of free time today to complete the construction of my multi-mantis enclosure using MDF and mesh. It took way longer than I thought to put it together. The most tedious part about the task was hot-gluing all the mesh on it. It's 32" long with four 8"x8"x8" chambers. I figured those dimensions were neither too big nor too small to house a mantis so that it lives comfortably. I have to collect some nice branches and fake plants to furnish each one eventually. Here's a few pics of the enclosure:

 

[D_Hemptress]

very nicely done!

 

[mantid_mike]

very nicely done!

Thanks!

 

[BugLover]

i'll have to try this!

 

[Tony C]

Nice work. Do you plan to paint or seal it to avoid moisture damage?

 

[mantid_mike]

Nice work. Do you plan to paint or seal it to avoid moisture damage?

Thanks, Tony. Do you think I should? I have a gallon of Polyurethane. Maybe that would work?

I know MDF isn't the greatest material, especially the 1/4" one that I used for the hinged doors, but I had so much laying around I figured I'd put it to use.

 

[Tony C]

Water is no friend to MDF, I would expect it to swell and crack pretty quickly from spraying the mantids. I'll defer to the more experienced keepers to suggest a safe sealant or paint.

 

[glock34girl]

Nice! I want to do this but out if mesh and screen frame. Which ill never get around to doing lol

 

[mantid_mike]

Water is no friend to MDF, I would expect it to swell and crack pretty quickly from spraying the mantids. I'll defer to the more experienced keepers to suggest a safe sealant or paint.

Glad you brought this to my attention. I'm going to slap 3 or 4 coats of polyurethane on it tomorrow. Probably a little extra on the bottom and top.

 

[Tony C]

Google "MDF water damage" and check out the pictures.

 

[mantid_mike]

Looks like I'm going to have to apply some primer/waterproof paint on it. Whatever makes it last longer.

 

[mantid_mike]

Looks like I'm going to have to apply some primer/waterproof paint on it. Whatever makes it last longer.

 

[gassy]

Hi try using a water based paint or varnish on the mdf and leave for a while before placing any mantids in . Great enclosure but I would be tempted to blank of each division so as not to allow threat displays and potential stress to your mantids.

 

[sinensispsyched]

I like your enclosure(s?)!

If you're worried about giving your mantids enough moisture, try using a pipette to directly apply water to their mandibles. That way, no water actually touches the wood!

 

[hibiscusmile]

I like your handiwork!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Keep in mind what ever you use as a coating the mantis must be able to drink mist off it and not be toxic, nice Idea though!

 

[TheOtherSpecies]

Great Idea Mike... I'm going to do something similar with plexi glass

 

[mantid_mike]

Hi try using a water based paint or varnish on the mdf and leave for a while before placing any mantids in . Great enclosure but I would be tempted to blank of each division so as not to allow threat displays and potential stress to your mantids.

I slapped 3 coats of polyurethane on it. I'm going to wait a couple of days before I proceed to furnishing each chamber and placing any mantids inside.

I thought about creating solid walls in between but decided I wanted this to have as much ventilation as possible, mainly for non-tropical species of mantids. If I see that there is too much stress on them because of the threat displays, I can always hot-glue a bunch of climbing twigs on the mesh to obscure the visibility.

 

[mantid_mike]

I like your enclosure(s?)!

If you're worried about giving your mantids enough moisture, try using a pipette to directly apply water to their mandibles. That way, no water actually touches the wood!

Not a bad idea. I'm going to try my best to just mist the leaves/twigs that I place in there. I'm beginning to feel that since there is plenty of ventilation throughout this enclosure, water won't be much of an issue.