Wood for Hagrid

There was an article in The National Audubon Society’s newsletter about
photographing birds. The author mentioned that one could set up a perch with a
branch and place it in an area that would be ideal to take pictures of birds, yet not
disturb the birds too much.


I found a stub branch in the yard. I placed it first on a chair, then a table in the yard.
I watched for a time, but birds were not landing on it.


My focus then changed.


Hagrid, our Bearded Dragon, has been growing bigger. When we bought him he
was about 4-5 months old.
At this point he’d grown enough that we needed to get a bigger enclosure for him.
We bought a 120 gallon enclosure, from Zen Habitats.


Our daughter wanted the stub branch.


I had to prepare it before putting it in the enclosure with Hagrid.
First I bake the branch on low in the oven on tin foil. Baking gets rid of any bacteria.
I baked it for 4 hours, checking on it every 10 minutes to make sure it was fine.


Next step was cutting and sanding.
There were a couple of thinner branches and sharp points that could possibly cause
cuts or scratches to the reptiles skin. Though a reptiles skin looks tough and bumpy,
the skin is sensitive. I cut off the thin branches. Then sanded the ends of branches and bark smooth.


I had some experience working with wood before. I had taken a wood carving class
years ago. I have one carving I did of a foal. I really enjoyed the class.


It’s good experience to try working in other mediums.


The stub branch is now part of Hagrid’s home.
Hagrid can bask on it, as well as use it to rub up against to help him when he is
shedding skin.


Best,
Lisa G.

Wood ready for enclosure.
I like that the sanding brings out the grains in
the wood. It’s just perfect for his environment,
Hagrid relaxing on the wood in his enclosure.

PS: Other recent posts at View from a Highly Sensitive Person

“Beardie: Research and Reward”
“Good Morning, Kenji”
“Good Morning, Hagrid”
“Around the Yard with Kenji”
“Hagrid: Pencil Drawing”
“Hide and Seek”

Enjoy,
LG

Art News


β€œThe Horse Giftβ€œ
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click
on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as
well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!


Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate
portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists
who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

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