I've been getting a little frustrated at the prices for things designated as "reptile", for example I've discovered that shaved aspen for small animals is approximately 1/10 the price of shredded aspen for reptiles, AND it's *way*less dusty! So I've been getting a little creative lately. Only one of these ideas is a DIY, the other is just a great deal!
My snakes were growing out of their caves and water bowls and needed the next size up. Here are the ones I was looking at. Instead, I found a molded bamboo dog water bowl which is a water bowl and hide in one. They cost me $6.50 each, and the snakes love them. I also think they are built in climate controlled, since the water evaporating above them would keep the bowl cooler than the surrounding air... I think. They are also dishwasher safe. Maybe they don't look so natural, but actually, they probably are more natural since they are bamboo rather than plastic or resin.
More coming...