First things first... CONGRATULATIONS on reaching ur 20th birthday. I've built a number of large custom cages and the first thing u want to keep in ur mind is making it USER friendly... ergonomics. U want easy access to the occupants, the interior of the enclosure (for feeding and cleaning) and to the hardware (lighting, heating etc...). I would recommend front opening sliding glass doors with a litter dam (a 3-5" vertical piece so that the litter doesn't come pouring out the front of ur cage)



Second, what r the environmental requirements of the occupants (high or low humidity, temps etc..). I've found that 5/8" or 3/4" plywood (8'x4') works best (melamine doesn't hold up to the rigors of an enclosure). U'll have to have PLENTY of ventilation because plywood retains heat VERY WELL).



Don't make the cage TOO wide... standard door ways are no wider than 33". Unless u r gonna build it in the room it will be occupying LOL. Also u will have to factor in the cleaning of it. 8' feet long... don't think u'll be taking it to the sink to wash out (LOL). So if u don't have a wet/dry vacuum, put a bulkhead fitting (with a valve) on the back or side at the bottom so the water will go where u want (instead of all over the floor). Hope I helped u. Good luck... get back to me if u have anymore questions.

[ Show Entire Thread ]