I'll go ahead and list a bunch of useful links that you'll have to cut and paste. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or problems.



Here's the Markus Jayne style rack:



http://www.ballpython.ca/The%20Rack.htm



One important consideration is how tall or short you want the rack to be. Obviously, this will be at least partially determined by your choice of box.



Let us know and we can help you with a design that makes most efficient use of wood.



This next link is the one that was mentioned earlier. I like it because it shows how I build racks "upside down" (it's not my site, though).



http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/rack.html



However, I do not recommend using the boxes as spacers, especially for a bigger box. Just don't do it.



Instead, I recommned spacers cut from scrap melamine. I'll try to post just the picture. The rest of the site is good, and feel free to read through it, but I think it's a bit more complex than you need to make your rack. Especially since you're a beginner.



Once again, I posted this earlier, but I thought it would be helpful for you to have all links in one post.



http://www.finegtps.com/Racks.htm



So in summary, I recommend a Markus Jayne style rack (depending upon what box you finally select and how tall you want it) that you assemble "upside down" similar to what's posted in the ARB link. But instead of using the boxes as spacers, use melamine spacers as used in the FineGTPs link (and hopefully the picture I'm trying to post).



Regarding your construction ability, keep in mind that the gap used for ball pythons can be much larger than the 1/8" normally recommended. This actually makes construction easier and mistakes less costly.



Don't try building a hatchling rack first, they require much stricter tolerances.



Also, a rack this size requires a helper. Certainly you can find someone with a bit of experience or confidence with carpentry?



As far as boxes, get in touch with the folks at reptiletubs.com and see if they have any of the CB-110 boxes in stock.



The floor area of this box (not the actual box dimension which will be larger) is 36" x 17". I believe the floor area of the CB-70 will be 30" x 15" but you should ask them to be sure. The CB-70 will be slightly shallower than the CB-110 but I don't think that's a problem for Ball Pythons.



Even if you do find any of the Sterilite boxes (or the discontinued Rubbermaids that Markus Jayne uses) the Iris' will be more sturdily built and able to withstand dropping, etc.

[ Show Entire Thread ]