Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I prefer building my own cages, but there are upsides and downsides that come with doing it this way. They can get expensive, are very heavy, and time consuming because of the build time. The upsides are I can build size specific, depending on space and needs at the time. I got this cage design when I visited Greg Maxwell's facility a few times.

My adult klauberi are housed in cages that are 49"L x 24"D x 20"H. I use MDF for the basic structure, select pine for the frame face, hunter green contact paper for the interior color, Knape & Vogt sliding glass tracks, 24" fluorescent light, Pro Products Heat Panel, Johnsons Control, and Midget Louvers for the venting. The top, side and bottom panels are routed using a 1/2" router bit so that the back panel fits into place and acts as a reinforcement for the cage, The cages are also stackable. I also place (3) 1" spacers on top of each cage so one cage is not directly effected by the heat/non heat elements of the cage below or from the cage above. All in all, it can get expensive because each cage runs off it's own Johnsons Control. But, like I said I prefer the flexibility it gives me.

John Blume
Keeping l.klauberi & l.lepidus exclusively
klauberi: 35.38
lepidus: 12.15

My current caging pictures.
Top pic: klauberi colony cage (just built & needing rocks)
Bottom pic: klauberi yearling cage

I really like the maxwell design. I find it to be a nice combination of cheap, easy to build and durable. There is a weight penalty though for those who like to drag their cages into the yard and blast them with a hose.

What brand of shelf-liner did you use? I have heard that the Contact Brand originally recommended by Greg is now thinner, has a weaker adhesive, and the film is impregnated in a way that does not allow silicone to adhere well. I used some in a high humidity rack and it did seem like junk. I have some other racks with Contact Paper that are much older and still holding fine.

But I still love the color of that hunter green.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Jave local (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

1.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Celebes locale (Black & Tan)

Chris -

I use Contact Brand. I have not had a problem with the silicone adhering nor have I had any paper adhesion problems. However, with that said, I do not mist the klauberi like one would a chondro.

Yes, they are heavier than all get out, but I really like the cabinet look. It's so much more appealing to the eye. In fact, I had to use a dolly to get the klauberi colony cage into the room. I guess it all just boils down to individual preferences.

I was trying to find solid gray as an interior color, but Contact Brand doesn't make it in that color. I thought a gray background would go well with the colors of the klauberi.

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John Blume
Keeping lepidus klauberi & lepidus lepidus exclusively

Very nice looking cages. I'm trying to come up with a design that my wife likes too. I'll have to show her yours. Those are beautifull snakes. I don't know about having hots though.
Rob
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"I reject your reality and substitute my own" Adam Savage
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn
0.1 Creamscicle corn
0.0.1 Normal corn
0.1 Black Pine - Spaz
1.1 Bearded Dragon - Gomer & Piggy