Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click here for Dragon Serpents
Click for ZooMed
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You

Need Help Building BT Cage!

Shadow2025 Jul 30, 2007 02:52 AM

I already have the measurements figured out, and I want to make it out of wood. Also I have the carpentry and building skills, but I have never actually built something of this scale for a reptile. So, that being said, I am curious what kind of materials would be needed. What is the best type of wood used for something like this?
Essentially, what is the best way to go about doing this?

Thanks,
Shadow)))))(((((

Replies (7)

l_l3lackwolf_l Jul 30, 2007 10:17 AM

My previous BTs enclosure was made out of plywood, since i was told it controlled humidity and temperature well..plus resistance to a BIG BTs rampage.
Now he simply has a whole room for himself :P the more space the better, since i stopped having time to take him out for a walk to the park daily...

Sheri
-----
2.0.0 Cats (Garfield, Oddie)
2.2.0 RES (Bowser, Angela, Leo, April)
1.0.0 Varanus Albigularis (Godzilla)
1.0.0 Zonosaurus Quadrilineatus (Yago)
1.0.0 Python Regius (Kaa)
0.0.1 Morelia Spilota Variegata (Giovanni)
Sheriyar Bokhari

newstorm Jul 30, 2007 04:34 PM

I framed my cage with 2x4's and then wrapped it in plywood. I used 1/4 inch ply where I could to keep it somewhat light for moving it.

Shadow2025 Jul 31, 2007 01:13 AM

My previous BTs enclosure was made out of plywood, since i was told it controlled humidity and temperature well..plus resistance to a BIG BTs rampage.
Now he simply has a whole room for himself :P the more space the better, since i stopped having time to take him out for a walk to the park daily...

I see building this enclosure is going to be less difficult and less expensive then I first thought (when comparing it to other projects I have built ). What should I do about the dooring on this? I have seen alot of enclosures with 1/4" glass but, that does not seem logical, can you really keep a full grown Black Throat behind just a 1/4" of glass? I have listened to, and read about people saying how powerful these animals are and to me it sounds like a 1/4" of glass is not enough (nor safe). Also, I would really like to paint and seal the wood for the enclosure. What is a safe way to do this?

Thank you for your time,
Shadow)))))(((((

l_l3lackwolf_l Jul 31, 2007 02:54 AM

mm...dont think the glass is something to worry about. What i did is ordered my glass to be framed like a window door and i just filled in the gap left for the door and window with it. Ive never seen a BT actually ramming against a glass or window, most will just slightly lean on it and scratch the hell out of it...so dont think the 1,4'' will break... but i dunno, these creatures have something up their scaly sleeves.
-----
2.0.0 Cats (Garfield, Oddie)
2.2.0 RES (Bowser, Angela, Leo, April)
1.0.0 Varanus Albigularis (Godzilla)
1.0.0 Zonosaurus Quadrilineatus (Yago)
1.0.0 Python Regius (Kaa)
0.0.1 Morelia Spilota Variegata (Giovanni)
Sheriyar Bokhari

newstorm Jul 31, 2007 05:04 AM

The entire front of my blacks enclosure is a 1/4" plate glass sliding door. It has lashed it's tail directly into this several times. I really would not worry bout the glass, it is stronger than you think.

lizardheadmike Jul 31, 2007 08:47 PM

Hello,

This is an extreme but when you are around reptiles for years you see these things happen... I watched an 8 foot water monitor crash through 1/4 inch glass door on cage- didn't get hurt, just walked out. I also saw a 16 foot burm break a quarter inch glass door flexing against the glass and the back wall... But, on the flip side, I have seen 4-6 foot blackthroats behind a 1/4 inch glass door without problems... Best to you- Mike

SHvar Jul 31, 2007 11:24 PM

Be safe and use s replacement window preferably with SAFETY glass, its the stuff used in windshields (laminated), or you can buy security laminant to apply to it.
I have an albig that could push or smash through a 1/4 inch plexiglas door, ripping it clean out of the sliding tracks. Keep in mind I tried to remove the plexiglas by force to test it, it took one of my hardest kicks with both feet to do the same.
Its best to play it safe rather than have to clean up glass on your lizards schedule.
How lucky do ya feel? Remember albigs grow to be enormous powerful creatures. This picture was taken the other day, the grass is about 4 inches deep for reference, last year she was 6.5ftlong.

Site Tools