Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here’s some pictures of a shift box/hide I’m working on. It’s made from half inch plywood with a “skin” of smooth thin ply, I guess ¼ inch? Not even sure. Made so it has a window to see inside when the door is closed. Note the little hinge used as a door stop. When in use (door is open for snake to use as hide box) the window is covered and the hide box is darker inside. The box also opens up on top. I just haven’t installed the latch for the top door, but you can see how the door has a tongue to mount the clasp. The door lid recesses into the outer skin of the box to provide a better seat. Not designed to be a transport box, just used as a hide box and to secure a venomous snake when cage cleaning. Painted with garage floor epoxy paint. Put together with a nail gun. Very simple project. Sorry for my lack of proper carpentry lingo (or skills!) but I do like to contribute here!
Enjoy.

This is the box with the top lid open. Note snake door is closed and you see the window.

Same thing, but top lid door closed.

This shows the hinge door stop that keeps the door from opening (sliding) when being used as a shift box.

This shows the box with the window closed and the snake door open.

View from inside with snake door open- no window.

This same view with snake door locked shut- window becomes usable.

View from inside the cage used as a hide. Someday I’ll figure out that white balance thing on the camera…

The box is 16" x 12" and 4.5 on the inside. Plenty big enough for a good sized snake.
Thanks for looking!

Good but aren't you worried that your snake could hurt itself ? With those metals hinges and screw, etc.. ?

>>Here’s some pictures of a shift box/hide I’m working on. It’s made from half inch plywood with a “skin” of smooth thin ply, I guess ¼ inch? Not even sure. Made so it has a window to see inside when the door is closed. Note the little hinge used as a door stop. When in use (door is open for snake to use as hide box) the window is covered and the hide box is darker inside. The box also opens up on top. I just haven’t installed the latch for the top door, but you can see how the door has a tongue to mount the clasp. The door lid recesses into the outer skin of the box to provide a better seat. Not designed to be a transport box, just used as a hide box and to secure a venomous snake when cage cleaning. Painted with garage floor epoxy paint. Put together with a nail gun. Very simple project. Sorry for my lack of proper carpentry lingo (or skills!) but I do like to contribute here!
>>Enjoy.
>>
>>This is the box with the top lid open. Note snake door is closed and you see the window.
>>
>>
>>
>>Same thing, but top lid door closed.
>>
>>
>>
>>This shows the hinge door stop that keeps the door from opening (sliding) when being used as a shift box.
>>
>>
>>
>>This shows the box with the window closed and the snake door open.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>View from inside with snake door open- no window.
>>
>>
>>
>>This same view with snake door locked shut- window becomes usable.
>>
>>
>>
>>View from inside the cage used as a hide. Someday I’ll figure out that white balance thing on the camera…
>>
>>
>>
>>The box is 16" x 12" and 4.5 on the inside. Plenty big enough for a good sized snake.
>>Thanks for looking!
>>
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love this world, don't hate it.

I guess I could make sure the screws are nice and flush on the hinges, which they pretty much are. The screws holding the plexi window are very rounded, not really worried about those. The little door-stop hinge folds very flat when not being used and covers the screws anyway, but maybe I should make sure the corners are filed smooth? I appreciate your input. By the way, I have been working on the cage and my set up for awhile now in preparation of putting something in it. I have had the luxury of having plenty of time and have not rushed to get something together because I already bought the snake. Always the best approach.

Nice shift box man!
The only thing I would worry about with the screws/hinge is if they're stainless or not. I might round off the corners of the hinge just to be sure. I may also figure out a way to lock that hinge closed with a cotter-pin or something to make sure its really locked.
Nate

Nicely done. Very flexible hide/trap box. You might want to put a large screw eye on the lid so you can open it using a hook. That will keep your fingers away from nippy snakes when opening the lid.