Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Let me start by saying that the participants of this forum are so friendly and willing to help, each other & the newbie (that we all once were), that you've all helped reinforce (or correct) the research I've done and expand upon it, that I am now quite comfortable in my knowledge to purchase my beardies. So with that being said........
I don't have the skill or the tools to custom make an enclosure, nor the money to have a custom enclosure made. Most supply websites I've looked at offer those metal frame mesh enclosures ment for chameleons and such, but I don't like those as they are tall rather than long, or glass aquariums, or those molded plastic with acrylic front enclosures. I'd like an appropriate sized wood-frame enclosure with plexi or solid sides and doors on the front that's not going to break the bank. Any suggestions? If it comes down to it i'll probably do the glass aquariums but they are lacking in front-to-back depth. I want the best home I can provide for the kids when I get them so any input would be appreciated.
Thanks much

P.S. I'm looking to acquire a snow and a pastel with alot of lavender beardies. They don't have to be breeding quality as I'm not sure if that will be something I will want to do or not, just good quality healty ones.

My hubbie and I made our beardie enclosures with tile board sides, back and bottom. We have metal screen on the top, and sliding glass doors on the front. 24"x48"x18 It cost us about $30 to $40 per enclosure to build. The glass was the most costly component. Plexiglass is so not the was to go, because at least our beardies stand and scratch on the glass when they want to come out and play or when they smell crickets!
I dont have a website working right now so I can't seem to post a picture.
Sky

If you live in the Ny/Nj area I would suggest to contact Sam Craver of Royal Propagation.......he posts on the caging classifieds. He builds reasonably price melamine enclosures. You can also buy melamine pieces pre cut, or have them cut the pieces at Home Depot for a minimal charge and build your own. The cost is relatively inexpensive as you can buy plastic tracks for either glass or plexi doors, the plexi or glass, and the wood. Then some electrical work inside and your done. Lots of ways to go about building your own, but time and tools are key in going that route. Chris

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Fallin' Pines Critter Rescue and Sanctuary

Go to news furnature places, salvation army or other discount used item stores and check paper ads and garage sales for large dressers. Toss out all the drawers and widen the openings (if necessary) Build door frames (just make a rectangular frame out of 1"x1" boards and cover with aluminum screen). Drill holes along the upper part of the sides for further ventilation and a bigger hole (1" to 2" diameter) for wires from your florescent fixture and basking light. This would cost around $20 - $50 depending on the initial cost of the dresser.

Or, if you are really pressed for cash (though if you are, why buy three dragons?) buy large rubbermaid plastic containers with high sides (high enough the dragons can't jump or climb out of) suspend a typical 4' florescent tube fixture over it along with a basking lamp. This would cost around $15 plus cost of lights and fixtures.