Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone here purchases a cages by design cage? Im just wondering if they are any good, I'm looking to purchase 1 that is 12'long x6'high x 4' deep. Im not bob the builder so i havent atempted to build my own lol
Thanks for any info

Brad

And I can give you a few options on the "best" cage to get. I have never seen a professional breeder use cages by design if that tells you something. I'm guessing that since you want a 12' long cage you might be housing a big burm or retic or maybe a moinitor? Any way get back and I would love to help.

I am looking at buying 2 cages of the same size 1 for a 1.2 group of sumtran water monitor and the other for a 2.4 group of blk & white Tegus
Thanks for any info
Brad

I guess with those animals you definitely need a big setup. most cages like Vision, Neo, Boaphile.... aren't going to have cages big enough. So actually if you can't build one on your own then you might have to go with someone like who you were talking about. I would just send an email to a few of the top tegu and monitor breeders asking them what cages they would recommend. Good Luck.

>>I guess with those animals you definitely need a big setup. most cages like Vision, Neo, Boaphile.... aren't going to have cages big enough.

Well Boaphile does have those cages with the expandable ends. But you're talking $$$$ there!

1.2 sumatran water monitors. None of the cage comp. build a cage large enough for that. Lots say for 1 you should give a whole room so a cage may be out of the question for 1.2 waters. I have seen pics of those things and man they look as big as komodos, they might be nice but those deserve alot of respect and lots of room. See what others say.

I've seen these cages up close in the smaller models and think a large monitor or tegu species would scratch them up pretty bad. You should talk with the manufacturer and see what they have to say. Maybe the larger cages are different.

Obviously, you should also ask this question on the monitor and tegu forums.

I do think they would be modular, though, which is the only way you'll ever get them out of the typical room or home.

Also, a floor area of 12'x4' does not seem to be enough for a trio or Water Monitors. Various elevated shelves and perches could be added to increase the "effective" area but from my experience with adults of this species they don't climb much. Perhaps the Sumatran's are different.

Do you need these cages to be modular for future moves, etc. or can they be fairly permanent?

I think you could have a carpenter build you two larger cages for less money. They'd probably have to be destroyed if you ever moved. That may not be an issue to you if you've been in your home a while and plan to stay.

If you do go that route make sure you get as much advice as possible on cage features to include. For example, I'd want to make sure that large water areas were elevated enough to allow drainage into your plumbing system, etc.

There are many very talented cage builders on the monitor forum who I'm sure can help you.

Good luck.

At over 2200 smackers for a cage that size from cages by design, without any add on's (heat, light, etc.) your looking at probably close to around 3 grand for a single cage. With some simple tools and a little research you can make a cage of the same size for a tenth of the cost. dont get me wrong the cages they do are georgous. I just find them quite pricey. But if you got the dough then they are a good choice.

I know they are very pricey anyone have any plans for cages that size

Thats crazy to pay that much,if you cant build one find a local woodworker and ask what they would charge,for that price they better be gold plated,is there any end to the greed in this business

What sort of tools do you have access to? My suggestion would be to buy Danny Proulx's "Building Frameless Kitchen Cabinets" or "Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinets". Jim Tolpin also has a good book on cabinets. Snake cages are just boxes. So are kitchen cabinets. Many of the techniques will transfer over. You're looking to build a VERY big cage, so you'll have to make a few modifications. Available tools may also dictate what you can tackle. Post more info on what you have and we can give you some hints.

I've attached a link to Danny's website, but you can get the books cheaper through Amazon or a woodworking store (Woodcraft, Rockler, etc).
Danny Proulx's website

Based on what I've read on various forums about Cages by Design, I would think that an adult water monitor could rip right through one of those cages.

You might want to inquire about CBD on the python, tegu, and monitor forums before you spend that kind of money.

B.