Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I would like some ideas on some sliding doors for a cage. How do you go about something like that. Thanks. -Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Sliding doors are easy. Could you give us an idea of the size of the cage you'll be building? That will make it easier to give suggestions.

Also, do you know what material you'll be using for the cage?

Chris... Get in touch with me!
Thanks, Ben

usually you can pick up some metal rails at any home depot or store like that. You can frase the wood and set the rails in, or you can just nail them on top. The rails come in all sizes to fit the glass or plexiglass you need. You can also easily saw them into the right length.

>>Hey all. I would like some ideas on some sliding doors for a cage. How do you go about something like that. Thanks. -Jeff

Buy some plastic track from Rockler. It's about as wide as 3/4"-thick melamine. Install the track on your cage. I use glue (specifically Roo Glue Clear; couldn't find anything else that would bond to both the plastic and wood), but you might also be able to make screws or nails work. Get 1/4" plate glass cut to the sizes specified by the tracking. I'd suggest having the edges polished, so you don't cut your hands and the tracks glide smoothly. I usually go with a 1" or 1.5" overlap. You can buy locks and stick-on pulls from Woodworkers Hardware. They also carry silicone lubricant, which will make your doors slide more smoothly (though it probably isn't necessary.

Actually I already have 3 of my cages done. I just wanted to hear other ideas for doors. I use hinges now but was looking at other alternatives. If I can figure out how to post a pic of the cages I will. Thanks for the info. -Jeff

I made mine from 1"x2" oak using a router to "cut" grooves. Very simple if you have ever used a router beforeI bought 1/4" tempered glass to fit. The glass can be expensive, but if you are making furniture quality enclosures you can't comprimise.

Here's a close up of the track.

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Here is the complete cage.

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Hello,
I was thinking about using the rockler track to make some
cages for my venomous species, I was wondering how much of a gap if any you end up with and if any one has ever had a snake escape because of a failure of the track?
Thanks,
Ryan

Hi Ryan,

I have housed venomous snake behind cages with double sliding doors. The only escape issues would be with coral snakes, kraits and small babies of live bearing species, especially tree vipers.

There are ways to fill in the gap but there are probably better door options for these species.

thanks for the response chris.
I keep only terrestrial Pit Vipers(i.e. big fat triangular heads, not that useful during escape attempts!). I think it will work fine but wanted to see if any one had first hand experience.
Thanks Again,
Ryan

Hi Ryan,

I think sliding doors would be fine. You could always add a section of weather stipping in the gap if you had a potentially gravid female.

I've worked with a variety of terrestrial pit vipers. Things like Porthidium ophrymegas or Gloydius blomhoffi would concern me give how small their young are. Jumping vipers, on the other hand, would be fine. Their young are huge.

I'd still be very careful with gravid females, however.

I have had problems with some track doors. The problem stemmed from the glass not being cut to size perfectly. The snake was able to lift the glass over the track dislodging it enough to escape. This wasn't rockler track so I don't know if it would be an issue at all, but thought I'd mention it. Inexpensive display case locks can be purchased at most hardware stores and tempered glass is the most reliable and worth the cost (I've had a canebrake break through plate glass).

Good luck,

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."