Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone tried converting furniture to a herp enclosure? The reason I'm asking is I remember seeing one somewhere that looked like an entertainment center converted to a habitat for snakes.

If anyone has tried it... do you have suggestions?
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Kane

It all depends on what your needs are. I have two tables (coffee & end) that were hollow rectangles. I converted them into animal enclosures by adding glass fronts and wood backs. Currently, I am watching the sidewalks for discarded upright dressers. I plan on converting one into a large arboreal exhibit by removing the drawers and adding glass. Another successful conversion utilized pre-fab cabinetry. I found a place that sold factory rejects for $10. I picked a couple that were missing the glass in the doors.

The important part to remember is that reptiles are messy creatures that will destroy the inside of the enclosure if it isn't protected properly. Don't spend too much money on the furniture. Instead, spend some time and money protecting it from the inside.

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Zoodude

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

Thanks for the advice. A couple questions if you don't mind.

* How did you go about protecting the inside? I was thinking of either a couple coats of polyurethane or attaching plexiglass to the bottom & part way up the sides.

* How about heating? How do you heat yours... bottom heat I mean.

* Where can I get glass & what kind should I use?

Thanks
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Kane

I've used polyurethane (3-4 coats) in the past, but I'm planning to use fiber-glass in the future. Plex will work too if you silicone the corners well.

Heating in my house is done with minimal effort usually incandescant lights and/or flourescents. I use heat pads inside some enclosures, but make sure they aren't too hot (protective pad underneath).

As for glass, when I'm making something that is furniture quality, I always prefer 1/4" tempered glass bought from a glass shop. Measure perfectly becuase tempered can't be cut after it's been "tempered" (a heating process, I believe). Tempered glass looks better, but it runs up the price quite a bit. If you don't use tempered get double strength plate (not from Home Depot).

Good luck,
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Zoodude

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