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I was wanting to build a 8' long x 6' wide x 4' high collared enclosure for a place for my collareds to run about during the day. The only thing that is stopping me is a question about the caging.
I am thinking of putting cement as a bottom and have a few inches of sand on that. I was thinking of having two wood panels for the width and two 8' x 4' plexiglass sheets for the side. Then at the top I will have a screen with very small holes for the collareds protection from animals. I would have this whole enclosure put tightly together so there is no space where parasites or harmful bugs to get in. Is this ok??
My last question to the pen experts out there, is there harmful mites, parasites,or anything to deal with outdoors. I really wouldn't want to put my collareds in a cage with harmful parasites. I know they live like this in the wild, but I don't want my collareds having to deal with it whatsoever.
If you happen to get this far, my questions are,
-Are my cage specs ok?
-Is there any harmful stuff that can get in the cage making it unuseable.
Thanks,
Collaredkeeper

If you are in AZ, or any other southern state, you may have to consider the roasting temps that can generate outside. If temps get very warm, you will want to make sure there is some shade available, as well as a place where the lizards can retreat beneath rocks, to avoid extreme temps.

Nothing will keep out mites outside, or other parasites for that matter. I have been keeping my lizards outside in central Illinois for the last 2 years, and have never seen any mites on my lizards. In the wild, I have seen extreme amounts of tiny red mites in the armpit pockets near the front legs. I think the mites must be native to area for you to experience any problems with them. I have never worried about them outside. I have seen lightning bugs in the pen, and other insects. I have never had a lizard die outside yet.

Best of luck with your design.

John Eddington

n/m

I was thinking of having two wood panels for the width and two 8' x 4' plexiglass sheets for the side.

You will want to be certain the plexiglass sides do not transform it into a 'solar oven' in your climate. As JohnE says, it will be important for them to be able to get AWAY from the heat, and you may want to think about some cross-ventillation in your design. The 4 foot height may be overkill, and I will assume you realize that the plexiglass will filter out any beneficial UVB, and sort of cast a "shadow" of UVB-filtered light into the enclosure while transmitting all the heat energy a'la the greenhouse effect. If the clear sides are primarily for viewing, you can lay out the orientation so that the window faces away from the most intense direct sun exposure (usually north). Keep in mind, the still air temps inside a glass aquarium can kill the occupants rapidly when left in full sun.

All I have to worry about here is the lizards getting soggy and disolving LOL.

DC
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I've got the blues...LOL...them screamin' yellow-head blues...

....and go with wood or a full cage
Thanks,
Collaredkeeper