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Has anyone out there ever tried to use cardboard as part of a cage? My question would be how do you waterproof it, and is it strong enough?

I just had a TV set arrive here in a very large box, and seems like it would be a great size for a couple of my smaller dragons to grow up in. Seems like it would be easier, not to mention cheaper than building some sort of wood structure. The dragons I have in mind are really too small to build a 4'x2'x2' enclosure for, and its a bit cost prohibitive for me to build one wood enclosure now, and then a permanent bigger when when the time comes.

Thanks for any thoughts or help...

If you used the wax coated cardboard that food comes in that should be water resistant, however they would probably be able to scratch it off with their claws. And they might be able to dig a hole through it. Those big rubbermaid containers are pretty cheap at WalMart.
>>Has anyone out there ever tried to use cardboard as part of a cage? My question would be how do you waterproof it, and is it strong enough?
>>
>>I just had a TV set arrive here in a very large box, and seems like it would be a great size for a couple of my smaller dragons to grow up in. Seems like it would be easier, not to mention cheaper than building some sort of wood structure. The dragons I have in mind are really too small to build a 4'x2'x2' enclosure for, and its a bit cost prohibitive for me to build one wood enclosure now, and then a permanent bigger when when the time comes.
>>
>>Thanks for any thoughts or help...
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I would just use a rubbermaid bin. You can cute a whole in the top and replace it with screen using an adhesive. Then, when your dragons are bigger, you can work on making them a larger cage.

Peter
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www.lizardsetc.com

A cardboard box is completely inadequate for a cage. For one thing, it is almost impossible to waterproof, even if it is pre waxed. It can get wet and allow mold to develop. It's not sanitary either. Also, it is a fire hazard. All it takes is the basking lamp to touch the cardboard or just heat it too hot and you have a fire.

There are plenty of cheaper and safer alternatives out there.
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PHLdyPayne