Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here is the cage I want to build. I tried to draw it up in paint, but not that good with it but I think it is kind of clear. It is going to be 5'x2'x2' made out of 3/4" birch plywood, then I am going to stain it.
For the door, I'd like a solid piece swing down. That needs a router though so I have to find or rent one. If not, glass on track if I can find it around here without buying a shower door or find it for cheaper than $45 on the internet. Last resort, I sandwich it between two pieces of wood, but I think that may turn out crappy.
For ventilation I was going to use a 3'x6" piece of pegboard across the back, and paint it so it looks nicer.
On the top, I was going to cut a hole, and cover it with screen so I can put a light hood I already have over it. I might not do this though if I put the heat pad on the top of the cage though.
So you guys think this is any good? I am wondering if a 5ft span will sag across the top. And if there would be enough light geting in from the front. And if that would provide enough air flow.
So if anyone has any ideas, comments, or criticism let me know.
Thanks

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Tim W.

If you stack things on top of the cage it will sag but not just by itself...I get the plastic track at a local glass shop..I pay 10 bucks for enough to do a 4ft cage.
You might think about some smaller vents on each end...you can buy some nice round vents at hardware stores and they come in a bunch of sizes..they look real nice too
Good luck on the cage

Tim,
I commend you for building you own enclosure. I have been building my own for a decade or so now and it is not always as easy as it sounds.
Your plan is simple an straight forward which is great. Just a couple of suggestions to your concerns.

Your drop down door plan is acceptable only if you don't have a large animal that you may need to handle. At least four heavy duty hinges will be required to support a door with that span and wieght. The best hinges are ones that will open at a 270 degree angle but they are very cumbersome and can be quite unattractive as you will likley see them from a closed position. The other possible issue involves containing you substrate and protecting the animal. The front would need a lip or short wall that would contain the substrate and cover the hinges (if any sharp edges or gaps that a claw or foot could cath on) The best option for your situation (and inexpensive) is a set of sliders, either glass (tempered safety only) or 1/4 inch plexi. Most large hardware stores have the slide tracks and glass or plexi.

The top is perfectly suitable for you situation and it will not sag. As a suggestion take your front and side panel up another 8-12 inches above the screen, just to hide the lighting.

Make sure that your stain is of a not toxic nature and give plenty of air out time regardless. (what is non toxic to us could desimate a reptile in a matter of a few days, and toxic in amatter of hours)

You will also need to somehow protect the inside of your enclosure as to avoid the wood from soaking up any feces and or water moisture causing sever molds and rot.

I'm sorry if it sounds disheartening or like a lecture but all of us who have built from scratch have learned that perfection comes with a price and the security of the animals is paramount.

Hope this all helps and you can contact me if you want mor advice or to tell me to shove it.

cddiveright@earthlink.net

When you cut the peg board back to install don't forget to add additional material to allow for it to attach to all surfaces around the perimeter on the back. I think you said you will be using 3/4" material so if you are going to place the sides on the bottom, and the top onto the side pieces you will need to cut the peg board sheet to 5' long by 2' 1 1/2" high.

Also you can get the sliding glass track at home depot in the window/door section (in my local home depot it is in a round bin standing near where they keep the plexi glass)

Good luck with your enclosure.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

Someone told me they had vent covers at home depot or lowes. I might go with some of those if I can find them. I am heading up there now to see if I can find the sliding glass track. I was gonna go with the pegboard on the back because it would have been easy to install and I could have painted it black or maybe got the color to match the stain of the cage. I don't think I am going to do the hole in the top though for the light cover. I am stuck on the heatpad though, I think I am gonna go with a pro heat pad. I think someone told me that they come unwired so that would be easy to put a small hole in there then and wire the plug on outside the cage. Any ideas on sticking it on the roof though? I thought maybe hang a wire mesh on top the roof and slide it over that so it is up against the roof but rests on the wire.
Thanks for all the help and ideas everyone.

>>When you cut the peg board back to install don't forget to add additional material to allow for it to attach to all surfaces around the perimeter on the back. I think you said you will be using 3/4" material so if you are going to place the sides on the bottom, and the top onto the side pieces you will need to cut the peg board sheet to 5' long by 2' 1 1/2" high.
>>
>> Also you can get the sliding glass track at home depot in the window/door section (in my local home depot it is in a round bin standing near where they keep the plexi glass)
>>
>> Good luck with your enclosure.
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>>Randall L Turner Jr.
>> www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
>>
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Tim W.