Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had an idea I thought might be helpful. There are alway people asking for help/plans for building cages. I've built a few,(actual quite alot), and have moderate carpentry experience. I am about to start building myself another new cage, so here is what I will do: I've broken the project up into many steps, and as I complete each one I will take and post pics, along with an explanation. Be advised though, I have a job, family, so this project will take several week, but when I'm done I could go back and put it all together.
Let me know what you guys think,as if there is no interest I won't bother.

Paul Kemes

I think that'd be a sweet idea. Especially if at the end there was just one big step by step guide with accompanying pictures!
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1.2 Normal Cornsnakes
1.0 Snow Cornsnake

Hi Paul,

I think it's a great idea.

But understand that many people who come looking for such advice/plans rarely have the background to figure them out. Just because it seems so easy to your or me doesn't mean it is to them. There's probably things they do that I would struggle with.

Just saying "cut a 23"x42' panel with a circular/jig/table saw really does not help them much.

The other issue is that quite often people need plans that are just slightly different from what you or I may build. Many of them just don't understand how to make basic modifications.

Unforunately I know this all too well since most of the really detailed cage plans, etc. I provide are done via e-mail. Simple things like providing a cut list for 3/4" material but them not understanding how to modify it for 1/2". Very basic things. It's not because they can't add/subtract fractions, it's because they just don't "see" a cage as the sum of its parts like you and I do.

These are the types of things that you need to keep in mind when writing DIY plans.
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Current snakes:

0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

7.6 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

0.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

For those who would like these plans, what is it that you like/don't like about plans that are currently available?

And do you have examples of plans that you like?
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Current snakes:

0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

7.6 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

0.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

I never really looked at any available plans. I personally never use/make plans for my own use, I just visyualize in my head what I want, scribble a sketch, come up with a couple dimensions and start building.

I never thought of it the way you mention, hmm. I just thought, hey, I'm about to start building a new cage, and every time I build one a bunch of people ask me how I built it and what materials I used. And I always wish I would have taken progress pics when I'm done.

Oh, and wait till you see what I'm cooking up, this thing is going to be BIG.
Paul Kemes

>>I never really looked at any available plans. I personally never use/make plans for my own use, I just visyualize in my head what I want, scribble a sketch, come up with a couple dimensions and start building.

There's no "actually", that's exactly what I mean. You and I see cages in a different way than someone who needs a tutorial. I'm the same way. I jot down plans to confirm my ideas, but in all actuality I just come up with an idea and build it.

What people like you and I need to figure out is how to help people who don't have these visions come up with effective caging they can build themselves.

Regardless, I look forward to this project of yours.
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Current snakes:

0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

7.6 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

0.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

I really like the idea Paul and I eagerly await the articles/pics. And I agree with what Chris has said about making it "newbie" friendly. At least that would benefit a larger audience which I believe is your goal.

I've never posted here yet but have been reading the articles and responses over and over.

As a newbie to cage building I sometimes get tripped up on the lingo. Not being familiar with construction materials I often find myself doing web searches on some of the terms that are used here. Someone like myself would benefit from a clear explanation of terms without some of the short cuts -- I just did a search on rabbet cuts, sintra etc

Pictures will help out too. I tend to need a visual to go along with the text to fully understand the steps.

I love the idea and I know it would be of great benefit to a lot of people. Something like this would be great for a website.

Finally, it seems to me there are many ways to accomplish the same end, yet many variables that effect that end. For example, there seems to be a number of different ways to "finish" a tank. Whether you use plywood and prime/paint vs. a covering like FRP (Fiberglas reinforced panel) depends on species kept and humidity levels required.

It would be awesome to eventually have a whole list of tank/rack ideas to choose from. Hey--some of you guys should write a book
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

Thats a great looking cage not to mention roomy to for your dragons. You might consider sending your cage building instructions to Reptile magazine with completed pics.
You might getsomething for it. A lot here (sadly I am not one of them lol) have built some great stuff. I am always suprised they dont submit something to a reptile magazine .

That sounds great! However, just remember that the average new person (such as myself )can just barely wrap their head around how to saw simple 90 degree cuts and how to attach things simply with nails, glues and screws. Herpetology is inspiring me to learn carpentry...
Another thing that'd be great is if you explain while making the cage, not only which materials you chose but why you chose them. And what other material options there are for different caging requirements.
For example with a small cage for a hyper little lizard, some kind of glass that's weighs alot but is scratch resistant would be ideal while for a larger boid some kind of clear plastic that scratches easily but is lighter, resistant to breaking and holds in heat. Just that kind of thing.
Anyway, it's a marvelous idea, and I hope you do make it into an article to sent into a magazine! I'm sure a lot of people including me would be happy to review and proofread.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human