Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

I plan to build a cage for future carpets or Dumeril boas. Does any one have plans for installing a sliding glass door? Also, a hope to put a divider in the cage. Any tips or suggestions will be appreciated.

TIA,
ToddG

what do u mean plans for installing a sliding glass door? you put a track on the top, one on the bottom, take a measure, and cut a piece of 1/4" scrap wood to make sure the measurements are right. then u get it cut.
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Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

Is that it? Can one get these tracks at Home Depot or Lowes? Also, I will assume both pieces of glass must be a little more than half the length of the front of the cage. For example, if the space measure 2' x 2' how much overlap does the glass need to be cut in order to apply a lock? 2'2" x 2'? I understand these may sound like rudimentary questions but I have not done this before. Also, I have zero experience with woodworking and glass.

Thanks for your help,
ToddG

yes thats pretty much it...you need a little overlap..i usually have the glass cut so there is 1" over lap. I am pretty sure you can get the glass track at lowes and similar places..i always get mine from the place that cuts the glass..its real cheap and works pretty well. i like the sliding glass doors alot.

Cages with sliding bypass doors and dividers are not the best combination. Since the doors overlap in the front you can't have the divider slide in between the two doors. That means it has to be inserted from the top, back, or bottom, none of which are convenient. From the top is not so bad provided you're not stacking anything on top. Still, it's best to avoid this as you never know when you'll want to add another cage.

Another solution is to insert the divider from the inside. This works fine but is not convenient if you plan to install/remove it often. If it's just a seasonal or tempory thing, no big deal. If it's for weekly feedings, separations, etc., it can be more trouble that it's worth.

>>Can one get these tracks at Home Depot or Lowes?

Sometimes. Otherwise check with DoItBestHardware, Rockler.com, or Outwater plastics.

>>Also, I will assume both pieces of glass must be a little more than half the length of the front of the cage. For example, if the space measure 2' x 2' how much overlap does the glass need to be cut in order to apply a lock? 2'2" x 2'?

You'll have to get the lock you want and see what they recommend. I believe 1" to 3" overlap is common.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

7.5 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

0.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

I wanted to thank everyone for helping and giving me useful ideas. Chris, you brought up a good point about the removable dividers. After reading these posts along with responses from other individuals I will probably go with hinged doors on this particular cage. I think it would be easier and more sensible for usage. Thanks again everyone! I can use this info for future projects.

Take care,
Todd