Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was looking at pics of some of the people that have PTS and I'm not sure if i saw a UV light. If I were to make one with plexi-glass sides and a mesh top would I have to put one? I don't think there is any reptile that is excused from needing one. What kind of wood can I use to make my own cage and how do I integrate the plexi-glass? thanks
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0.1.0 cranwells pacman- hannibal
0.0.1 firebelly toad- doodlebug
0.1.0 southern painted turtle- mr.tortle
1.0.0 pinto hedgehog- dante
1.0.0 chinese crested- angel..lol
1.0.0 ball python- noah (kinda mine)

Since they are nocturnal, their need for UV must be minimal. I wouldn't say the don't need any, just not as much as other herps. I've read it's not necessary, but I don't think there's been any research to verify that.

Wood? Use most anything as long as you seal it with polyurethane. I'd stay away from the more aromatic woods like Cedar. Use whatever you like. I just made one of poplar, available at home depot or lowes. But if you have a place nearby were you can get the wood, go for something interesting.

Plexi you can just use a drill and make holes for screws. Make the holes big enough and make sure your cage doesn't flex or you will crack the plexi. When/if you move the cage.

>>Wood? Use most anything as long as you seal it with polyurethane. I'd stay away from the more aromatic woods like Cedar. Use whatever you like.

Sorry, but I felt the need to clear up the confusion on "cedar". My hubby has built over 300 wood-framed reptile cages, and we have found deck cedar to be the best for all around framing. Why? It is lighter than other woods and just as sturdy.

Aromatic wood? That is red cedar - the kind they use for cedar chests and closets. Besides - if you seal it with polyurethane, you won't need to worry about aroma. right?

Just my 2 cents...

There's danger in Cedar, it's toxic to herps.. causes rash externally, and potential death internally.
That said, I may look into it for cage material as well.. provided that you seal it, I don't think you'd have problems with it.

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2.5 Leos
2.1 Beardie
1.0 Burm
1.1.24 Common Boa
0.1 Sav (Bosc) Monitor
0.1 Monkey Skink
Wish for: Candoia Sp, Frilled D

With these skinks the need for UV is debatable, but I look at it this way, It cant hurt them to have it if they don’t need it, but it will hurt them to not have it if they do need it. so with nothing to loose might as well put UV.

Devon

thanks
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0.1.0 cranwells pacman- hannibal
0.0.1 firebelly toad- doodlebug
0.1.0 southern painted turtle- ms.tortle
1.0.0 pinto hedgehog- dante
0.1.0 crested gecko- crimson
1.0.0 brindle boxer- bruiser
1.0.0 ball python- noah (kinda mine)