Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Not a joke question, I have no experience with building things other than a box for birds a few years ago. I want to make a cage instead, something along the lines of 4L X 17"w X17"h or just a standard 4x2x2 cage. What would I need? I want to make sliding glass doors or an open/close door if its more simple. I also don't have any tools, so what tools would I need? And what nuts,bolts,screws,hinges would I need? I know it could be easier to buy a cage but companies never respond back to calls so I'm forced to build my own.

I'm sure you could. There are several good plans on the net that show just how simple it is.

The hardest part is getting nice square cuts so I suggest getting you panels cut for you by a cabinet shop or perhaps even using precut melamine shelving panels.

You could get away with just glue, screws and a drill.

I would go with sliding doors. I think they are easier to build.

Give us a better idea of what you want from this cage. Nice appearance, light weight, cheap cost, moisture resistance, or what?

Thanks for a response! Didn't think it would be that quick. Ok now that you mention it, I want it to be cheap but nice looking (is that even possible), water resistent? I don't think I need that since I'm going for a really dry enclosure (for a uromastx or beardie). I would like glass sliding doors as it looks great. It doesn't have to be lightweight at all just not 500lbs of flippin weight. What would you suggest chris? What tools also? I know this will be a long project as I don't know how to build.

That fact that it's for a Uromastyx or Bearded Dragon does make it easier.

I would build the cage from melamine. I think you could build the cage with just a drill, counter-sink bit, screw driving bit, and some drywall screws. I say this assuming you'll have the material cut for you, which really helps.

There are quite a few cage building links in the net but I don't have any bookmarked. Maybe somebody else will have some. I can help you with a cut list but I don't have any pics or links to show you how to do it.

PVC Tubing & Mesh or Plexiglass? Would that be easier to build a large enclosure?

I would not use Plexiglass unless you have breakage concerns with an active dog, young child, etc. Plexiglass and other acrylics are too susceptible to yellowing, warping and scratching.

If you have an idea for a mesh/pvc tubing cage, then by all means build that if it's what you want. I guess the one thing I'd emphasize is that if you have vision of what you want, then try to build that. There are few reptile cage designs that I would describe as difficult to build.

just thought i'd mention that i just talked to mark at boamaster.com (540/529-0976) his ad is in the classifieds,he has a christmas special on 4ft. cages for $150 (shipping appox. $30) and has three in stock ready for immediate shipping.

if you deceide to build your own there's a lot of support on this forum,chris has a endless supply of contacts and experience.have fun!

Thanks twh but he only took 25 dollars off the initial cost. If I understand right I need, one 4foot sqaure cut of melenine and 2 square 2foot cuts? a drill, counter-sink bit, screw driving bit, and some drywall screws? Is that all? Plus some 4 foot square glass?

The glass would not need to be 4' it would need to be cut in 1/2 so it could slide.... And a 2' cut wouldn't be a great idea either. Because you need an overlap in the glass to make it more escape proof. So try like 1 piece being 26" and the other 23".
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Ball Python "Wilson" (Castaway)
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
0.0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Onyx"

I think those cages still require sealing of some sort. I think the interior is bare plywood.

Just an example these are my beardie cages before I finished them, notice no fronts but you can see the carcase of the cage at least. I have used one of these constantly over the past year in rather humid conditions for a beardie cage and they have held up nice. The melamine is better quality I got from a wood supplier that does work in cabnents. the fronts are stained pine fronts that are urathaned and the edges are all silconed sealed. I used brads and glue for the entire cage.
My 2 Cents.

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

LOL I'm serious, now that I think of it building a cage won't be so easy and I'll need to plan and draw maps, so I think by the summer I could have myself build one. I'm a very busy person so even forum posting is hard sometimes. If bighurt wants to sell me those cages for a hundred a piece I'll buy them.....

Building a basic cage isn't as hard as you think. All you need are 5 pieces of wood, some screws a set of runners and 2 pieces of glass, and some sealant. Attach the runners BEFORE you set the frame (screw the wood together) Then you screw the wood into the cage shape leaving off 1 of the side panels so you can slide the glass in. At this piont you should basically have just a box that is missing 2 sides. Seal the corners and let that harden for a bit. then put the glass in the runners from the side of the tank. Attach the side to the rest of the tank. Vwalla (sp?) you are finished with the basics of making a tank. If you are going to add more I.E. a built in light socket, air vent, wire hole, carpeting, and other features then it will take a bit more. But You can experiment and find what suits your fancy.
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Ball Python "Wilson" (Castaway)
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
0.0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Onyx"

Hey VenOm, Looks like you are looking into building your own cage. Good luck! Although, if you're looking for something light weight, waterproof, easy to clean, etc... plastic is the way to go. (Sorry guys, just a little sales pitch)
cdeer
High-End Habitats