Cage Help?

[momakat]

I'm a sort of DIY person - but sometimes need instructions to follow. I could probably figure out how to put a cage together for my ball python, but am concerned about allowing any screws tops or bolts being exposed inside the enclosure. I am also unsure how to then heat it - such as how to install a heat lamp and where to find one that would go inside said cage. DD wants her aquarium back as she is getting ready to purchase another snake so I must do something for my python. I have put together a temporary enclosure but want to make him something to 'grow' into. He is 33" - is it too soon to build him an adult size enclosure? This temporary shelter is a 28 qt bin with holes for air flow, I cut a hole in the top and attached screen so I could use the heat lamp. Also purchased a sensor for heat and humidity since I can't see through the plastic to read the other ones. Works great. Any advice, instructions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

[EyeOfTheStorm]

I dont think it is to soon for an adult enclosure. Might as well go ahead and get it out of the way. I wouldnt suggest hurrying when building, just to get one built, the temp bin should hold him over till you get one built. For an adult ball, I would suggest 4x2x2, length x width x heighth, respectively. That gives you plenty of floor space. When you build it, keep in mind accesibility to the snake, as well as how you will clean it. Keep that in mind when building, where you want the doors, what material you want to use, in order to make caring for your snake easier.

Good Luck!

[justcage]

4x2x18" is alittle better as the height is not needed and will make the cage harder to retain a proper temp. As far as heating you can use flexwatt or a heatpanel.. These are your best choices as to keeping humidity in check...

[momakat]

Thanks for the size info - but any recommendations for lighting and how to install it? I have a drill and a skill saw (needs a new blade but it works and blades are cheap enough). I know how to paint and apply polyeurathane (sp). I assume that predrilling holes for screws would be best. Have found some pics online so think I could figure the door out - hinges from a hardward store, right? Have also been thinking of those sliding doors but not sure about them. Know of any lightweight material for making a cage from? As for heating - if using wood how would one use a heat panel or flexwatt (never heard of either before).

Well - I'm pushing my luck as the boss could come back any time. teeheehee TIA for all your advice.

[lethargiic]

instead of screws we used staples and a neumatic staple gun. if you can access to one it's awesome!!

[momakat]

Hey - I even know what you are talking about! LOL Hmmm . . . will ask my boss as he has loads of tools for different things. Thanks for the idea. Oh - if using staples should I use some kind of glue between the 'seams'? Or would it even work if I used polyeurathane?

[markbc]

Cages can be made from lots of things but MDF is good - it has good insulation properties and can be painted effectively (give the paint a week to dry to release any fumes). Some stores or a cabinet maker will cut it to size for nothing or a couple of dollars if you have the exact measurements. You can make the front door from plexiglass (or wood and glass) and have a melamine base. Silicone can be used over the top of the bolts and to waterproof the base/wall joins. Make your own heatmats as some of the commercial ones develop hotspots.

A good glue like "Weldbond" makes the joins very sgtrong and long lasting. Try this site http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com - I have to declare some self interest here but it's how I make my cages.

[farmergirl]

Originally Posted by momakat

Thanks for the size info - but any recommendations for lighting and how to install it? I have a drill and a skill saw (needs a new blade but it works and blades are cheap enough). I know how to paint and apply polyeurathane (sp). I assume that predrilling holes for screws would be best. Have found some pics online so think I could figure the door out - hinges from a hardward store, right? Have also been thinking of those sliding doors but not sure about them. Know of any lightweight material for making a cage from? As for heating - if using wood how would one use a heat panel or flexwatt (never heard of either before).

momakat, I wish I had pictures of the one I am building right now. I took ideas from the Cagesbydesign website. The one with the thousand dollar cages. The cage isn't lightweight but it will last forever, made of 3/4 in. plywood. I lined it with stone-look vinyl flooring and sealed with tub&tile caulk. It has sliding glass doors on the front (plexiglass & aluminum channel trim). For lighting I did something pretty interesting as I also couldn't figure out how to install it. The ceiling of the cage (the cage measures 4x2x2) is wire. I made a lid for the cage out of 1x8's and topped it off with plywood (the lid measures 4'x2'x8"). The lights simply sit on top of the wire out of the snakes reach and is hidden by the lid. The cord hangs out the back underneath the lid. I know you're thinking "What about humidity with the wire ceiling?". But the lid took care of that problem. There is a small crack on the back down the length of it between the lid and cage to allow for ventilation. I hope I haven't confused you and I really wish I already had pictures. As soon as I get the outside painted I'm going to be taking pics like crazy. I think Cages By Design would be jealous if they knew some amateur farmer gal from Texas could duplicate them so easily. Their's still look nicer IMO because of the stained wood. Mine is going to be painted to match my decor.

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[redrott]

check out www.arbreptile.com he has a cage building section. That is where I learned to build mine. Melamine works great. I use plywood but I can get the good kind from where I work for cheap. The kind i use costs 45.00 a sheet at lowes and I can get it for 10 bucks. But If I couldn't get that I would use melamine. The only thing about melamine is the weight. If you want I can email you some of the pics of my cages. I can even build you one if you would like.

[nlspears]

Originally Posted by redrott

check out www.arbreptile.com he has a cage building section. That is where I learned to build mine. Melamine works great. I use plywood but I can get the good kind from where I work for cheap. The kind i use costs 45.00 a sheet at lowes and I can get it for 10 bucks. But If I couldn't get that I would use melamine. The only thing about melamine is the weight. If you want I can email you some of the pics of my cages. I can even build you one if you would like.

The link doesn't work.

[momakat]

Thanks - someone here posted in a different thread this link: http://showcase.netins.net/web/reptiles/cage.html It's got step-by-step instructions along with pictures. Of course I would love to see what Farmergirl is doing. RedRott - yes - would like to see a couple pics as long as they aren't too big - limited by the stupid landlines. The other issue I need to take into consideration is the weight - I can't always rely on a man being handy to move a cage for me. LOL So am thinking of framing with sturdy wood and using plexiglass for sides, top, and door - with ventilation holes cut in of course. It's just getting it diagrammed out with measurements and such that I am trying to figure out right now. Just need to sit down and play with a pencil and ruler for a while. hehe

[farmergirl]

Originally Posted by momakat

The other issue I need to take into consideration is the weight - I can't always rely on a man being handy to move a cage for me.

I found some sturdy rollers at Walmart last night for under 2 bucks.