Instructions
Research the living requirements of your snake or lizard to determine the appropriate enclosure. Although they are both reptiles, snakes and lizards have different needs in order to survive. Failing to properly understand the needs of your reptile can lead to malnutrition or death.
Write down all pertinent information for your snake (if you have one). Understand that snakes are private animals and, therefore, cannot share a cage with other snakes. Your cage must be able to safely accommodate a warming pad (usually under the bottom of the enclosure), a light to provide heat during the daytime, a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature, and safety measures to prevent your snake from escaping.
Write down all information regarding the specifications for a lizard in captivity (if you have one). Understand that lizards must have direct contact with a heated rock to digest their food. A "hot rock" must be placed inside the cage and must pass through one of the walls of the enclosure to be plugged into a power supply. Lizard cages also require a form of security to both prevent them from escaping and to keep other household pets from entering and attacking them. Additionally, the enclosure must be able to safely accommodate a strong UV light.
Find free reptile cage plans online. Many reptile cage plans cost money, so you will have to spend a fair amount of time finding plans that are actually free. Using reptile related forums is a great way to find links to websites with free plans that are submitted by other reptile owners.
Follow the plans as closely as possible to successfully build your reptile enclosure. If you need to build multiple cages or substitute materials, always write out a revised plan before beginning construction.
How to Build Reptile Cages With Free Plans
Reptile owners are well aware of the detailed care that their pets require, including specialized heat lamps and heated rocks (used to aid in digestion for lizards). Many reptiles in captivity come from exotic habitats, and their enclosure should resemble their natural habitat as closely as possible. Building your own reptile cage, as opposed to buying one, can save you hundreds of dollars and will help you better understand your reptile's needs at the same time. Construct your cages with specific reptile species in mind.