Homemade Lizard Cages

Making your own lizard cage will allow you to control its size, shape and the materials it's made out of. Depending on the materials you choose, you may even be able to save money if you make your lizard cage at home instead of buying it from a store.

  1. Structure

    • The most important thing to keep in mind when making a cage for your lizard is your lizard's size. A standard lizard cage is three to four feet long, two feet wide and 18" tall. If your lizard is significantly smaller or larger than the standard cage, however, you should adjust these measurements.

      Use MDF, plywood, pine or oak to build a rectangular box. Use bolts to secure the pieces of wood together. You'll want to cut holes in the front and top of the box so that you'll be able to see your lizard. You can cover both holes in mesh, or use glass or Plexiglas for the front of the cage. Hinge either the front or top so that you can have access to the lizard.

      The simplest way to build the structure is to make a rectangular box, but there is a way for you to avoid starting from scratch. You can start your cage with furniture, such as dressers, armoires, cabinets and jewelry cases and take out the drawers. You already may have the openings that you need in the front and top of your structure.

    Interior

    • Depending on what type of lizard you have, it may not be able to tolerate contact with the wood out of which you built the cage. If this is the case, you need to cover the inside of the cage with another material that the lizard can handle. One good choice is tile because it is safe for most lizards, and easy to clean and wipe down. You also should seal the interior joints of the cage with caulk to protect your lizard from sharp edges and to keep debris from accumulating.

    Extras

    • If you want more than a basic cage, there are a few things you can add to it to make it an even nicer place for your lizard to live. Some people aren't comfortable with leaving their lizard in a cage with hinged doors because the lizard might get out. In that case, you may want to install a lock.

      You also can make basking shelves for your lizard if you use heat lamps in the cage. Attach store-bought shelving units to the inside wall of your cage.

      If you plan to have running water in your lizard's cage, you will need to cut holes in the structure for drains and water lines. An easy way to install plumbing in your homemade lizard cage is to make a hole in the bottom of your cage large enough for a sink, and hook the sink up to water lines as you normally would.