Materials Used to Make a Reptile Cage

Building a cage for your pet reptile can ensure it has the best possible home, tailored to his needs and your wants. But before you start building, you need to have a plan and know how the materials you choose will affect your building process and your pet's lifestyle. Choosing the right materials will ensure your pet has a habitat that meets the wants and needs of his species.

  1. Lights

    • Consider the heat source when choosing between fluorescent and incandescent lights. Incandescent light bulbs generate heat, so if you use incandescent bulbs, you need to account for their heat when choosing a dedicated heat source.

    Heat Source

    • A heat source is a vital part of the cage--one a reptile can't live without. You must install a heat lamp, heat tape or radiant heat panels in the cage, but research the breed of reptile to find out whether it will prefer heat from above or below the bedding or even both.

    Melamine

    • Melamine sheets create sturdy, attractive, easy-to-clean siding on a cage. It also retains heat and moisture well. But melamine is heavy and can be expensive, so if you're building with that material, consider making the cage a permanent fixture.

    Glass

    • Glass is appropriate as cage siding or doors because it retains heat and moisture well and allows unobstructed viewing of the reptile. It can be difficult to build with, however, so use a glass-cutting saw and sturdy gloves to protect your hands.

    Mesh or Wire

    • Use mesh or wire for siding, but be sure it's safe for your pet before purchasing it. Wire can be especially dangerous for snakes or small reptiles, but rubber-coated wire mesh can work well for lizards who like to climb. Mesh provides unobstructed views of the reptile and makes for a light carrying cage, but it does not retain moisture very well, so you may need to create humidity in the cage. Mesh windows in a wooden, glass or melamine cage also work well for providing ventilation.

    Wood

    • When building a wooden frame, top choices are plywood or basic oak. Aromatic woods like cedar or pine can create health risks for a reptile, so try to avoid using them in large quantities. Buy 2-by-4 or 4-by 8-planks you easily can saw to the appropriate measurements. Consider painting or applying sealant to the planks to protect them from the cage's humidity, especially if you're using a sheet of plywood for the cage back or sides. If you build the cage out of wood, have the appropriate woodworking tools on hand, including saws, screws, nails and a sander.

    Plastic Piping

    • Plastic PVC piping can make a sturdy and inexpensive frame that's resistant to humidity, but it doesn't retain heat as well as wood. PVC works well with as a frame combined with mesh or wire siding.

    Used Furniture

    • Consider looking for used furniture with glass panes you could easily convert into a reptile cage. Wooden china cabinets and entertainment centers with glass doors work especially well after you remove shelves or convert them into basking perches. If you use furniture for the cage, you still need to add lights, plants, a pool and a heat source.