Instructions on How to Build a Reptile Cage

You can build a reptile cage instead of buying one and save yourself money. The keys to building a great reptile cage are to plan ahead and to know the needs of your reptile. You must ensure that your reptile has an environment it can thrive in, and you want to build a cage that will be easy to clean and maintain and be durable enough to last for several years.

Things You'll Need

  • wood, plywood, melamine or PVC
  • glass or Plexiglas
  • hinges or door tracks
  • drill
  • saw
  • screws
  • latch
  • lock
  • heat elements
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Instructions

  1. Cage Design

    • 1

      Determine dimensions for the cage that will give your reptiles sufficient room to stretch out, move and grow. A snake will need a cage with a length equal to at least two-thirds the snake's length and a width of half the snake's length. For a lizard the cage should be twice the length of the animal and wide enough for them to run around easily. Select a material that will be durable and affordable. Solid wood, plywood, Melamine, or PVC are all good choices. Glass aquariums can be used but since they are not well insulated, they are difficult to heat properly.

    • 2

      Use a saw to cut material for two ends, back, bottom, and top of the cage. Cut holes in both end pieces for ventilation. Pre-drill guide holes and attach these pieces with screws. You can stain the exterior of the cage and line the interior with linoleum or vinyl sheeting to make cleaning easier. If you are building a very large cage you may want to add wheels to the base.

    • 3

      Attach tracks for sliding glass doors to the top and bottom of the cage front and insert doors. As an alternative you can build wooden door frames then insert glass into them. Attach the doors with hinges. Plexiglas can be used instead of glass but it is easily scratched by clawed reptiles and tends to become cloudy over time. If using a hinged doors attach them so that they open down or to the sides. You want doors that allow you easy access to the cage; if you can't easily clean it, you are less likely to maintain the cage, which can be bad for your reptile. Add a secure latch and possibly even a lock to prevent people (especially children) from handling your reptile without your supervision.

    • 4

      Include heat elements in the cage that will allow you maintain the proper temperature for your reptile. Heat pads, ceramic heat plates, heat tape, heat lamps and heat rocks are all possible choices. Include a thermometer in the cage or buy a temperature gun so that you can check on the cage temperature and adjust if needed.

    • 5

      Cover holes cut in both end pieces with wire mesh, staple it in place. These ventilation holes allow the free flow of air. Some animals will tend to "nose rub" wire mesh; if this happens try replacing the mesh with window screening or peg board.