How to Build a Wooden Iguana Cage

Iguanas are interesting reptiles that are easily domesticated. They need a bit of space and enjoy being isolated from other iguanas so it̵7;s best to build a separate cage for each iguana. Building the cage itself is an enjoyable project requiring a minimum of tools and materials, most of which can be found at the local hardware store or home center.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 by 2 inch lumber
  • Circular or table saw
  • Heavy duty wire screening
  • Stain, paint and finish (optional)
  • Fence staples
  • Hammer
  • Portable drill with screwdriver bit
  • Screws
  • Hinges (2)
  • Plywood
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors or cutters
  • Hook and eye assembly
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what size of iguana cage you would like to build. Iguanas need room to move around and climb. This cage is going to be about 5 feet long by 5 feet tall by 3 feet deep but you can make yours larger or smaller by adjusting the measurements for frames.

    • 2

      Cut the 2 by 2 lumber to size with a table saw or circular saw. You̵7;ll need eight 5-foot-long pieces, six 4-foot-8-inches-long pieces and six 2-foot-4-inches-long pieces.

    • 3

      Assemble five frames from the 2 by 2̵7;s you just cut to length. Two 5 foot pieces and two 4-foot-8-inch pieces will make up one side. The 4-foot-8-inch pieces should go inside the 5-footers and meet at the corners where you can fasten them with screws and a portable drill with a screwdriver bit. You̵7;ll need two of these side assemblies so go ahead and make another.

    • 4

      Assemble the top and bottom. These two frames are made just like the sides except two 2-foot-4-inch pieces are screwed in between two 5-foot pieces.

    • 5

      The final frame assembly will become the door. It, too, is made exactly like the other frames you̵7;ve constructed and it is built of two 2-foot-4-inch pieces screwed in between two 4-foot-8-inch pieces.

    • 6

      Build the carcass of the iguana cage by using screws to connect the bottom frame with the two side frames. The bottom frame should be placed inside the two side frame assemblies. Add the top frame in the same manner to the top of the two side frame assemblies. If you want to stain, paint or finish the cage, do so now.

    • 7

      Cut the heavy-duty screening material to size to cover the inside of the two side frames using heavy cutters or a pair of scissors. It̵7;s best to measure the inside of your cage carcass with a tape measure to get the exact dimensions you̵7;ll need. Measure and cut five pieces: one for each side, another for the top, one for the door and one for the side opposite the door.

    • 8

      Attach the sections of heavy-duty screening to the inside of the framework that makes up the carcass and to the inside of the frame that will act as a door.

    • 9

      Cut a piece of plywood to match the dimensions of the bottom frame. This should be about 5 feet long by 2 feet 8 inches wide. Slide this piece onto the bottom frame but don̵7;t attach it with screws. You̵7;ll want to be able to remove the plywood to clean the cage more easily.

    • 10

      Attach the door to the two side frames with hinges. Mount one hinge about 5 inches from the top of the cage and the other about 5 inches from the bottom of the cage. The door should rest inside the opening. Attach the hook and eye assembly to act as a door latch.