How to Build Custom Reptile Cages

Learning how to build custom reptile cages allows you to create an environment specifically suited to your reptile. If you purchase a juvenile reptile that will grow much larger, you may be able to add onto your custom cage instead of replacing it at significant expense. All reptiles need a sunning area to absorb warmth. Building your own cage allows you to plan for enough height to hang your heat lamps inside the cage. This can help you avoid the accidental burns or fires that can occur when another pet accidentally knocks a heat lamp that is propped on top of a reptile cage onto the floor. The plans in this article are to build a 1-foot wide cage that is 2 feet tall.

Things You'll Need

  • Screen, 2 feet by 2 feet Staple gun and staples Four 1/4-inch pieces of plywood: 12 inches by 2 feet One 1/4-inch piece of plywood: 2 feet by 2 feet 100 1/2-inch screws Six 1-inch hinges Eight boards, 1 inch by 1 inch by 2 feet Four boards, 1 inch by 1 inch by 12 inches Four latches, such as eye-and-hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Frame four of the 2-foot boards into a square and screw them together at the corners. Angle the corners to fit together at 90-degree angles. When you have finished the first square frame, use the remaining four 2-foot boards to make another square. Screw the corners together.

    • 2

      Lay the 2x2 plywood over one of the frames and screw it into place. Place screws about every 4 to 6 inches.

    • 3

      Stretch the screen over the remaining frame. Use the staple gun to secure the screen to the frame. Place staples about every inch or closer as needed.

    • 4

      Attach the four 12-inch boards using screws at each corner so that the two 2x2 sections you just built are attached, forming a cube.

    • 5

      Screw two of the 12-inch-by-2-foot plywood sheets onto the cube. Screw one on the bottom and one on the side, placing screws every 4 to 6 inches as needed. Attach one of the remaining sheets of plywood to the top of the cage using three of the hinges on the long side and two of the latches on the front. Attach the remaining sheet of plywood on the remaining side using three of the hinges on the long side and two of the latches on the front. Having two access panels will make your cage easier to clean and make it easier to get your reptile out to hold.