Instructions for the Greg Maxwell Cage

When you are making a cage for your reptiles, you may want to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. One of the best and most effective ways to do it is to follow plans and designs published by Greg Maxwell, an Ohio-based reptile specialist and cagemaster. Greg Maxwell cages are relatively easy to make if you̵7;re the least bit handy and have access to appropriate tools. You can also purchase a Greg Maxwell cage from the market, but making your own cage will save you money while meeting your reptile's needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plywood sheet
  • Jigsaw or circular saw
  • Wood screws
  • Drill and Phillips drill bit
  • Workbench
  • Polyurethane sealant
  • Plexiglas
  • 2 hinges
  • UVA/UVB lighting system
  • Desk lamp
  • UV lamp
  • Air stone
  • 1-foot plastic tube
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the right kind of wood for caging. Plywood often is preferred over hardwood because it's lightweight and cheap. Regardless of type, you should seal all the wood for splinters, pits or large gouges, as these can harm your reptiles.

    • 2

      Determine the size of your cage. The size of your cage will vary depending on the particular reptile species. Generally, a cage must measure at least twice the length of a reptile's body from nose to tail.

    • 3

      Cut two plywood rectangles 24 inches by 36 inches with a jigsaw. These rectangles will make the floor and ceiling frames for your cage.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3 to make two additional rectangles with the same measurements.

    • 5

      Cut another two pieces of 24-by-24-inch plywood rectangles, using a jigsaw.

    • 6

      Nail the rectangles together to form a 24-by-36-inch rectangular box that is 24 inches tall.

    • 7

      Identify the side that will be the front side of your cage. Cut a square opening out of the front of your cage and cut a piece of Plexiglas to fit this opening.

    • 8

      Connect the Plexiglas to the front of your cage by attaching hinges to one side of the Plexiglas-covered frame and the edge of your cage.

    • 9

      Drill a 1/4-inch-diameter hole into the ceiling of your cage.

    • 10

      Place a 1-foot piece of 1/4-inch plastic tube into the hole. Push the tube through the hole so that its end will rest against the bottom of your cage. Attach an air stone securely to the end of the tube. Humidity plays an important role in reptiles' health. This arrangement will not only help control humidity level inside your cage, but ventilation systems as well.

    • 11

      Heat your cage using a heat lamp. Place a UVB bulb in a desk lamp with 10-inch metal dome enclosure. Position the heat lamp over the basking area in your cage.

    • 12

      Provide your reptiles with a source of UVA light. Most lizards, such as geckos and iguanas, obtain their vitamin D from the sun. Hence, exposure to UVA lighting helps keep your reptiles in good health. Use a UV lamp, or UV light box, to install UVA lighting, and position the lamp to the center of your cage.