How to Make a Custom Cage for Reptiles

Reptile cages can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the area where your cage will be housed as well as the different sizes of reptiles. These cages can be constructed out of wood, metal, glass or any combination of these materials depending on your budget and construction experience. You can easily build a tank a foot in diameter and 3 feet high which holds approximately 14 1/2 gallons and is suitable for frogs, anoles, newts or geckos.

Things You'll Need

  • Protractor
  • Paper
  • Measuring tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Scissors
  • Triple chip carbide-tipped blade
  • 1/2 inch acrylic sheet, 4 by 8 feet
  • Caulking gun
  • Silicone caulking
  • Circular saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a hexagon with 6-inch sides on paper and trace the pattern onto a piece of acrylic.

    • 2

      Cut the acrylic piece out using a mounted circular saw. Set the blade height 1/8 inch above the surface of the acrylic. Cut the acrylic using slow, smooth motions. Pour water on the blade to keep the acrylic cool and prevent melting. This is your cage base.

    • 3

      Cut three rectangular pieces of acrylic 12 inches by 36 inches for the first, third and fifth sides of the cage. Cut three other pieces 13 by 36 inches for the second, fourth and sixth sides.

    • 4

      Lay the hexagonal base on a flat surface in front of you and with a caulking gun run a bead of silicone along one edge. Position the first side vertically against this edge and run a bead of silicone on the inside and outside of the joint. Hold the pieces in place while the caulk dries.

    • 5

      Do the same with the remaining sides. The second, fourth and sixth sides will be centered on the sides so they align with the edges of the first, third and fifth side.