How to Build Your Own Reptarium

Reptariums are cages that can house a variety of popular snake and lizard species. These reptile cages consist of a gauze material that allows superior ventilation when compared to the glass aquarium some owners use to keep pet reptiles. Reptile enthusiasts can design and make their own reptarium and, by doing so, decide on the exact size this cage needs to be.

Things You'll Need

  • Marker pen
  • Miter saw
  • Four, 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch pieces of wood
  • Paint
  • Paint brush
  • Drill
  • Box of 2 ½-inch rust-proof screws
  • Sharp scissors
  • Roll of screen
  • Door handle
  • Door hinge set
  • Door lock
  • Staple gun
  • Box of staples
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a marker pen to mark each piece of wood in preparation for cutting.

    • 2

      Use a miter saw to cut four pieces, each 24-inches long. Cut another four pieces, each 21-inches long. Cut two pieces, 20 ¾-inches long. Cut another two pieces, 18 ¾-inches long and finally, cut four pieces, 15-inches long.

    • 3

      Make each of the cuts straight. Use a hand saw instead of a miter saw, if necessary, but do not cut the wood at an angle.

    • 4

      Use a paint brush to paint each piece of wood. Leave the wood overnight to dry and apply a second coat. These coats of paint will seal the wood sufficiently to allow you to only wipe it down during cleaning.

    • 5

      Use a drill to make holes in each of the ends of the four 24-inch and four 15-inch long pieces of wood, in preparation to put the screws in.

    • 6

      Construct two 21-inch by 15-inch frames by screwing the wood pieces together. Begin by laying two of the 24-inch pieces parallel to each other, on a clean work surface.

    • 7

      Place one of the 15-inch long pieces between the two 24-inch long pieces, at their top end. Use a 2 ½-inch screw to secure first the right side and a second 2 ½-inch screw to secure the left side.

    • 8

      Place the second 15-inch long pieces between the two 24-inch long pieces, at their bottom end. Use a 2 ½-inch screw to secure first the right side and a second 2 ½-inch screw to secure the left side.

    • 9

      Repeat this exercise to create a second identical frame, using the remaining two 24-inch and 15-inch pieces.

    • 10

      Use the 21-inch by 15-inch frames as two sides of the cube you are now constructing. Stand the two frames in a vertical position and place a 21-inch long piece on the work surface between them. Secure this piece into place between the two existing frames. Repeat with the other three, 21-inch long pieces, until you have constructed the complete cage frame.

    • 11

      Place the two 20 ¾-inch pieces in parallel on a clean work surface.

    • 12

      Place one of the 18 ¾-inch long pieces between the two 20 ¾-inch long pieces, at their top end. Use a 2 ½-inch screw to secure first the right side and a second 2 ½-inch screw to secure the left side.

    • 13

      Place the second 18 ¾-inch long pieces between the two 20 ¾-inch long pieces, at their bottom end. Use a 2 ½-inch screw to secure first the right side and a second 2 ½-inch screw to secure the left side. This frame is your door.

    • 14

      Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut a piece of screen to fit the door. Use the staple gun to secure the screen to the door.

    • 15

      Attach the door handle and lock to the door.

    • 16

      Place the door onto the cage frame and use the 2 ½-inch screws to secure the hinge set in place.

    • 17

      Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut five pieces of screen to fit the remaining sides of the cage. Staple the screen in place.

    • 18

      Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut five pieces of screen to fit the remaining sides of the cage. Staple the screen in place.