Do It Yourself Python Cage

Pythons are large snakes that range in size from three feet long all the way up to a 14 feet, depending on the species. As such, tanks for these snakes can get very expensive as most need a minimum 40-gallon cage. However, with a little ingenuity and a trip to the hardware store, you can build your own python cage for a moderately sized snake like a ball python for a fraction of the price of a commercial tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 40-gallon clear storage tub with tight lid
  • Power drill
  • Ruler
  • Marker
  • Utility knife
  • Chicken wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Hot glue gun and hot glue
  • Dome lamp with heat bulb
  • Aspen bedding
  • Decorations
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a dozen air holes with a power drill into each side of the plastic tub. The holes should be about 1/4-inch wide. They will provide sufficient airflow while being too small to provide a possible escape route for the python.

    • 2

      Measure the diameter of the dome lamp with the ruler (most dome lamps are about 5-to-6 inches across). Measure the lamp across the bottom.

    • 3

      Draw a square on the lid of the plastic tub that is at least one-third wider than the diameter of the dome lamp. This will ensure that the lamp does not reach the plastic portion of the lid, preventing possible melting. The square should be on one side of the lid, not in the middle.This will allow for a warm and cool side of the tank.

    • 4

      Cut the square out of the lid using the utility knife. If the lid is thick, you may need to use a small jig saw.

    • 5

      Cut a square out of the sheet of chicken wire that matches the approximate dimensions of the square cut into the lid.

    • 6

      Hot glue the chicken wire square over the square in the lid and allow the resin to harden for at least 48 hours. This is where the dome lamp will sit and emit heat down into the plastic tub, which serves as the primary enclosure.

    • 7

      Layer the bottom of the tub with aspen bedding. This will provide the substrate for the python. You can also use reptile bark or newspaper. A water bowl would be a good idea, too. Additionally, you can put decorations inside the tub to provide items to climb on for your python.