How to Build a Great Snake Cage at a Low Price

There are some beautiful snake cages out there, but what does your snake really need? If you have been raising snakes for awhile, you know that the needs of your snake are fairly low, and while an expensive cage is nice, it is far from necessary. Building an inexpensive snake cage that still manages to take care of your snake's needs is very straightforward and can be accomplished with supplies taken from your local pet store and home goods store.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic tub with latching lid
  • Water
  • Mild soap
  • Thermometer gauge
  • Hydrometer gauge
  • Under-tank heating pad
  • Heat-resistant tape
  • Soldering iron
  • Four water bottle lids
  • Super glue
  • Newspaper
  • Two cardboard boxes
  • Water bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your plastic tub. Most snakes are not very mobile, and unless your snake is a climber, it will want more horizontal space than vertical space. Look for a tub that will allow it to stretch out. These tubs can easily be purchased from any store that sells storage containers.

    • 2

      Wash your plastic tub. Rinse it very well. This will make sure that your snake does not inhale any toxic fumes. You may wish to let the plastic tub air dry before you proceed.

    • 3

      Melt holes on the sides and on the lid of the tub with your soldering iron. While you can use an awl or any sharp object for this, a soldering iron will allow you to create holes that have no sharp edges. To get good air flow and good humidity, space about 20 holes evenly all over the box.

    • 4

      Attach your under-tank heater to the bottom of your tank with heat-resistant tape. Make sure that you attach your under-tank heater securely along all four edges as this will be your snake's main heat source.

    • 5

      Glue one water bottle lid to each corner of the tub. This will hold your snake cage off of the ground and give your under-tank heater some clearance. This is an important step as it keeps your floor or table from being burned.

    • 6

      Place your tank where you want to keep it.

    • 7

      Attach the thermometer gauge and the hydrometer gauge to the inside of the tank. You may simply glue the gauges in, or they may come with an adhesive.

    • 8

      Line the bottom of the tank with old newspapers. This is going to be your substrate, which can be changed when your snake soils it.

    • 9

      Add the two cardboard boxes, one on the warm side of the tank, and one on the cooler side. This will give your snake a place to hide, which it will be doing often.

    • 10

      Fill the water bowl with water and place it in the center of your tank.

    • 11

      Plug in your heat source and let it run for a few hours.

    • 12

      Place your snake in your tank.