How to Build Green Tree Python Cages

In their wild habitat, green tree pythons can go their entire lives without touching scale on the ground. They specialize in nabbing birds and other animals living in the treetops, and in captivity they appreciate an enclosure that mimics that tropical serpent paradise. A pet cage, however, is limited by those same requirements, particularly maintaining heat and moisture. The dimensions of this cage allow you to keep your pet comfortable while allowing a good view.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 piece of 1/2- to 3/4-inch plywood, 36 to 48 inches by 24 inches (back)
  • 2 pieces of 1/2- to 3/4-inch plywood, 18 to 24 inches by 24 inches (sides)
  • 2 pieces of 1/2- to 3/4-inch plywood, 18 to 24 inches by 36 to 48 inches (top/bottom)
  • 1 piece of 1/2- to 3/4-inch by 1-inch by 36- to 48-inch wood (cross-brace)
  • 1 piece of plexiglass, 36 to 48 inches by 24 inches (front)
  • 4 self-adhesive rubber furniture feet
  • 2 metal or wood floor vent registers with screws to attach
  • 2 metal butt hinges
  • 2 metal sliding bolt latches
  • Box of 1 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws
  • Box of 1/2-inch pan-head screws
  • Self-adhesive contact paper to cover one side of each wood piece
  • Caulk gun
  • Tube of tub/tile caulk
  • Power drill
  • 1-inch spade (flat) drill bit
  • Screwdriver bit
  • Jig saw
  • Scissors
  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth rag
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Utility knife
  • Under-tank heater (UTH) large enough to cover one-third of the cage bottom
  • Branches or vines (real or artificial)
  • Foliage (real or artificial)
  • Shredded newspaper or other moisture-holding substrate
  • Reptile cage thermostat
  • Reptile cage thermometer
  • Reptile cage hydrometer
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Instructions

  1. Cage Assembly

    • 1
      Vents allow for air circulation without permitting escape.

      Measure or trace out a hole for the vents in one upper quadrant and the opposite lower quadrant of the back, outlining them with a pencil.

    • 2
      A spade drill bit keeps the plywood from splintering.

      Drill a hole in the center of each vent outline with the spade bit. Drill from one side until the tip of the bit appears on the opposite side of the wood, and then drill from that opposite side to complete the hole.

    • 3
      Wear a dust mask while sanding.

      Insert the jig saw blade into each drilled hole and cut out each vent hole. Sand away any rough edges or spots on all pieces of wood. Use the cloth rag to remove the sawdust.

    • 4
      The python relies on camouflage to hunt.

      Attach the contact paper to the interior sides of each wood piece, smoothing out any bubbles. Cut the contact paper out of the vent holes with the utility knife. Use dark rather than light contact paper to better simulate the snake's natural surroundings.

    • 5
      Pilot holes may be slightly smaller than the screw.

      Drill pilot holes at most every six inches along the side and bottom edges of the back, along three edges of the bottom and corresponding edges of the sides. Attach the bottom and sides with the wood screws to make a three-sided box. Attach the cross-brace at the top of the front. Make sure all the contact paper faces inward.

    • 6
      The caulk will make the cage more watertight.

      Caulk the five seams of the box. Insert and secure both vents.

    • 7
      Remove any protective covering on the plexiglass before installing.

      Drill pilot holes in the plexiglass and attach it to the front of the sides, bottom and cross-brace, using the pan-head screws.

    • 8
      Use the pencil to mark where to drill.

      Drill pilot holes for the hinges in the back and the top. Drill pilot holes for the sliding bolt latches in the sides and the top. Verify alignment as you go so the hardware will work smoothly. Attach the hinges and bolts.

    • 9
      Green tree pythons become attached to their perches.

      Attach the rubber feet and the UTH with a thermostat to the bottom of the cage. Place the thermometer and hydrometer inside the cage. Once the caulk has dried, decorate the cage with climbing branches or vines, foliage and substrate or water. If desired, paint the outside of the cage with no-VOC paint. Place the cage where the snake can get light as needed.