Reptile cages should not be just a place to confine reptiles. The cage must provide a safe, comfortable habitat, and allow the reptiles to freely behave according to their natural nature. Each reptile has different needs, depending on the species, and you should do a little research to find out what your pet reptile needs before building a cage for it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Cage
Step 1. Consider the reptile's behavior
Think about the type of reptile your pet is. Does he need water? Does it need a certain type of lighting? Is he still young? What is the maximum size it will reach? Will the cage be placed inside or outside the house?
- The cage should be as close as possible to the reptile's natural habitat. For example, a chameleon will like a tubular cage.
- Turtles, frogs, and some snakes will need water in their cages.
- Some reptiles eat insects and other animals such as crickets and mice. The cage must also be able to accommodate these animals. Do not let these reptile food animals escape from the cage and roam in the house.
Step 2. Choose the appropriate material to make the cage
Materials for making the cage must be adjusted to the budget and needs of the reptile. Cages are usually made of mosquito net, plastic or wood, acrylic or glass. You should also consider how often the cage should be cleaned.
- If you don't have experience working with acrylic and glass, we recommend buying pre-cut panels. The panels can be assembled together or you can mount the panels on a wooden or plastic frame.
- Plastic cages are usually more expensive, more durable, and can withstand heat better than glass cages.
- Melamine, or plywood board with high-pressure particles and a decorative laminate layer, looks good, has good resistance and is easy to clean, but is also heavier. Another option that can be considered is plywood or shelving which is sold in pieces.
- Walls can be made of wood, glass, transparent thermoplastic, or coated mosquito net.
- Consider building a reptile cage out of readily available materials, such as an aquarium, old drawers, toy box or a fridge without a door.
Step 3. Determine the size of the cage you need
Reptiles must be able to move freely or hide in cages. The cage should also have enough space so you can install the lighting, heating, and substrate you need. Most cages have a rectangular shape.
- Small reptiles such as leopard geckos and garter snakes take up about 20-60 cm of space.
- Medium-sized reptiles such as pythons take up about 60-75 square cm of space.
- Small, mobile reptiles such as the bearded dragon take up about 75 cm to 3 square meters of space.
- Large reptiles such as iguanas, turtles, and boas need cages as large as closets or rooms.
Step 4. Provide ventilation for the cage
Mosquito nets, pegboards, and holes are the best options for ventilation. For example, you may need to install mosquito nets for reptiles like chameleons that need a lot of air. The type of ventilation you choose should be tailored to the reptile's needs.
- Ventilation holes must be small enough so that the reptile cannot escape through them or covered with mosquito netting, wire cloth, or other material that allows air to enter. Do not use mosquito nets for snake cages.
- Pegboards are great for reptiles who like to rub their noses against things.
- If you're worried that your reptile will damage the cage with its claws, use a 1-inch (0.3 inch) wire cloth covered in plastic.
Step 5. Sketch the cage
After you have chosen the size of the cage and the material to be used, make the cage that you want to make. The sketch will help you determine exactly what to buy and help organize the steps for building the cage. You will also need to measure the area where the cage will be placed to make sure there is enough space.
- Make a list of the tools needed such as chisels, drills, saws, and so on. Don't forget to prepare any screws, hinges, glue, or adhesive that may be needed.
- Think about the approach you will use to build the cage. Decide which part to make first. Will you use pre-cut material or will you cut it yourself?
Step 6. Build the cage
Attach the walls of the cage using wood or glue. Plexiglass and wood require screws. Do not forget to make air holes for ventilation. Make a cage door and use hinges to attach the door to the frame.
- Doors should always open sideways or downwards. If you have to hold the door with one hand, it will be more difficult for you to clean the cage or care for the reptile.
- Place the door in a location that allows you to easily reach the entire area of the cage. Doors that are placed in the wrong location or of the wrong size will make it difficult for you to take care of your reptile.
- Do not place hinges over doors.
- Make sure all hinges, screws, lids, and doors are firmly and securely attached. Do not let the reptile escape from the cage.
Step 7. Give the finishing touches
Sand any areas that are rough or have sharp edges. Seal the bottom of the cage tightly so that the substrate, water and dirt don't leak out. You can use a nontoxic silicone sealant and a durable plastic sheet. Cover the sharp edges of the mosquito net on the inside of the cage.
If you want to color or decorate the wood, paint the wood and apply a varnish, such as polyurethane, to protect the wood. Make sure you let it air out after the painting process so that the pungent smell won't make the reptile sick
Method 2 of 2: Setting Up the Habitat
Step 1. Choose a substrate (cage base)
You can choose sand (fine beach sand, playground beach, silica sand), gravel/stone (lava rock, pea gravel, pumice), wood and paper based products (bark, mulch, brown opaque paper, newspaper, paper towels, wood shavings), soil and moss (sphagnum moss, pot media, Spanish moss), or cage sand (cat sand, clay sand, alfalfa pellets). The type of substrate you choose will depend on the reptile's needs.
- If in doubt, seek advice from a reptile expert. Some substrates, such as sand, can cause digestive problems if the reptile accidentally ingests it while eating insects.
- Wood is the best substrate for arboreal reptiles, such as lizards, which don't spend much time on the ground.
- Paper towels and newspapers can be shredded and placed in the rough cage. These materials are cheap and easy to clean, but they can't help control odors.
- Coir is also good for reptiles that need a high humidity environment, and have the ability to control odors. In addition, coconut husk is also suitable for reptiles who like to dig holes and hide.
- Moss is ideal for reptiles who like high humidity and reptiles who like to hide in holes.
- Sand is more suitable for desert reptiles. However, sand can be dangerous if the reptile ingests it in large quantities.
- Never use soil, grass, bark or other substrate taken from a garden or garden. This material may contain organisms and bacteria that are harmful to reptiles.
Step 2. Add a heater in the cage
All reptiles need an external heat source because these animals cannot control body temperature and many reptiles live in warm climates. If a reptile spends most of its time on tree branches or at the top of its enclosure, it needs heat to bask. If your reptile spends most of its time on the floor of the cage, you will need to install a floor heater. All cages should also be equipped with a thermometer. The ideal temperature for reptiles is between 20-32 C.
- Ceramic heaters, heating lamps or sun lamps can be used to provide heat. Sun lamps can be used to create a desert environment. Sunlights have a time limit (14 hours in hot weather and 8 hours in cold weather) and you should monitor them.
- Heating mats and cushions, hot stones, and heating wires can heat the floor. The heating mat and cushion provide constant heat. Heating stones are more suitable for nocturnal reptiles, but occasionally may not work well. Choose stones, mats and heating pads carefully. Some may become too hot and can burn the reptile's stomach when it lies on it. Heating cords and cords are flexible options and can be wrapped around different objects. Heating cords and cords can get very hot. You must use a rheostat to monitor the temperature.
- Do not place a basking lamp on a heating pad. This can cause the heating pad to reach an unsafe temperature for the reptile and could injure it.
Step 3. Apply ultraviolet (UV) light
Most reptiles require a full spectrum of light that provides UVA or UVB rays. Good lighting allows reptiles to stay healthy and happy and provides adequate intake of vitamin D3 and calcium. The lighting that needs to be applied will depend on the reptile species.
- The lamp should be placed about 30-45 cm from where the reptile is lying.
- Light that provides 4-10% radiation such as UVB is the best choice, depending on the type of reptile.
- You will most likely need a minimum of two UV light bulbs. It's best if you turn lights on and off, including UV lights, to mimic daylight in a reptile's natural habitat.
- You should replace the lamp every 6 months even if it looks like it's still working. The reason is that the level of UV radiation emitted by the lamp decreases after 6 months.
- Incandescent bulbs will provide additional heat to the cage. While you can use this type of lamp to heat the cage, make sure not to overheat the cage.
- If possible, install lights outside the enclosure. If you decide to install a light in the cage, create a shield around it so the reptile can't touch it.
Step 4. Place decorations in the cage that can stimulate the reptile's natural environment
Place tree branches for arboreal species so they can climb on them and flat rocks for reptiles who like to bask under heating lights. Also provide a place to hide. Ideally, one hides in a warm place and another in a cool place. Purchase decorations from a trusted pet store or online store. Tree branches, twigs, and leaves taken from the natural environment may be harmful to pet reptiles.
Think about the reptile's water and dietary needs. Some need a large container so they can climb up, while others need a drip bottle for drinking
Step 5. Observe the reptile's behavior in the cage
Place the reptile in a cage and watch its behavior closely to make sure it is comfortable. Reptiles that are behaving strangely or constantly trying to escape may feel stressed. You will have to make adjustments or build a more precise enclosure.
Tips
- Before you start building a reptile cage, make sure you can move it to a designated location. Measure the width of the door and redesign the cage if necessary to ensure it can be moved through the door.
- Do not use toxic chemicals that can harm reptiles.
- Make sure you cover the holes with wood, glass, or mosquito net.
- You should pay attention to the reptile's behavior by species to see if it is comfortable in your cage or not.
- If you must seal parts of the cage to make it waterproof, use 100% silicone for the corners and a non-toxic wood sealant if you are making a wooden cage.
