How to Build an Iguana Cage

Introduction: Learn to build a cage for your reptile. Master the assembly of the cage and the environment with ease. Learn how the reptile adjusts his/ her own temperature. Keep in mind the safety precautions for the reptile, yourself, and the cage design.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint (high gloss finish)
• Plywood box w/ sliding glass door
• Heat lamp

Learn to build a home made iguana cage

1. Assemble your cage materials. Pick a plywood box for the cage. Acquire tempered glass for the sliding door. Set these items to one side.

2. Grab some plastic sliding track, marine goop or silicone, and two boards the same length as the plywood box.

3. Attach a wood board to the top portion of the wooden box, then add another board to the bottom section of the wooden box. You can use silicone as the sealing adhesive. Set the plastic sliding rack on the wood boards and secure it in place with screws or sealant/ glue.

4. Install a display case lock to the sliding door.

5. Drill holes, one or two, in the sides of the cage/ wood box. Cover the holes with wire mesh and staple them to the cage.

6. Install plastic heating vents by cutting a portion of the wall with a jigsaw.

7. You can place a warming light for your reptile at one end of the cage or outside of the cage. Either way, you want to allow the reptile some options to get warm or cool down. Do not place the lamp in the center of the cage!

8. Seal the cage floor with silicone. Allow the arrangement to dry for a couple weeks or so.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the pet store about the type of cage you plan on building, and take a look at other cages they sell.
• After painting or coating your snake cage, let the iguana cage dry and air out for at least 2 weeks. Also, remember that glass can be dangerous, especially plate glass, when handling the reptile in the cage or moving the cage. Do not place the lamp in the center of the cage! The reptile knows how to regulate its temperature better than you do.