How to Build Reptile Cages

You can build your own reptile cages, design them to fit the specific needs of your reptiles, tailor the size and shape to fit into your living space, and save money. Purchasing reptile cages and cage accessories is expensive. If you have a juvenile reptile, you may need to change cage sizes several times before your reptile reaches its adult size. However, you could choose to use hinges to connect the cage panels and add onto the cage later. These plans will help you build a reptile cage that is 18 inches wide and 2 feet tall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 sheet 1/4-inch plywood 2 by 2 feet 3 pieces1/4-inch plywood: 18 inches by 2 feet 50 1/2-inch screws Six 1-inch hinges 16 boards that are 1 inch by 1-inch by 2-feet 8 boards that are 1 inch by 1 inch by 18 inches 6 latches such as eye-and-hook 1 piece screen 18 inches by 2 feet 1 piece screen 2 feet by 2 feet Staple gun and staples Tube of Liquid Nails

1. 
   Happy reptiles have special cages

   Frame four of the 1-inch by 1-inch by 2-foot boards into a square. Angle the ends of each board to fit together and create 90 degree angles. Connect the corners using liquid nails. Follow the same procedure to build a second square frame. Build four frames using the same procedure that are rectangle shaped using two of the 1-inch by 1-inch by-2-foot boards and two of the 1- inch by 1-inch by 12-inch boards for each frame.

2. Staple the square piece of screen to one of the square frames, making sure to place staples every inch so small or juvenile reptiles cannot escape. Repeat this process using a rectangular frame that you built and the rectangular piece of screen.

3. Attach the 1/4-inch plywood square to the remaining square frame using the 1/2-inch screws. Use screws every 2 to 3 inches to secure the back onto the cage. Attach the three rectangular pieces of plywood to the three remaining rectangular frames using screws every 2 to 3 inches.

4. Assemble the frames covered in plywood using screws to create a cube leaving an opening at the front and an opening at the top. You will be attaching the screened frames here using hinges and latches.

5. Use three hinges to attach the back of the rectangular frame covered in screen to the top back of the cube. This will be your lid. At the front, and sides if necessary to prevent escape, attach the latches using screws so that the top closes to the frame. Next, use three hinges to attach the front, framed, screen square to the cube. Place these hinges on bottom and the latches on the top. Two openings make it easier to clean your reptile cages, catch your reptiles and add onto the cages if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular handling will keep your reptile more calm and less likely to bite.
• Always wash your hands or use sanitizer after handling reptiles or their cage accessories to avoid salmonella.

Resources

• Reptile cages and terrariums built using the reptile cage plans book
• Do it yourself cage building articles
• Hump day hippie recycling ideas