How to Make a Reptile Terrarium Cage

Keeping reptiles is a great alternative to larger animals like cats or dogs. Reptiles do not require nearly as much maintenance and can be kept in a terrarium cage. Here's how to make a basic terrarium that will be a great house for your reptile.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium w/ screen top Substrate (sand, wood chips, shredded paper) Heat lamp Water dish Food dish Sticks & bark Box/cave home

Instructions

1. Determine what size aquarium you need. For small reptiles, like geckos and anoles, a 10-gallon aquarium will do. For larger reptiles that like to climb, such as iguanas, a 20" x 20" x 20" aquarium is ideal.

2. Place your substrate in the bottom of the aquarium (see tips below on how to choose substrate).

3. Add your reptile's food and water dishes inside the terrarium. Keep the water away from direct heat (it should not be placed under the heat lamp).

4. Place your reptile's box or cave home in a corner of the terrarium. It should not be directly under the heat lamp either.

5. Add sticks and bark throughout the terrarium so your reptile has something to climb on, or at least his home has the look and feel of a natural setting.

6. Place your reptile inside the terrarium. Attach the screen lid on the top of the terrarium and place your heat lamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Substrate should be chosen according to the reptile. Geckos can use calcium sand, shredded paper towels and newspaper. Iguanas can use indoor/outdoor carpet, fake turf and or newspaper. Snakes can use sand, grass, soil and mulch.

• Cedar and pine shavings have been said to cause respiratory problems in reptiles. Never use calcium sand with juvenile geckos. They can ingest it and it may become impacted.

References

• Reptile Substrates