How to Build Reptile Cage Lids
Reptile cages are used to house snakes and lizards and are constructed to provide proper air circulation without allowing the reptile to escape. Likewise, the lids of reptile cages must also provide proper ventilation, but must also be secured so that the reptile cannot easily move it. Although ventilated lids are available for purchase at most pet supply stores, you can easily and affordably make a lid yourself with supplies from a hardware store.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Roll of 1/2-by-1/2 inch wire mesh
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wooden boards
Instructions
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1
Place a tape measure on top of the reptile cage and measure the length and width in inches. Add 3 inches to the length and the width of the cage so that the lid will overlap the cage.
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2
Unroll the wire mesh and use the tape measure to measure out the proper length for the top of the reptile cage as previously calculated. Use wire cutters to cut the wire mesh at the proper length measurement.
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3
Cut the piece of mesh wire to the proper width measurement of the cage, using the wire cutters and a tape measure.
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4
Lay the wire mesh on top of the reptile cage and use the wire cutters to cut a 3-inch diagonal slit at each corner of the mesh. This will allow the mesh lid to lay flat against the cage at the corners. Make the cuts as close to one of the vertical wires as possible. This will result in short horizontal wire edges extending from one vertical wire.
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5
Hold the edges of the corner tightly together and insert the short horizontal wires through the enclosed square of the other edge of the wire. Bend the horizontal wires around the other wire using needle-nose pliers until they form a secure loop. This creates a secure corner for the lid. Repeat this procedure on the remaining three corners of the wire mesh.
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6
Attach the lid with reptile lid clips available at any pet supply store. You can also weigh the mesh lid down with two wooden boards placed along either end of the top of the tank.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
