Building my own

[thedestroyers]

Hello everybody!

I am trying to build my own chameleon cage. I'm 100% new to this and need some help.

First I'll introduce myself, I'm Michiel, 22 years old and studying to become a biology student. I'm from holland and have reasonly discoverd that I really would like to have a new friend Chams ofcourse!

I made a drawing of the cage i would like to build.

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Drawing of drainage system:

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The lengths are 80x60x120 cm. I choose for these sizes because I want to have a big home for my new friend.

I'm trying to build it as low-budget as it could be. This because I'm a poor student but really want to do this. Trying to keep the costs for resources as low as possible but i do not want that the health of my chams would suffer of it.

- Want to use glass at the front and at the sides. Does anyone know what the best ..mm is for this size cage?

- What I also wonder is what kind of wood I should use at the back. Can i use normal wood? And if not what should be the best? ( price/quality)

- And then we also come at the background, any good tips for this? Can I get some fallen-off pieces of nice wood from a random forrest or would this be tricky as there could be funghi on it?

- I also want to make a glass slide door with two moving pieces, I'm wondering what the name is of this ?strip? they use often (were the glass slides in)

Thanks a lot in advance!

Any other suggestions are very very welcome.

 

[AbooLovesYOU]

In my little experience and honest opinion... Glass is usually avoided with chameleons as the chams need VERY GOOD ventilation. Screen is the way to go for most chameleon cages. Wood is perfectly fine to use on your cage. Sticks and branches are fine as well to use, however should be treaded to prevent bacteria or fungi. You can bake the wood in the oven, or larger wood pieces can be thrown into a garbage can with a bleach sort of solution to kill off any bacteria.

You may find yourself with a large investement in building your own cage though. I love the idea don't get me wrong. Try this youtube vid of DIY cages... This guy explains very well how to build your own, if you want to go that route

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnNl5IMXFCI

 

[thedestroyers]

Thanks for your reply!

I was also thinking about useing screen, but doesnt a full screen cage result in a cold, less humidity environment?

The grey areas on my drawing are represented as to-become-ventilation, I've red on ( I thought chameleonnews) that this setup makes the chimney effect possible. Are they wrong about that?

Is it less expensive to buy your own cage? I just love the idea to create this by myself, and thought it would be cheaper, same costs if I would buy a cage.

Very usefull tips Will definitly bake some wood in my oven.

 

[Mmcbain1]

I make my own cages all screen including the bottums, yes it lets out some humidity, and heat, but proper ventilation prevents mold and respiratory problems. Heat isnt a problem with the right lighting, infrared bulbs are my favorite for heat, but a warm in house temperature is usually fine at night so usually you can get away with just a daylight basking bulb. It all depends on the species and the conditions of your house. Read around the forum for begining cham information and it should help you with your cage. Most adults need a 24X24X48" cage witch metric would be like 65X65X130 or so, just to give you an idea,

 

[AbooLovesYOU]

Thanks for your reply!

I was also thinking about useing screen, but doesnt a full screen cage result in a cold, less humidity environment?

The grey areas on my drawing are represented as to-become-ventilation, I've red on ( I thought chameleonnews) that this setup makes the chimney effect possible. Are they wrong about that?

Is it less expensive to buy your own cage? I just love the idea to create this by myself, and thought it would be cheaper, same costs if I would buy a cage.

Very usefull tips Will definitly bake some wood in my oven.

Sorry in advanced, as I didn't check your drawing out thoroughly enough to realize the gray parts were ventilation points. I believe exo-terra (I may be wrong) has a cage like this already that some use for their chams. I have a 24x24x48 cage that I picked up for around 40$ off craigslist... It is a pretty big cage. So building your own might not be as cheap as picking up an already built one.

I see nothing wrong with building your own though, be creative, and have fun! Pick up some parts when you have the money for them and build it as you go.

 

[FrankTheTank]

I've heard that you shouldnt use pine wood for some reason, but I've used it in all my cages that I've built with no problems to my reps. Just make sure you seal it with a non-toxic poly. And I would also add a drainage system at the bottom as chams need lots of humidity and it will cause mold and mildew if it does not drain properly.

There is something about building your own that is for the self satisfaction. Like someone else said it's not necessarily the cheaper route, but it is more gratifying

 

[thedestroyers]

I make my own cages all screen including the bottums, yes it lets out some humidity, and heat, but proper ventilation prevents mold and respiratory problems. Heat isnt a problem with the right lighting, infrared bulbs are my favorite for heat, but a warm in house temperature is usually fine at night so usually you can get away with just a daylight basking bulb. It all depends on the species and the conditions of your house. Read around the forum for begining cham information and it should help you with your cage. Most adults need a 24X24X48" cage witch metric would be like 65X65X130 or so, just to give you an idea,

Thank you for your reply!

The room where I can place the cage is without putting the central heater on, around 18 degrees. So this wouldn't be to cold at night for the chams? That's great to hear.
I really like the idea of useing the chimney effect, but if u and aboolovesu do not advice that ill build it useing screen. You said that u also use screen at the bottoms, how do u drain the water that builds up when u hydrated the cage? Do u have a bucket/orsomethingelse underneath the cage to catch the water u lose when u hydrate?

I would look up that forum for beginning chams information, thanks for the tip!

 

[thedestroyers]

I've heard that you shouldnt use pine wood for some reason, but I've used it in all my cages that I've built with no problems to my reps. Just make sure you seal it with a non-toxic poly. And I would also add a drainage system at the bottom as chams need lots of humidity and it will cause mold and mildew if it does not drain properly.

There is something about building your own that is for the self satisfaction. Like someone else said it's not necessarily the cheaper route, but it is more gratifying

Thanks for your reply!

Oké, I have enough other kinds of woods to choose from, so it will be non-pine. (Useing a non-toxic polymere, sounds like extra costs, trying to avoid that)

In the post below I'm explaining what kind of drainage system I want to use.

Do you or anyone else have/has experience with this method of draining water?

And your 100% right as it comes to self-satisfaction, I experienced this with a self build terrarium a few years ago. Its great!

 

[thedestroyers]

Sorry in advanced, as I didn't check your drawing out thoroughly enough to realize the gray parts were ventilation points. I believe exo-terra (I may be wrong) has a cage like this already that some use for their chams. I have a 24x24x48 cage that I picked up for around 40$ off craigslist... It is a pretty big cage. So building your own might not be as cheap as picking up an already built one.

I see nothing wrong with building your own though, be creative, and have fun! Pick up some parts when you have the money for them and build it as you go.

No problem! Indeed, i've looked it up and exo-terra uses this kind of ventilation aswell.

My drawing has already changed on a few points. Im going for 30x60 glas at the bottom of the sides. And above these pieces of glass I'll put 90x60 screen on both sides.

I think this would be enough ventilation for the cage.(90x60 x 90x60)

The front will be the same as the original drawing but I'll erase the front ventilation, and for the top of the cage.

New features:

At the bottom and at the back I will try to get shuttering plywood( as it is resistent to humidity and holds warmth, quality and it is a often used building material for reptile cages.

I want to grow plants on the bottom and use death/dryed leaves as subtrate.

Am going to use a plastic board(60x80) drill some wide holes(8-12cm) in it to 'hang' plants in. They will not touch the bottom of the cage(maby some roots will). The rest of the board will be penetrated with small holes(1mm).

So if i drip/spray my cage it will dripp on the plants, through the leaves through the smaller wholes and collects at the bottom the cage.
Plants will suck up this water and I hope a amount will evaporate aswell.

Would this be wise as a beginner to build in my cage? I'm really excited about it though.

Talking to you guys gives me more ideas on how I need to build my cage, its very helpfull!

Hope u guys can give me some more advice..

 

[AbooLovesYOU]

No problem! Indeed, i've looked it up and exo-terra uses this kind of ventilation aswell.

My drawing has already changed on a few points. Im going for 30x60 glas at the bottom of the sides. And above these pieces of glass I'll put 90x60 screen on both sides.

I think this would be enough ventilation for the cage.(90x60 x 90x60)

The front will be the same as the original drawing but I'll erase the front ventilation, and for the top of the cage.

New features:

At the bottom and at the back I will try to get shuttering plywood( as it is resistent to humidity and holds warmth, quality and it is a often used building material for reptile cages.

I want to grow plants on the bottom and use death/dryed leaves as subtrate.

Am going to use a plastic board(60x80) drill some wide holes(8-12cm) in it to 'hang' plants in. They will not touch the bottom of the cage(maby some roots will). The rest of the board will be penetrated with small holes(1mm).

So if i drip/spray my cage it will dripp on the plants, through the leaves through the smaller wholes and collects at the bottom the cage.
Plants will suck up this water and I hope a amount will evaporate aswell.

Would this be wise as a beginner to build in my cage? I'm really excited about it though.

Talking to you guys gives me more ideas on how I need to build my cage, its very helpfull!

Hope u guys can give me some more advice..

By beginner do you mean a beginner in building cages or keeping chameleons? By your blueprints, you seem to have a great idea of what you need! The drainage system is ideal, and will benefit you a great amount.

I can say from reading your notes, that this will probably run you more than buying a pre-made cage This is all besides the point now though! Keep on the idea and keep me updated!

 

[ReptiGeek]

It really erks my bones when people say not to use glass. In the UK especially, most chameleon keepers use glass terrarium with a screen top and a ventilation strip on the front panel, kind of like the Exo Terra terrariums. Don't be afraid to use glass! Just don't suffocate your lil cham and make sure you regulate the humidity levels. You'll do great, good luck

 

[thedestroyers]

By beginner do you mean a beginner in building cages or keeping chameleons? By your blueprints, you seem to have a great idea of what you need! The drainage system is ideal, and will benefit you a great amount.

I can say from reading your notes, that this will probably run you more than buying a pre-made cage This is all besides the point now though! Keep on the idea and keep me updated!

By beginner I mean in both handeling chameleons and building cages
I'm very glad ur saying that the drainage system is ideal!

I just love the idea of making a beautiful place to hold a chameleon in(I think everyone would be!). Only the thought of getting this mission accomplished brings me joy!

All the cages I've seen on internet are or: Too expensive for what u get, or not exactly what I want.

So that leaves me one choice, build my own.

I'll keep u updated!

 

[thedestroyers]

It really erks my bones when people say not to use glass. In the UK especially, most chameleon keepers use glass terrarium with a screen top and a ventilation strip on the front panel, kind of like the Exo Terra terrariums. Don't be afraid to use glass! Just don't suffocate your lil cham and make sure you regulate the humidity levels. You'll do great, good luck

My first blueprint was designed with that sort of cage ventilation. I also think that glass is nicer to work with on cages. But I've red a lot of collums were they say 'Chameleons cages need LOTS off ventilation'. So I'll just stick to the plan of getting a semi cage, glass and screen.

But.. getting my hands on screen seems hard. So if I will not succeed finding and buying any, ill go for the first blueprint, the exo terra-like cage.

Do you yourself have experience working with these exo terra-like cages?

If so(and by the look of your reaction, it tells me probably 'yes') would like to hear more about the experience you have with it.


Thanks for your reaction!

 

[AbooLovesYOU]

My first blueprint was designed with that sort of cage ventilation. I also think that glass is nicer to work with on cages. But I've red a lot of collums were they say 'Chameleons cages need LOTS off ventilation'. So I'll just stick to the plan of getting a semi cage, glass and screen.

But.. getting my hands on screen seems hard. So if I will not succeed finding and buying any, ill go for the first blueprint, the exo terra-like cage.

Do you yourself have experience working with these exo terra-like cages?

If so(and by the look of your reaction, it tells me probably 'yes') would like to hear more about the experience you have with it.


Thanks for your reaction!

I'm not exactly sure where you are from, I might have read over it, but here in Pennsylvania, you can pick up screen in multiple places. Home dopot, or Lowes, especially. It is very cheap. I've replaced a few sections of my cages, and usually you need to use a screen tool, and this rubber material which would be explained in the tutorials I sent you on the 1st page.

If you are adjoining your screen to wood, in your build... You might be better off not using wire mesh screen, but something more durable and less flimsy, so that the screen would stretch where you need it. Hard to explain... I will look into researching a bit more in the screens that would work best for your blueprints.

 

[Ta2Smitty]

I just posted my screen cage how to here's the address
http://www.lizardlab.net/Screen_manual.html

 

[djfishygillz]

I'm not exactly sure where you are from, I might have read over it, but here in Pennsylvania, you can pick up screen in multiple places. Home dopot, or Lowes, especially. It is very cheap. I've replaced a few sections of my cages, and usually you need to use a screen tool, and this rubber material which would be explained in the tutorials I sent you on the 1st page.

If you are adjoining your screen to wood, in your build... You might be better off not using wire mesh screen, but something more durable and less flimsy, so that the screen would stretch where you need it. Hard to explain... I will look into researching a bit more in the screens that would work best for your blueprints.

He's from the netherlands. It says to the right side upper corner of his post. So screens may be hard to come by.

 

[FrankTheTank]

Thanks for your reply!

Oké, I have enough other kinds of woods to choose from, so it will be non-pine. (Useing a non-toxic polymere, sounds like extra costs, trying to avoid that)

In the post below I'm explaining what kind of drainage system I want to use.

Do you or anyone else have/has experience with this method of draining water?

And your 100% right as it comes to self-satisfaction, I experienced this with a self build terrarium a few years ago. Its great!

non-toxic poymere is more the standard than an extra expense. Just make sure you read the labels. you don't want to put a toxic poly on your wood and get your cham sick when he drinks dripping water off of it or snatches some food from it. So if you ARE going to seal it PLEASE us non-toxic

As for the drainage, I'm sure that will be ok. Will you have a small drainage hole to gather the excess water in a bucket?

 

[thedestroyers]

I'm not exactly sure where you are from, I might have read over it, but here in Pennsylvania, you can pick up screen in multiple places. Home dopot, or Lowes, especially. It is very cheap. I've replaced a few sections of my cages, and usually you need to use a screen tool, and this rubber material which would be explained in the tutorials I sent you on the 1st page.

If you are adjoining your screen to wood, in your build... You might be better off not using wire mesh screen, but something more durable and less flimsy, so that the screen would stretch where you need it. Hard to explain... I will look into researching a bit more in the screens that would work best for your blueprints.

I'm from the Netherlands. I've spoken to some people and I have a adress! ( don't know yet what kind off screen their selling, got to check it out first..)

Something like aluminium screen? Wire mesh screen are made off plastic right?

I'll check the next parts of the youtube video you have sent me earlier, hope to get wiser off it!

If u could look up what kind of screen suits my cage the best, would be great! Thanks a lot!

 

[thedestroyers]

I just posted my screen cage how to here's the address
http://www.lizardlab.net/Screen_manual.html

Looks good, can be off use when I'm attaching the screens to the sides.

Thanks for your tip

 

[thedestroyers]

He's from the netherlands. It says to the right side upper corner of his post. So screens may be hard to come by.

Somebody gave me a usefull tip today, might work out to get some screen!