Cage conversion

[Aivanac]

Hi guys, I'm new to this and I really like the look of furniture for my future cage.
I've come across this cabinet and wondering about opinions.
Plan: close up the back most likely with wood and remove top for screen. Double screen doors in the front. Add ledges for branches and would like to put the great stuff in. Creating drainage in the bottom.

The inside top dimensions are 45 height where screen would be, 40 wide, 24 deep.

Questions: has anyone found a really good paint or sealer for all the wood? And I'm dooming myself by getting an all wood piece.

 

[Aivanac]

Hi guys, I'm new to this and I really like the look of furniture for my future cage.
I've come across this cabinet and wondering about opinions.
Plan: close up the back most likely with wood and remove top for screen. Double screen doors in the front. Add ledges for branches and would like to put the great stuff in. Creating drainage in the bottom.

The inside top dimensions are 45 height where screen would be, 40 wide, 24 deep.

Questions: has anyone found a really good paint or sealer for all the wood? And I'm dooming myself by getting an all wood piece.

 

[JacksJill]

This thread might be of help. https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/charlie-and-mowglis-new-digs.129404/#post-1128917

 

[joshuadh2310]

From the sound of the demnsions and the look of it I think you can make that build work just fine for a chameleon. I was about to work on something like this but I turned and did a free range. But from my standpoint I think you can make that into something that you will love and your Cham will love. Also frommy understanding polyurethane would do the trick as long as you let it cure completely before putting the Cham in.

 

[Aivanac]

From the sound of the demnsions and the look of it I think you can make that build work just fine for a chameleon. I was about to work on something like this but I turned and did a free range. But from my standpoint I think you can make that into something that you will love and your Cham will love. Also frommy understanding polyurethane would do the trick as long as you let it cure completely before putting the Cham in.

Thanks, I have research a few online and there are a few opinions so hopefully i can find something that works. It is a decent sizer which i like

 

[joshuadh2310]

Thanks, I have research a few online and there are a few opinions so hopefully i can find something that works. It is a decent sizer which i like

Keep us updated! I lovvvvveeee seeing people's builds and think not enough people post progress of theirs. So please keep us updated and the questions flowing.

 

[Aivanac]

I have another question if anyone has input. Where does everyone get sticks for their cages. I live in a heavily wooded area. Are sticks from outdoors safe? If so do I leave the bark on them or need to coat them with anythings etc. Also I saw "Jungle vines" at the store are these safe or do they just collect mold.

 

[joshuadh2310]

I have another question if anyone has input. Where does everyone get sticks for their cages. I live in a heavily wooded area. Are sticks from outdoors safe? If so do I leave the bark on them or need to coat them with anythings etc. Also I saw "Jungle vines" at the store are these safe or do they just collect mold.

I like the flukers vines and use them and I also use sticks from trees in my backyard there are a couple of ways to do something like this but I simply took a torch and carefully went down them enough to kill anything on it but not burn the wood. You can also use the oven at lower temps but mine were too big for that. Umm bleach water solution would work. There's other methods too it's on her somewhere.

 

[Aivanac]

Figure I would update with my progress. Just ok apart and sanded everything. Next is to convert the top to screen and complete the inside. make a new door for the front.

The dimension of inside space is I believe 45hx24dx41w

I plan to line the inside with this plastic hard wall liner, already order a double light from light your reptile and the most king. Already purchased plants so they can start growing. I plan to "great stuff" the inside quiet a bit.

 

[joshuadh2310]

Figure I would update with my progress. Just ok apart and sanded everything. Next is to convert the top to screen and complete the inside. make a new door for the front.

The dimension of inside space is I believe 45hx24dx41w

I plan to line the inside with this plastic hard wall liner, already order a double light from light your reptile and the most king. Already purchased plants so they can start growing. I plan to "great stuff" the inside quiet a bit.

Looking good! I'm sure this is going to turn out amazing! The pond foam really does it for cages it's a great product. Are you planning on staining the wood or painting it or any plans?

 

[Aivanac]

Looking good! I'm sure this is going to turn out amazing! The pond foam really does it for cages it's a great product. Are you planning on staining the wood or painting it or any plans?

Yes the plan is to pain the wood ( a very light blue) This cabinet is a beast and I plan to do that very last.
I also already got branches and did the bleach bathtub trick today just waiting for them to dry then will rinse and dry.

 

[joshuadh2310]

Yes the plan is to pain the wood ( a very light blue) This cabinet is a beast and I plan to do that very last.
I also already got branches and did the bleach bathtub trick today just waiting for them to dry then will rinse and dry.

What type of bleach solution did you use? I would rinse them quit a lot and let them dry out in the sun to get it all out.

 

[Aivanac]

What type of bleach solution did you use? I would rinse them quit a lot and let them dry out in the sun to get it all out.

I did the recommended 10% that several people had suggested.
They said to soak in 10% the. Put in sun to dry. Then rinse or soak twice each time letting dry in sun in between