Charlie and Mowgli's New Digs

[chascarpenter1]

Here are a couple of pics of the new home I built out of a old kitchen hutch. While it was originally meant for one, Charlie's return required some last minute adjustments to the design. Like I said it was an old display cabinet that i sanded down painted inside and out with exterior paint. I then used melamine, shower backing to water proof the inside. After that I cut holes for fans, drainage, and humidifier tubes, and misting system. Then, I carved, grouted, painted, and waterproofed rocks for the background out of foam. Adding fake rocks, planters, and other decor I used great stuff to create the background. The entire background was covered with silicon and covered in coco fiber. Then I ran plumbing for Mistking system, drainage, and humidifiers, and electrical for two power sun dome lights, Arcadia light fixture, timers, LED accent lighting, ventilation fans, and other goodies. Waited a few weeks for it to cure and added plants, another week and then the boys. Over all I think it turned out well and Mowgli and Charlie seem to be adapting just fine. Humidity stays content between mistings at about 55%-60% and basking spots are 94 deg. Next I will add some springtails, isopods, and Stethorus punctures (mite eaters).

 

[chascarpenter1]

Here are some more of the cage and its residents.

 

[Marshmallows mom]

Amazing!!!! Looks Beautiful! What did you us as a background?

 

[chascarpenter1]

I created it myself. There are natural elements like cork, but the rock are hand made and the rest is Great Stuff spray foam covered in silicon and coco fiber. The planters and cricket cups are all integrated into the background. While I hand feed most of the time, the cricket cups/ caves are great for those days when I am rushed or going out of town for a little bit.

 

[Marshmallows mom]

Nice job. You have inspired me!

 

[croastbeast]

Oh my. I want to start this right now!! So nice!!

 

[Ahyriah]

Now this is what I want to do for my guy's big cage! You did a fabulous job! Is this your first time doing something like this? What did you make the rocks out of? And what type of silicone did you use??

 

[fleetwoodchams]

I've seen other dining room cabinets that have been converted but never one so thought out.
Really turned out nice.
Now can you just come to PA and build one for me too : )

 

[chascarpenter1]

I made the rock out of styrofoam. They were cut using a hot foam saw and covered in multiple layers of grout. Once completely dry details were painted in with acrylic paint. After I was happy with each one, I waterproofed each one with an a cyrillic sealer and set them aside for weeks to air out. This was my second attempt. If you look in my forum history I believe you may be able to see my first unit which had many successes and failures, but was a great learning tool.

Everybody, thanks for the complements.