Custom cage plans. Criticism and Advice please!

[Trik]

So I'm planning on re purposing an old pharmacy cabinet into a cham enclosure. Haven't found the right cabinet yet, but I'm going to be extremely picky until I find the right dimensions, design(upper area must be 2x2x4) , etc.
For reference:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GV6VSG4Tg...jgyfkQuM/s1600/Pharmacy+Cabinet+Series_RH.jpg
http://amazingglazemaryland.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/pharmacy_cabinet_BA.193201022_std.jpg

The purpose was one of the compromises I made with the gf. She appreciates "repurposed" furniture, and liked the idea of using one of these.

So I plan on removing the sides and top, and replacing them with screen, as well as removing the bottom and replacing with a mesh "fake bottom" as well as a drainage system. I also will be covering up the bottom area or gutting the shelves to make room for drainage/feeder storage/etc.

So, the questions:

1. Can I leave the front door glass pane in? This has display benefits obviously, but also affects airflow/humidity
2. If I leave the glass in front, should I implement a humidity control system? I was thinking computer fans built into the enclosure frame would be a good way to control this.
3. Anything I am missing or not thinking about?

I appreciate any and all comments, and can't wait to start working on this.

 

[chameleonkev]

If your meshing the sides an top it wouldn't be a problem leaving the glass in the door

 

[Decadancin]

My current enclosure has screened sides and top. the bottom is wood, and the back and door are acrylic. I would suggest this so you don't get much moisture on the wall behind your cage, and visibility is obviously better. As for the fans, it should be considered if you are having any temperature or humidity problems, But you may just have a place in mind if you decide you need it. I did not use any, but if temps get too high in the summer, I may add some extra ventilation this way. Looks like you are going for a furniture type of look, and this can limit your choices a tremendously! I'm no carpenter, but did just finish a custom furniture build and loved the outcome! Good luck, and we can't wait to see some progress pictures!!!

 

[birdlover71]

Entertainment center

I have a beautiful entertainment center I have been considering doing the same thing to. It has a bottom area which would be excellent for collecting the excess drainage. I just need to figure out what to do with all my stuff in it currently. I think it would be an awesome cage/piece of living art literally. Definitely screen for the top and sides, The front as well. But the back will definitely be a white plexglass to protect the wall from mistings. Just trying to figure out the bottom for drainage, must be sturdy enough for all his potted plants. I definitely cannot take it outside to clean so easy to clean also.

 

[nightanole]

With a mesh top and bottom with not much blockage you should be good to go with a glass front without forced air. Key word here is to have a mesh top. I would never recommend a sealed top for a cage.

 

[Trik]

Thanks for all the advice, makes me all the more excited to get this done. Now I just need to find the right piece.... craigslist here I come.

As far as the fans, I'm going to this much effort, I might as well, just to do it. I plan on implementing some automation for the enclosure, with temp/humidity sensors, controlling lights, misters, fans etc.

Now comes the hard part... resisting buying my cham before the enclosure is done!