homemade pvc pipe cage help

[Katielove]

hey guys,

I am new to chameleons but not reptiles (bearded and frilled dragons) and really want to get into the chameleon game. So I have spent hours and hours on this website which has turned into days and days. There is just way to much good information to read.

I want to make a mesh cage out of pvc pipe and I was thinking 2 ft x 1.5 ft and 2 ft high while he is small then make a 2x2x4 cage for him eventually. but I have a few building questions.

I have decided the sides will be pet screen. i know this blocks the uvb rays so i should put something else on the top of the cage. Maybe hard ware cloth? Is there something that I can use that will allow me to put the lights on the screen? or would it be best to set them on wood blocks to hold them off the screen like i have seen a few people do?

then the bottom.... i saw some people attach a plastic bucket to the bottom of the pvc pipe but how? and then did they just drill some holes in it so it will drain into another bucket? What is the best way to make the bottom of the cage.

and the door. Hinge/latch ideas?

please post pictures if possible!

thank you guys in advance for the ideas/advice

 

[Kayroxyoursox]

I made one but it didn't turn out at all which is why I'm about to start making one from wood. It works, the chameleon stays in it so it's functional for the time being. I put screen on all of the sides and the top and bottom. Then instead of a drainage system I got a puppy pad holder from Walmart and I use puppy pads in the bottom. It didn't turn out too horribly. I've seen some nice ones though so don't let me discourage you. Oh for the door on mine i had one of those magic mesh as seen on TV things that's supposed to be a replacement for a screen door. It's got magnets on it so I justo it that on one side for a door. Then I put clothes pins in th spaces between the magnets to hold it closed.

 

[Carlton]

I want to make a mesh cage out of pvc pipe and I was thinking 2 ft x 1.5 ft and 2 ft high while he is small then make a 2x2x4 cage for him eventually. but I have a few building questions.

I have decided the sides will be pet screen. i know this blocks the uvb rays so i should put something else on the top of the cage. Maybe hard ware cloth? Is there something that I can use that will allow me to put the lights on the screen? or would it be best to set them on wood blocks to hold them off the screen like i have seen a few people do?

Yes, sturdier hardware cloth will work for the cage top. You can set the lights on the wire if necessary.


then the bottom.... i saw some people attach a plastic bucket to the bottom of the pvc pipe but how? and then did they just drill some holes in it so it will drain into another bucket? What is the best way to make the bottom of the cage.

You would need something like coroplast or sheets of some sort of plastic to make the bottom tray (with something else underneath to make it sturdy enough to support the weight of the cage), and drill a drain hole into that. Then either put a bucket under the drain hole or attach a piece of tubing that goes to a bucket. Other people build the cage so it fits on top of a large plastic storage bin, an appliance drip tray, cement forms, etc. Find the tray first, then build your cage to fit that instead of the other way around. I liked using hydroponics flood table trays...ABS plastic, sturdy, larger sizes, and easy to add drain fittings to.

and the door. Hinge/latch ideas?

please post pictures if possible!

There's a whole thread of setup and cage photos at the top of the forum you can browse through to get ideas.

I built one pvc frame cage and hated it. Attaching the mesh was a hassle and it never looked all that nice. Attaching hinges and latches wasn't easy with the rounded pipe either, unless you have the correct adhesive and patience.


thank you guys in advance for the ideas/advice[/QUOTE]