Remaking majestic cages

[Tyler21]

so ive been thinking about remaking this corner cage that they charge about $8,000 for and it seems quite easy honestly. http://www.cagesbydesign.com/p-261-majestic-reptile-cages-60h-x-35-14-a-x-23-58-b-x-48-12-c.aspx if you have any ideas of improvements or possible things i might miss in the functional side of the design, please tell me! thanks

 

[Turningdoc]

If you are a woodworker it is totally ridiculous. Materials should run about$300. Looks like you might be able to adapt a "corner hutch" plan you could get for free from the net and save some time. ps Use stainless steel or outdoor screws for everything or will last about 2 wks

 

[Tyler21]

yes i am a woodworker, what would you suggest the inner liner be made of? the project itself doesn't seem to difficult, and $300 in materials for a $8,000 cage is pretty good

 

[Turningdoc]

I have used thin acrylic screwed to wood and edges sealed w caulk. In areas not seen, showerpan liner is a great cheap idea I have used for floors. i am planning a new enclosure and am thinking of making the sides w rabbited edges and screen retainers so I can interchange them w screen, acrylic, or solid panels for different purposes w/o having to tear down. Just turn the clips, pull out panel, insert newpanel, turn clips, good to go. This would also let me remove center panels between cages to change size of each cage if wanted. Ah, woodworker fantasies. If only more time!

 

[Tyler21]

that's a brilliant idea! about the interchangeable panels, we need to keep in touch about our woodworking projects! and i might go with more of a multi-cellular cage that will house multiple chams in one "cabinet" style design.

 

[Turningdoc]

Having built multiple dart frog and cham enclosures, I definitely recommend building flexible format multiple animal enclosures if you think you will get more than one (which you will!). It takes about the same time to build and saves a lot of time and $$ in the future. Also, you can incorporate all drains, water, light into 1 system. So 1 mist king runs as many as 6 cages. only 2 long flouro light bars etc.... you can use workshop powerstrips to built power in.

 

[Tyler21]

indeed, however i will most likely not be getting any more than one cham till i find a solid job. would you have any pics of the cages you built? i want to build something with a bunch of teak i bought 7 years ago or so

 

[Turningdoc]

Would start w plans like these then alter sizes and substitute screen, acrylic, or keep glass in panel inserts

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how...-ahead-built-in-corner-hutch.aspx?ac=ts&ra=fp

http://www.newyankee.com/index.php?id=53#!/~/product/category=1855064&id=7916472

 

[Tyler21]

i like the fine home building link alot, thanks!