Ultimate Cage
- Thread starter EKEKO
- Start date
SaintJimmy
Avid Member
I am actually gonna go ALL OUT on my next cage. Swear to god I am.
It's gonna have a cricket/feeder cage attached to it on the side for easy access (which is going to be a small mesh cage made out of the same materials), but attached to the cage. There will be metal legs under the cage so that the cage may sit in a drawer which acts as drainage. The drawer will most likely be a thick plastic bin with feet drilled into it, accompanying a cabinet or two underneath (for other feeders, materials, supplements, ect) and the legs will be able to roll around on the floor for easy movement.
Basically here is a drawing. But it will look amazing.
It's gonna have a cricket/feeder cage attached to it on the side for easy access (which is going to be a small mesh cage made out of the same materials), but attached to the cage. There will be metal legs under the cage so that the cage may sit in a drawer which acts as drainage. The drawer will most likely be a thick plastic bin with feet drilled into it, accompanying a cabinet or two underneath (for other feeders, materials, supplements, ect) and the legs will be able to roll around on the floor for easy movement.
Basically here is a drawing. But it will look amazing.
Attachments
EKEKO
Established Member
I agree...I think we would all benefit from sharing our ideas....Would you guys like for the cage not to be a rectangle or customisable?
pepezkakap
Member
Mine is rectangle. 50cmx50cmx100cm. It's custom made of aluminum for the construction, with glass for the base. (FYI: I place the cage outside)
I found few problems that I need to fix for next custom one:
1. The aluminum foundation has hollow in it. Causing the cricket to slip away and appear at the bottom of the cage feet. It cause smells and inviting bacteria. Will make sure next one has no opening at all.
2. Glass base is good, solid, and strong, but contains water so I need to make small holes in various spots so I can just spray the entire cage and plant with hose for easy cleaning. I will remove the newspaper at the bottom as well so the poo will just stick at the glass. Removing the newspaper with heavy potted plants on it can be annoying
3. I need to put the four leg cage in plastic container filled with water to avoid any ants lurking on my cage eating excess or dead feeder
4. I didn't make anything inside the cage or on the screen to position the branches well. Next time I will put something to hold the twigs well.
I can't think of anything else for now. But the upside is that, the circulation is really well. Sunlight comes in nicely. Brandon seems to enjoy it well. Of course bigger cage will be better if space is not an issue for me
I found few problems that I need to fix for next custom one:
1. The aluminum foundation has hollow in it. Causing the cricket to slip away and appear at the bottom of the cage feet. It cause smells and inviting bacteria. Will make sure next one has no opening at all.
2. Glass base is good, solid, and strong, but contains water so I need to make small holes in various spots so I can just spray the entire cage and plant with hose for easy cleaning. I will remove the newspaper at the bottom as well so the poo will just stick at the glass. Removing the newspaper with heavy potted plants on it can be annoying
3. I need to put the four leg cage in plastic container filled with water to avoid any ants lurking on my cage eating excess or dead feeder
4. I didn't make anything inside the cage or on the screen to position the branches well. Next time I will put something to hold the twigs well.
I can't think of anything else for now. But the upside is that, the circulation is really well. Sunlight comes in nicely. Brandon seems to enjoy it well. Of course bigger cage will be better if space is not an issue for me
FrankTheTank
Established Member
I am in the process of building my dream cage. Made entirely out of wood. Mesh screen on sides and top plexiglas on front and faux rock wall on back. Live plants and natural vines. Screen on bottom with a plastic funnel type floor underneath for drainage with cabinets underneath to store drainage bucket and other supplies. Custom rainfall system and recessed lighting in a wooden canopy with a lovely Alabama crimson tide A in the center. Looking for ideas on a custom feeder cup/system though. That's the only detail I haven't decided on I'll try and upload a drawing later
Echoezra
Established Member
What I'd love to do (except I'm not the least bit crafty, and I'm not sure how I'd arrange drainage) is to make a shorter but super long cage that would kind of run all along the tops of my walls, all around the room. Sort of like a free range vine path type of thing, only I can't free range because I have rotten naughty kitties. Have you ever seen pics of those cat cage tunnels people make for letting their cats outside without being free? Kind of like that. It wouldn't be tall, but the extra long length would make up for the space for sure. And, I could use shorter (cheaper) plants to fill it up. It would also free up some floor space in my small cramped house, too, but still give them lots of roaming room.
So yeah, that's what I'd like to do someday.
OR, I could always stick the bratty cat in it, and let the Chams free range. Hahaha!!
It would also free up some floor space in my small cramped house, too, but still give them lots of roaming room. So yeah, that's what I'd like to do someday.
OR, I could always stick the bratty cat in it, and let the Chams free range. Hahaha!!
SaintJimmy
Avid Member
The attached cage will only serve as gutload.
I will have a feeder cup inside the cage, but the attached cage will only be so I can
1) feed the feeders (gutload)
2) grab them and put them inside the BIG cage with the feeding cup
Basically it's just for easy access.
EKEKO
Established Member
What I'd love to do (except I'm not the least bit crafty, and I'm not sure how I'd arrange drainage) is to make a shorter but super long cage that would kind of run all along the tops of my walls, all around the room. Sort of like a free range vine path type of thing, only I can't free range because I have rotten naughty kitties. Have you ever seen pics of those cat cage tunnels people make for letting their cats outside without being free? Kind of like that. It wouldn't be tall, but the extra long length would make up for the space for sure. And, I could use shorter (cheaper) plants to fill it up.
So yeah, that's what I'd like to do someday.
OR, I could always stick the bratty cat in it, and let the Chams free range. Hahaha!!
I immediately knew what you were talkin about and customising is KEY...I think that as long as you make it tall enough to give them room to climb its good, but imagine how many basking spots you would need or UVB tubes and fixtures misting lines? Food for thought.
EKEKO
Established Member
I like the idea but one reason why I am hesitant to use wood is because of the fact that wood expands and will deteriorate with humidity and water. I wonder if anyone sells feeder cups pre made.
SaintJimmy
Avid Member
Yeah I want to make my cage with wood but I'm not sure. I'd have to laminate it first.
ChameleonMom
New Member
For me, its not about the biggest, gnarliest cage I can have...it would be about the biggest, gnarliest NON-cage I can have for my chams. If I had a choice I would free range them in my house and outside whenever possible. It is a dream to allow my chams to live as close to nature in my care as they would in their individual locales. THAT is the gnarliest cage you can give them!!
EKEKO
Established Member
For me, its not about the biggest, gnarliest cage I can have...it would be about the biggest, gnarliest NON-cage I can have for my chams. If I had a choice I would free range them in my house and outside whenever possible. It is a dream to allow my chams to live as close to nature in my care as they would in their individual locales. THAT is the gnarliest cage you can give them!!
Lets all move to Madagascar
pepezkakap
Member
I like the concept. If you can show some drawings that'll be great
I remember when I was a kid, I went to a zoo at Singapore. I forget which one was. It showed chameleons free range at a fake rain forest with lighting and misting along the top. I didn't recall how they set them up, what was at the bottom. Overall it's a cool and natural concept if you don't want to play with your cham. At some point when I have all the fund will probably accomplish that idea.
dom1959
New Member
i keep thinking of making a 3 ft round cage about 6 ft high.
for some reason no corners makes sense to me
i think all i would need is a round sink-type fixture for the bottom,
instead of pvc or wood i want to suspend the screen from the ceiling.
anyone do a large round cage out there?
for some reason no corners makes sense to me
i think all i would need is a round sink-type fixture for the bottom,
instead of pvc or wood i want to suspend the screen from the ceiling.
anyone do a large round cage out there?
FrankTheTank
Established Member
I've had two made of wood. One that I've used for many years now. As long as you seal it properly, they can last a very long time. Thats one reason why the bottom of the cage will have the drainage funnel. I just love the look of wood and I feel pretty confident that this cage I am building will last decades. I definitely understand your concerns though. And you would not want to have a wooden bottom as it will attract mold and mildew over time even with a good sealant
FrankTheTank
Established Member
I like the concept. If you can show some drawings that'll be great
I remember when I was a kid, I went to a zoo at Singapore. I forget which one was. It showed chameleons free range at a fake rain forest with lighting and misting along the top. I didn't recall how they set them up, what was at the bottom. Overall it's a cool and natural concept if you don't want to play with your cham. At some point when I have all the fund will probably accomplish that idea.
Haven't had time to get on the comouter at home. Been busy getting my sons playroom painted. But I will upload a drawing as soon as I can!
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