coverting cabinets or dressers.

[CosmicOwl]

I want to set up my grey rat snake with a large enclosure, but I don't have much experience with building anything like that. Moreover, I don't have experience using some of the necessary tools. So, I thought I might look on craigslist for an old china cabinet, chest of drawers or dresser to modify. I want to seal it eventually fit it with soil, plants and lights. What do you guys think? Is that easily doable?

[Charis]

Sorry I don't have any experience either but have been thinking about doing something similar as well. Very interested to hear experiences of DIY enclosures too.

[madisonandsonny]

I eventually to want to attempt something like this for my corn snake when he gets bigger! I feel like it could be really easy if you plan it out before and draw it all out with measurements and everything. Because all you'd need is the cabinet and glass and a way to seal the cracks to keep in heat and water. And then a drill to drill in holes for lights and cords.
My only question is how would you build a floor for it.

[franks]

You would not need to do a whole lot to it. Just make sure it's all wood and not mdf.

[madisonandsonny]

Also how could you heat the enclosure? I want to avoid using heat lamps. And am hoping there is something I can use. I know a UTH probably wouldn't work because the wood would be too thick.

[franks]

What's the aversion to a heat lamp? It is the easiest and cheapest way to heat. Also it will encourage your snake to climb and bask. Other methods of heating include a radiant heat panel, or you could cut a section out of the bottom, put a slate tile over it, and put a UTH under that.

[wrecker45]

Im changing to pvc enclosers. Dressers and cabinets make good lizard cages but i would worry about snakes getting out. I built this fir Dino my water dragon.


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[pdomensis]

I built this from an Ikea wardrobe. It's not the best wood, the back is basically cardboard, but since I've got an arid species in it I'm not worried about rot or warping. It's heated with an RHP at the top. I added a vent for some airflow. The doors I made myself from poplar using a router and mitre saw. I put the glass in with silicone. It wasn't too hard, but I could have gotten a PVC set up for almost the same amount by the time it was finished.