Buy or build?

[trailblazer295]

First one didn't survive the server move so here goes.

So I'm in the planning stages of what to do for an adult cage for my carpet python. I keep going back and forth on what to do material wise. I want a 4x2x2. Now I could have herphouses build a 1/2" thick one or build one myself out of wood. I'm not a carpenter but I have the tool and saws to build it. I've never built a terrarium before so don't know how easy or difficult it is. The reason I was looking at wood or 1/2" thick pvc over 1/4" is because I plan to drill holes in the side and use the wood branches sold at expos designed for parrots to create a natural aboreal climbing branch setup. I need the sides to be strong enough to take the weight and stress of the wood and a perched carpet. A simple wing nut and a few stainless steel washers and it's easy to remove them for cleaning but will look natural. I would be using wider washers to help distribute weight. I still have months before I'd need to I'm just trying to figure things out slowly acquire the pieces.

Those that have built cages or used 1/2" pvc. What do you think is the best route to go?

[SWDK]

I'm a fan of building my enclosure and racks. I feel like I can customize to best fit my space and the snakes needs. I have all the tools to build so that's not an issue. I learn a new way to do something with every build bc I'm no pro and mistakes do happen. So if you're a handy person with the tools to get the job done then I say build away. That's just my 2 cents.

[trailblazer295]

How hard/easy are the doors? That is the part I'm most concerned about. The framing, cutting, cutting vent holes isn't the hard part. I plan to build next summer so I can air it out easily. As this is a carpet I was thinking of sliding glass doors. But I don't know how easy or difficult the cutting an opening and installing tracks etc is.

[EL Ziggy]

My mechanical skills are pretty much non existent so I have to buy. :)

[trailblazer295]

My mechanical skills are pretty much non existent so I have to buy. :)

My biggest hangup with buying for this cage is because of the weight stress on the sides and purpose of it. If it were for a terrestrial snake then I wouldn't worry as much. Knowing I plan on mounting wood branches to the sides plus a perched adult carpet I don't know until it's too late if PVC can handle it. With plywood and framing I know I'm good.

[EL Ziggy]

Blaze, these are the perch kits I'm looking at for my adult carpets.

Perch Kits | Snake Cage and Reptile Cage at PVC Cages (http://pvccages.com/?wpsc-product=perch-kits)

[trailblazer295]

Thanks for the link but the rail straight perches don't grab me. Never seen a tree branch that looked like that lol. But does make what i want more expensive oh well. Will look awesome when it's finally done.

[Jim Smith]

Instead of cutting holes in your enclosure, there are other ways to handle the perches if you want to. For example simply get some friendly plastic (you can get it at Walmart of any hobby supply store). Heat it up in very warm water and it melts to become like warm clay. Shape it around the end of the perch you want to use, making a cup shape to hold the perch. Leave the top of the cup open to allow you to place the perch into the holder and to remove it for cleaning if necessary. Then just bolt it into place where you want it. A 1/4 inch hole hole in the side of your enclose is no big deal, but a 1 1/2 inch hole is and it really limits the future use of that enclosure. This method also allows you to very easily move the perch if you want to. I've attached a crude drawing of what I am trying to describe. If you use this method you can buy your enclouses from any of the fabricators (i.e. Dave at Constricter's Northwest) and get a well made cage for almost what it would cost you to make one or two cages. Just a thought...


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m159/jwsmiths/FP1_zpssc0tgk9q.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/jwsmiths/media/FP1_zpssc0tgk9q.jpg.html)

[trailblazer295]

http://thumbs.picclick.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/P2gAAOSwDuJWtr7D/$/Java-Wood-Parrot-Multi-Branch-Bird-Perch-Medium-_57.jpg


The branches I'm referring too using are made for parrots at expos. They have threaded bolt 1/4"-1/2" with a wing nut. I'd only be drilling maybe 3/8"ish holes into the side and adding extra washers for weight and stress distribution.

Interesting idea though, pretty cool method.

[Jim Smith]

While they will work fine, it would be more difficult removing them for cleaning etc. Also, if you're planning on having these only supported on end bolted to the wall of the enclosure, it will put a considerable amount of stress on the cage side. The method I recommended provides pressure straight down with no leverage. If you bolt this on one end only, it will almost certainly bow the wall in, very possibly causing the PVC to crack over time. Try holding onto the bolt only and put a one pound weight on the end of the branch and I think you'll see what I mean. I strongly recommend that you find branches that fit across your enclosure or at least across a corner with both ends of the perch supported. Just a thought...

[trailblazer295]

That's why I was considering building it from wood. I was also thinking about having 2 branches lock onto each other one from each side. Just overlay one on the other so when you press in the middle they press on each other.

Yeah the exact branches are further down the road. Just an idea and planning phase at this point. Across corners is a good idea. I have a large cork bark slab I was going to have as a flat perch platform in the air.

[Jim Smith]

The wood used in those perches is nothing special. You might consider twisted up branches from one of the hardwoods in your neck of the woods and make your own perches just the length you want for next to nothing. American Hornbeam (aka musclewood) would be ideal. Looks much like the branches in the perches and this stuff is STRONG. It is so dense that it sinks in water. Just a thought...

[toddnbecka]

How hard/easy are the doors? That is the part I'm most concerned about. The framing, cutting, cutting vent holes isn't the hard part. I plan to build next summer so I can air it out easily. As this is a carpet I was thinking of sliding glass doors. But I don't know how easy or difficult the cutting an opening and installing tracks etc is.

Doors are simple if you like sliders. I started with wood, routed the grooves on a table saw. Found that moisture warps and swells the tracks a little, makes the glass harder to move. Next I bought some 6' length plastic tracks from Amazon, and love the way the glass slides on those. Simply tack them into place with suitable small nails and bend a paper clip into a lock to keep them from opening.

[Jim Smith]

You can also use drop-down doors with three hinges at the bottom and three latches at the top. You can see some photos of what I'm talking about here.Constrictors Northwest (http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagegallery.html)

I've been using these enclosures (in black) for about four years and really like them. The doors are secure provided close them; (don't ask me how I know that), and his prices include shipping. It took me about 30-45 minutes to assemble each cage which included adding some more ventilation holes and adding fluorescent lighting. Just another option to consider...

[Andy_G]

I've done both. Both have their pros and cons. There are a couple really good cage manufacturers up here and prices are pretty reasonable and one of them does custom work tailed to your specs, but the shipping kills you either way. Building your own is less expensive under most circumstances and it can be a fun project! I personally love PVCs and will only be buying in the future most likely.

[trailblazer295]

You can also use drop-down doors with three hinges at the bottom and three latches at the top. You can see some photos of what I'm talking about here.Constrictors Northwest (http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagegallery.html)

I've been using these enclosures (in black) for about four years and really like them. The doors are secure provided close them; (don't ask me how I know that), and his prices include shipping. It took me about 30-45 minutes to assemble each cage which included adding some more ventilation holes and adding fluorescent lighting. Just another option to consider...

Does he ship to Canada though?

[chairman]

These are the perches I use in my AP cages for my carpets, my installation is similar to what you want to do. My plastic cages have held the perches quite well, I think that my brackets are only held in place with 3-4 short drywall screws installed from the outside. (I did use one screw per branch to keep them from rotating.)

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad77/chairman_tfo/carpets/IMG_20161102_1315356_rewind_zpszmygyvxf.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/chairman_tfo/media/carpets/IMG_20161102_1315356_rewind_zpszmygyvxf.jpg.html)

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad77/chairman_tfo/carpets/IMG_20161102_1319012_rewind_zpsbzfddrm9.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/chairman_tfo/media/carpets/IMG_20161102_1319012_rewind_zpsbzfddrm9.jpg.html)

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad77/chairman_tfo/carpets/IMG_20161102_1319144_rewind_zps2rjkk3lv.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/chairman_tfo/media/carpets/IMG_20161102_1319144_rewind_zps2rjkk3lv.jpg.html)

[trailblazer295]

Thanks for the idea. That is a cool method of suspending a branch . It would be pretty easy for me to secure a length of wood inside a PVC cage and notch it to hold branches like a cradle. Even screw the branch into the wood holders just have to use stainless steel to avoid rust. Definitely a good idea for sure. Probably stick with a 1/2"PVC to be safe.

[Captain837]

How hard/easy are the doors? That is the part I'm most concerned about. The framing, cutting, cutting vent holes isn't the hard part. I plan to build next summer so I can air it out easily. As this is a carpet I was thinking of sliding glass doors. But I don't know how easy or difficult the cutting an opening and installing tracks etc is.

My buddy and I just finished 6 - 48"x 20" x 12" cages out of melamine. We used aluminum tracks and sliding doors. We built the cages 3 at a time about 4 months apart. I will say I really prefer sliders however quality aluminum tracks are pricey and the prices fluctuate a lot for some reason. All said and done I really did not save much money building as opposed to buying pre made. After hardware, wood, glass, rhp's and thermostats I am somewhere between 1300 and 1600 for all 6 cages.
The only real benefits to building is I got them exactly how I wanted them and I had a good excuse to hang out with my buddy for a few days.
As for the perches, I would recommend using interior mounts (like a shower rod holder) as opposed to drilling through. Especially if you use wood, you want as few places as possible for moisture to go.

[trailblazer295]

I don't have a table saw so the door opening and track is my biggest issue. The rest I'm okay with. I'm on the fence still,one day I lean one way then the other.

[toddnbecka]

After assembling 6 new AP enclosures in less time than I spent painting the plywood for the 3 I have built (still have 2 to finish) I'm now solidly on the "buy" side, lol.

[trailblazer295]

Lol I wouldn't have to build pvc at all. Just pick up a ready made one. Plug in the light and install my heater. Keep going back and forth on trying to build one or not.