building my own viv

[Lumin the retic]

ive just decided im going to build my own viv. i want it to look unique is there anyone who could help tell me what materials to use to make it safe for my burmese ive read to use melamine wood wasn't sure about a safe glue to use?
or any ideas of the best way to go about putting it together if anyones had experience or any pictures of the ones they have made i would be very grateful for the help

[DeesBalls]

hey i just got done building 2...

i used...

melamine board 4x2x2, you will need bigger for your burm.. (maybe 6x3x3?) not sure of the dimensions, but some one will help there...

and way list of materials:

3/4 in melamine board
1 1/4 wood screws
gorillia glue
white silicone

i just screwd the wood together, putting glue in between the cracks, then tightening the screws.. after that dries, i finished building the back/bottom/top/sides...

i drilled holes (2'') aound for ventalation, and cleaned the cage out... then i used white silicone to seal around ALL edges... for the doors, you may need some one else to chime in and help with that.. i used plexiglass in aluminum rails, but doesnt work the greatest...

hope this helped, and post pics!!!

some miscelanous materials

white paint, melamine iron strips, light fixtures, and maybe some extension cords...


here is my beardies... 4x2x2
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy336/DGilliland22/IMAG1681.jpg
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy336/DGilliland22/IMAG1667.jpg


\**ignore the wiring, it is now fixed..**

[infernalis]

I use this wood a lot and I highly recommend drilling pilot holes for the screws to prevent splitting.

For a big snake like a Burm I would frame the edges for added strength. Use the same construction, but install 2 inch by 2 inch gussets on all edges.

http://www.rockyroost.us/1/CSDB.jpg

[Jenn_06]

there is a good post on another forum about building a cage for a retic(not sure if i can post the link to it here), im about to build 4 8ft cages for my snakes and im going to be using alot of 2x2s for the frames and plywood to cover up the 2x2s inside and out.

[infernalis]

Go ahead and post the link, if it's good info, then why not.

[Jenn_06]

oh but i forgot you have to be a member to see it, so if your a member of monster snakes here you go
Message (http://www.monstersnakesforums.com/forum15/21209.html)

[stephanbakir]

I'm not sure why people keep building vivs for their burms so high, you don't use hides for larger animals and any height over 18-24 inches is going to cause nothing but stress, they will sometimes climb but even retics which are much more arboreal then burms rarely climb once they hit adulthood. If your burm is female I'd go with an 8footX3footX18 inch enclosure (anything over 3 feet deep is going to be a pain to clean) if its male you can drop that to 8X2X18'.

[DeesBalls]

I didn't use pilot holes and I had a few splits... just make sure the screw is looses than the drill bit. Lol.

[millertime89]

here's the post, I just quote, copy, paste
Hey everybody, so after tons of messages and emails I finally decided to put together a step by step guide on how to build a pretty decent looking cage that will work really well for species like boa, burms, retics etc... This particular cage will be 3.5’ (w) x 3’ (d) x 21” (h) but I have also built these in 4’x2’ and 7’x3’ and all my animals have done really well in them. The only thing I will say it that if you plan on making a longer cage then you should consider putting a cross brace in the front to keep it from distorting over time (like I did in my 7’x3’ cages), but for this build that won’t be necessary.
So let’s get started. First you will need some lumber, I used 2”x2”s to build the frame and ¼” thick plywood.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/01.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/02.jpg

I used the 2”x2”s to build a frame for the top and bottom shown here.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/03.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/04.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/05.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/06.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/07.jpg

[millertime89]

You will need to choose your length of screw and where you put them carefully so that you can still put two or three screws in a corner.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/08.jpg

Then take the top and bottom and attach them together using some vertical 2”x2” bars.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/09.jpg

Then you need to put the floor and ceiling of the cage in and attach it to the frame. If you cut you plywood a tad bit too big like I did then you may need to notch out where the posts go.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/10.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/11.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/12.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/13.jpg

Then attach the insides.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/14.jpg

[millertime89]

Now the outer panels.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/15.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/16.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/17.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/18.jpg

Now that you have the cage put together we need to cut some vents, I like to drill a pilot hole out first then use a jigsaw to cut the vents.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/19.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/20.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/21.jpg

[millertime89]

Now that the vents are cut its time to stain and seal the cage, I sealed everything with several coats of water based polyurethane to be sure it is safe.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/22.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/23.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/24.jpg

I found these at home depot and happen to fit the glass tracks perfect

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/25.jpg

Now I laid some vinyl down on the inside of the cage, it is super easy to clean and is far better than any other cage surface I have found since it is not porous and it is so durable.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/26.jpg

After you finish laying the vinyl you need to cut some screen out for the vents. I used ¼” plastic hardware mesh.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/27.jpg

Then I cut, stained and sealed some molding to give the front and vents a clean finish.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/28.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/29.jpg

[millertime89]

I also stained and sealed the track holders. Be sure this and the vent trim pieces get a lot of sealer on them since it will be the only wood surfaces the snake can touch.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/30.jpg

Now you need to staple the screen in place.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/31.jpg

And attach the trim over the screen to hold it tight. I choose to screw these in to keep them in there really tight, but you will need to trim the screws after you done.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/31.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/32.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/33.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/34.jpg

Now you can screw the track holder in place in the front of the cage.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/35.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/36.jpg

[millertime89]

You will likely need to shim the tracks to make the glass fit right, you want the glass tight enough that it stays in place but loose enough you can get it out if you want to. I used cardboard to shim held together with some liquid nails.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/37.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/38.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/39.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/40.jpg

Now you can start laying that trim in place on the front and tack it on with some small nails (or glue)

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/41.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/42.jpg

[millertime89]

Now it’s time to add some electronics (lights, heat panels and t-stat probes). Remove the top panel so you can route cables nicely.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/43.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/44.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/45.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/46.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/47.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/48.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/49.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/50.jpg

[millertime89]

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/51.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/52.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/53.jpg

The heat panels I use are from Reptile Basics and are the best looking and performing ones on the market. They even come with the plug off the end so you don’t have to drill a huge hole while routing cables. Big thumbs up. Once the cables are routed you can attach the plug end.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/54.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/55.jpg

Don’t forget to use a T-stat. It is the best thing you can do for your animals heat control.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Helix.jpg

Then you just need to seal the cage up nice and tight so you can contain any processed rats/bunnies.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Silicone.jpg

[millertime89]

And the finished product.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/56.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/57.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/58.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/59.jpg

[millertime89]

Hopefully she likes it!

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Claire1.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Claire2.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Claire3.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Claire4.jpg
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp229/renpaolino/Small%20Cage%20Build/Claire5.jpg

[millertime89]

ok, that's it, that's what I'm using for my basic idea for my viv when I get a retic.

[stephanbakir]

Watch out for the screen, retics are prone to pushing/rubbing, choose a material that can't get under and rip off scales.

That a suntiger or a really sexy tiger? Hell even looks close to a platty tiger lol.

[Jenn_06]

that looks like a suntiger

my cages are going to be 8ft long 3 ft wide and 20in high

[infernalis]

It's polite to give credit to the original author of this post & designer this project. ;)

[millertime89]

I said it was a copy/paste job from monsters. Username is wheresstimpy, name is Ren.

[infernalis]

Thanks..................

[Lumin the retic]

wow that was some amazing help !!
cant wait to get started on this now thanks for the tips ill update my progress

then ill be ready to make my retics viv !!

[alessia55]

:eek: that's what I want my ball pythons' enclosures to look like! Stunning