I need a 4x2 How to.

[K1LOS]

Hello everyone. Does anybody have a good guide on how to make a standard 4x2 cage with the litter damn's and sliding glass doors or flip down doors? Any help finding one would be great. Thanks

Geoff

[proud2bcanadian]

Although this has no pictures, it tells you a good method as to how to build it.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...5&pagenumber=1

Here's one with pictures.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=29858

Use 5/8" melamine for what you're building.
1/2" will sag and will crack when you drill it, and 3/4" will be way too heavy.

Use 1.5" Particle Board screws.
They cost a few bucks more than wood screws, but you won't need to drill pilot holes (saves a TON of time).

I would use 1/4" glass (just plate glass, not tempered) because if you go any smaller, it's likely to break, and if you go any bigger it'll be quite heavy.
If you went with plexiglass, it'll sag over time, and expand/contract with the heat.
You can find 1/4" glass track at your local Home Depot for less than $10 for 4'.

Otherwise, for a 4'x2' enclosure, I'd have about 6-8 screws on the back of the cage, and 4-6 on the sides/back. Build the enclosure so that the top panel rests on the back and side panels, and the back and side panels rest on the bottom panel. It'll help distribute the weight of the wood.

If you need any more help, feel free to email me at DavidLiles@rogers.com

HTH,

[redtails]

Good ideas, but I'd go with waterproofed plywood cuz it's stronger IME. Also use liquid nails/caulk around the seams to hold in heat & moisture.

[dannyc]

Here's one I built a couple of years ago. Pretty much like Proud2b said but I used 3/16 acrylic for the front and attached aluminum frame to make it more ridgid. Regular screen door hooks on top and both sides.
I have corns so I used lights at the top for warmth and heat. 1 low wattage for light and 1 high wattage for main heat.

Some species require more humidity so lights might not be the best choice.

[K1LOS]

how do you recommend waterproofing the plywood though?

[dannyc]

It's not plywood it's melamine. It has a coating on it that makes it water resistant. I've had mine over 2 years and no problems.

Some recommend sealing the joints. I didn't do this. I have corns so there is no excessive moisture in the enclosure. I drilled 3-4 rows of 3/16 holes at the top, on the side I was planning on using as the cool side and 2-3 rows on the bottom of the cool side. 1 more row at the top as hot air rises.

This should make an air current moving clockwise drawing air in the bottom right, moving toward the warm side and rising then exiting out the upper right.


Keep the questions coming. I'll be glad to answer what I can. I hope others will contribute to this thread. I find it fun to build my own stuff. It may seem like work at the time but the satisfaction of a finished, diy project, is a great reward.