Enclosure made of wooden pallets. - Page 2

Jlassiter · 08-21-12, 05:50 AM

Nice work so far....And great suggestion Jarich.
I have a suggestion or two...
That enclosure is rather large for a 2 month old California king.
He may be large enough for it by next year around this time, but at two months he can't be more than a foot long or so.

Also.....
A heat lamp is not needed for colubrids.
Heat lamps dry the air. I would recommend belly or backheat and ditch the light.

If you want a light to just "see" the captive then I would suggest a 5 watt bulb.

Onael · 08-21-12, 06:22 AM

Okay, so for now, I won't cut the top. I will start with a 2" hole on either end (the boards are 3" wide). Besides the lamp, he has a little 10-20gallon UTH.

He was 18" inches long when I first got him four weeks ago. I know the enclosure is going to be a bit too big for him, but I've read that as long as I put a lot of hides to break up the open space, he'd be fine.

Thanks guys.

Terranaut · 08-21-12, 10:23 AM

Kings like to roam so your size is fine. Seal it with as much sealer as possible. Looks good to me so far. Humidity ian't much of a concern witha king 40-60% is perfect. If you ever have doubts just place a small tub filled with damp substrate(not aspen) and cut a small hole just big enough for your snake. If they are dry they will go into the damp hide. Its good for shedding as well. Also it saves you the need to babysit your humidity level. Honnestly I just skimmed this thread but it seems your on a budget. If this is so be sure not to just put the heat source in without a thermostat. I found $15 thermostats at home depot and have them in 2 of my home made enclosures. They work great. Someone said to me it's not acurate enough but I set them witha temp gun,not the number on the dial. Then I was told they fluctuate temperature to much to which I answered" ever been outside?". Better a cheap one than a grilled snake. Keep the pics coming.

Onael · 08-21-12, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Kings like to roam so your size is fine. Seal it with as much sealer as possible. Looks good to me so far. Humidity ian't much of a concern witha king 40-60% is perfect. If you ever have doubts just place a small tub filled with damp substrate(not aspen) and cut a small hole just big enough for your snake. If they are dry they will go into the damp hide. Its good for shedding as well. Also it saves you the need to babysit your humidity level. Honnestly I just skimmed this thread but it seems your on a budget. If this is so be sure not to just put the heat source in without a thermostat. I found $15 thermostats at home depot and have them in 2 of my home made enclosures. They work great. Someone said to me it's not acurate enough but I set them witha temp gun,not the number on the dial. Then I was told they fluctuate temperature to much to which I answered" ever been outside?". Better a cheap one than a grilled snake. Keep the pics coming.

Thank you for the information. I'm definitely going to look into getting a thermostat.

This is what is going to cover the two 1 1/2" holes for ventilation.

New Plan! I just got permission from my wife to move Spencer into the living room for all to enjoy. What do you think about putting him in my TV stand? Please excuse the mess. I was given that space because it just accumulate junk. The build plans stay the same except that the height has to come down to a maximum of 9 3/4". Would that be okay considering he's still small?

Brently · 08-22-12, 07:04 AM

I wouldn't do that. while it would probably look nice, think about the fact that snakes hear through vibration and when you have th tv on all that sound is going to transfer through the stand and into the enclosure. Just my opinion.

gareth.hooper · 08-22-12, 07:10 AM

I am too against reptiles in the immediate vicinity of televisions, whether it be typical tube or flat screen.

Onael · 08-22-12, 10:49 AM

In all the excitement, I totally overlooked that. He wouldn't like that at all. Never mind then. Thank you.

Terranaut · 08-22-12, 12:31 PM

Stick to original plan

Onael · 08-22-12, 09:52 PM

Sticking with the original plan. I just need to build the door frame. I don't have the plexiglass yet. I'm sanding and applying the finish tomorrow. By the time I get the glass it'll have aired out pretty good. What thickness do you recommend for the glass. I was thinking of using the 1/4" thickness but if I can go thinner, it would be cheaper. Thank you.

Terranaut · 08-23-12, 06:12 AM

If you are building a wood frame for the door get glass. Cheaper by 1/2 in most cases. Build the door and then order the glass to size. Had I have gone glass I would have saved enough to build another enclosure. Plexi or lexan is expensive. So my $.02 is go with glass.

DeesBalls · 08-23-12, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

If you are building a wood frame for the door get glass. Cheaper by 1/2 in most cases. Build the door and then order the glass to size. Had I have gone glass I would have saved enough to build another enclosure. Plexi or lexan is expensive. So my $.02 is go with glass.

my plexi was only a few dollars..must depend on where you are from.

Terranaut · 08-23-12, 06:43 AM

A 8x4x1/4 sheet with one cut was over $200 here. Glass would have been $50-60. Live and learn I guess

Brently · 08-23-12, 07:01 AM

I had my plexi cut to size at lowes and only cost a few bucks. I went with 1/4" but that is because I have young kids who I knew would touch it despite my efforts. So I wanted something with a little give and strength. If that is not the issue with you then go as thin as you want. A kingsnake is not going to develope the mass or power to push through even 1/8" plexi. Just make sure you have a decent amount over lap on the sides to create that cushion for give and flex.

Onael · 08-23-12, 05:21 PM

Started varnishing. I first stained it dark and then sanded it almost completely off. By no means it is a professional look, but I'm digging it. I got frame in place for a heat pad (thank you, @DeEuGi for the idea) that will go underneath a ceramic tile and sealed off from water and the snake. I still need to get the glass. I think I'm going to get the 1/4" plexiglass.

DeesBalls · 08-23-12, 05:23 PM

looking very nice !!!!!