Need Help With Cage Building!

KSTAR · 07-13-12, 07:34 AM

What's up guys & gals...I'm looking to build a enclosure for a ball python and a boa and wanted to see if anyone can send me some good links with whats the best wood to use and if what's the best way to heat them and allow ventilation and etc...THANKS

buffcoat · 07-13-12, 08:15 AM

Build a standard open faced box. Melamine seems to be the option of choice. Birch or oak for a fancy viv. Some use drylok or varnish to seal the inside. If you go the latter route make sure to let it air out completely before using it.

There are links and photos all over the interwebs and on here. Plenty of how-to's out there. If you want I can give ya a link on how to build one (not heat) for $100. I just don't want to link it here.

For heat some use CHE's, others use RHP's. There are ways to use belly heat as well.

beardeds4life · 07-16-12, 10:21 PM

I do not recommend using melamine it is very heavy and looks horrible. I use poplar and plywood for the back and bottom and then glass sides and glass front. It looks wonderful.

Gungirl · 07-17-12, 04:07 AM

I built mine out of good quality Oak Plywood, heated them with a radiant heat panel and vented them with a few soffit vents like these

6 in. White Round Soffit Vent-SM-RSV 6 at The Home Depot

Here is a picture of one of my cages, This one holds my adult male Royal.

I used a piano hinge to attach the door and allow it to open fully. I used plexi instead of glass and sealed it all with a 2 part epoxy to make sure it was all water proof 100%. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.

beardeds4life · 07-17-12, 11:45 AM

Nice! Im jealous

bcoop1234 · 08-03-12, 01:20 PM

I actually really like the look of the Melamine, but its always preference. Here are mine.

DeesBalls · 08-03-12, 01:40 PM

mine are not as nice as ones posted, but they get the job done... mine are melamine, with plexi glass sliding doors... all sealed with silicone and has 2' vents on the sides and back...

i have a 12x12 piece of flexwatt in the cage (sort of like gun girls cages) i have a piece of plexiglass over the flexwatt and it is sealed so no water can get to it... (all are tested)

my cages are not pretty, but hold heat and humidity really well... here are some pics!!

***EDIT*** i should say, i take alot of my pics during cleaning/watering time... so they are not neccesarily all set up with all furnature (hides, ect...) thats why some look bare**** not too sure why a rack pic is there too, sorry****EDIT******

in no order: theres my adult BP, juvi RTB, and an albino corn in one... and i think my pastel male BP is in one too, (hes in tub now)