Building Enclosures For My Burms

Rogue628 · 12-22-12, 01:21 AM

I have been looking for enclosures for my two burm girls; something that's to be a permanent home. I found one on KS through Boamasters, but shipping makes them outrageous. So I have decided to try to find some plans that are as close as possible to what I hope to build.

I have a couple of people who are willing to build them for me...labor will be discussed when I have something they can go by. I'm supplying all the materials needed. But I have no clue where to look or even start so I'm hoping some of you who've built your own, even if it's smaller than what I'm wanting to build, can help me out.

Dimensions can be altered and modified. My main concerns are what materials to use that will be safe and make a good built enclosure. What type of wood to use, what stains (if possible), what sealants can be used. Also how thick should the wood be, plexiglass, what types of locks you suggest and how the enclosure should open for safety of myself and my animals (the safest for feeding immediately comes to mind). And any other necessities I've missed. Since my snake room stays warm (above 75) I've read that flexwatt works well, but I'm open to hear which you prefer and why. I'll also need some recommendations on lighting and how to install it for the safety of my animals.

The enclosure can be on the floor so no need for any type of stand. They also need to be fairly easy to take apart without it harming the integrity and I'd prefer a design that's stackable as I don't have a huge room. Height is bit of a concern since I'm short. I'd prefer to have the opening of the top one no higher than mid torso for me, which is probably about 3'.

I would like the enclosures to be similar to the ones I was considering here: kingsnake.com Classifieds: BIGGEST CAGE/ BEST PRICE ! 8 FT X 3FT X 20.5"-ONLY $390- BOAMASTER

So any suggestions as to how the build should be, recommendations, etc would be appreciated. Any information you guys can give at all would be most helpful.

Corey209 · 12-22-12, 01:29 AM

If you're using wood, go with redwood. It's rot resistant and not harmful to animals.

marvelfreak · 12-31-12, 06:04 PM

See if you can find a local cabinet maker and see what they would charge to build a cage the same size.

dinosaurdammit · 12-31-12, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

See if you can find a local cabinet maker and see what they would charge to build a cage the same size.

Also look on craigslist, sometimes you have people who build chicken coups that will build other things too

Corey209 · 12-31-12, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaurdammit

Also look on craigslist, sometimes you have people who build chicken coups that will build other things too

I found the guy building mine on craigslist advertising dog houses so yeah craigslist is a good idea.

Rogue628 · 12-31-12, 11:38 PM

I've already got someone who's going to help me build them. We just need some sort of plans. He says he can build it by looking at pictures, but my main concern is making sure we using materials that are non toxic to my animals.