Please see our disclosure policy for more details. This is because they are designed for lighting to sit on the outside, which is typical of most enclosures. 259k followers. If you have the necessary tools, the list of materials can be dealt with easily enough. Sure, pet stores sell ready-made enclosures, costing anywhere from $20-100- but you can really customize the habitat if you decide to construct it yourself. Bonus tip: Want to build a dream bunk bed? Use lots of staples and wire mesh. It also involves using special pet housing substrate which will limit odors within the enclosure itself just by limiting urine contact with wood shavings or soil type substrates which could potentially cause some serious infections in your bearded dragons respiratory system. It doesnt get much simpler than this basic wooden DIY reptile enclosure plan from Reptile Range. It has good visibility, and its easy to clean. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Aquatic Turtle Tank with Underwater Tunnel by Youtube. Pinterest. 2023 Pro Tool Guide | All Rights Reserved. Consider building a reptile cage out of existing items, such as an aquarium, old chest of drawers, entertainment center or a refrigerator with the door removed. Glue and clamp the pieces together for a sturdy finish. . Your DIY iguana cage is ready to welcome its esteemed reptilian guest. 1. The designs are wood framed with either all screen siding or plywood sides. The reality of reptile husbandry is that many reptiles will outgrow cages that are commercially made so planning ahead and knowing exactly what you want will save you some trouble in the long run. However, it should be noted that every project will be completely unique because everyones supply of old windows will be different. Reptile Enclosure Entertainment Center View plans 3. A terrarium is similar to a vivarium. Your email address will not be published. Most anyone with a saw, drill, and basic hand tools can build this in a weekend. Take out all the screening from the windows and set it aside for later use. It is a vertical structure made in the same style as the previous examples. This is a simple reptile enclosure, and as such, is ideal for first-time DIYers. DIY Plywood Reptile Enclosure (Large Version) SerpaDesign 1.43M subscribers 830K views 5 years ago Have you ever wanted to make a large plywood enclosure for your amphibian or reptile? If you want an attractive-looking container for your pets home then opt for one that has been designed with reptiles in mind instead of buying something generic like a fish tank even though they can be used just as effectively! A handy tip is to add the top plywood at the end for a smoother installation. As such, it is excellent for repurposing! Take a look! Be patient with yourself at all times, especially with this DIY reptile enclosure project. If the container is an aquarium or another type of glass tank, you will probably want one with ventilation holes so theres enough oxygen getting into it. If you are going to use this method, it is best to obtain a specialized background so that your pet does not see the inside of your home. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? You can also consider using tiles in lieu of sand, which is toxic if swallowed. Animals at Home has provided these unique plans to turn old windows into a custom enclosure for your reptile friend. A popular choice is an old dresser drawer, as long as its not made of wood and has no holes in the bottom for water to seep through. On the other hand, a DIY reptile enclosure can go both ways. . Some of the materials you need are 1 sheet " Baltic birch plywood, " x 1 x 8' poplar, 2 -"-" Plexiglas, 1-' screws, poultry fabric, cordless drill and screw-gun, among others. Horizontal enclosures are ideal for medium-sized reptiles while vertical enclosures suit smaller species. 5 Assemble the enclosure. Yes, it involves a lot of careful planning, a hoard of tools, and some very skilled execution, but the tank, when built, is nothing short of beautiful. substrate, rocks, and logs). Just make sure to wait for a while after it dries lest some toxic fumes should hang around and harm your pet. However, as with other materials (such as wood), you need proper ventilation if the enclosure does not have a screen top or front door. How To Build Your Own Reptile Enclosure 5. A tortoise, for example, should live in an enclosure with a substrate that is made of sand or dirt. Apply the oil to your wood with a cloth and allow it to dry for 24 hours before placing your pet inside of their new home. The project becomes a lot easier if one can find an old aquarium. For good measure, add a sealant along the edges and allow it to completely dry off. You will need all of the materials mentioned previously (i.e., substrate, background), but the enclosure itself must be watertight (excluding any drainage holes). Although not necessary, a background can be used for decoration purposes. Well, if youre a bearded dragon owner and of a DIY bent, you can build your own enclosure. If you are thinking about setting up a DIY reptile enclosure, make sure to choose an appropriate substrate. DIY Reptile Enclosure Made Out of an Upcycled Bookcase, 3. Reptile House. Additionally, the newly cut edges need to be sanded so they arent so sharp. Many people think that reptiles dont like to climb, but they can be very active and agile when given the chance. A DIY reptile enclosure made entirely out of acrylic is not only lightweight but also nice to look at. https://amzn.to/2uK7UnA. The plan is simple enough. Top it all off with a final layer of mulch or bark, whichever one looks better aesthetically inside your vivarium. Materials: Wire mesh, deck paint, 2x4s, metal roof panels, screws, staples: . Polyurethane Finish - This is used to glue the coco fiber directly to the background. is just keep trying until you get a smooth surface that isnt lumpy from air bubbles rising from beneath the cement layer. Additionally, remember to drill some vent holes into the back or the sides of the cabinet to ensure proper airflow. Take out one pane of glass at a time and set it beside the rest until your entire enclosure is together without any glass panes holding it all together. Naturally, this will depend on your time, skills, and budget. As long as you have a screwdriver and a paint brush YOU CAN build this kit!!! Lastly, consider whether adding substrate (elevated areas resembling natural terrain) would help simulate conditions in which your reptile comes from; If you plan on using wood boards to build your pets enclosure be aware that untreated woods may cause health problems in reptiles such as salmonella poisoning or respiratory issues due to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and other toxic gases emitting from the material. If you are using live plants, then ensure that they are non-toxic. Some people make their own enclosures by using large glass tanks or plastic storage containers that are easy to buy from shops or online stores such as eBay. This idea is wonderful for those who do not have an advanced carpentry skillset or who like to reuse and repurpose things. This DIY indoor tegu enclosure plan has all these features and is detailed and simple-to-follow. A reptile enclosure can be made of many different materials. The entire unit is 6-feet by 3-feet by 2-feet, which means each reptile cage would be 2-feet by 3-feet by 2-feet. Ensure that there is no physical way for the animal to escape the enclosure as well! The plan involves buying an appropriately large hardware cloth, rolling it into a tube, and securing it at the top using fasteners. This material has a plain and clear look, but the surfaces of glass enclosures can be difficult to clean and they can break easily if dropped or mishandled; . *Note: You should put your gravel/rocks on first as it is harder for you to place them over the background otherwise*. The 11 DIY Catio Plans. They even include a Perspex underwater tunnel that provides an ideal environment for your turtle. Simply disassemble any old dresser or cabinet, remove damaged or useless parts, install plywood on the inside and outside, and add slide rails for the doors at the front. However, hardwoods are not recommended due to their high concentration of phenols that can result in respiratory problems and even death when ingested by a reptiles sensitive system. Make sure that the background is high enough to accommodate your pet over its entire lifetime. Youll want to avoid any container that has metal or painted surfaces because it will become hot enough for your pet inside of it during the day. If you are thinking about setting up a DIY reptile enclosure, make sure to choose an appropriate substrate. Make sure that you put in an appropriate substrate layer, rocks/gravel, etc., into any gaps between two pieces of wood or something similar where the animal cannot get through the cracks. Make it easy on yourself by purchasing one that is. . Constantly research beforehand to prevent fatalities from occurring! Try using rocks this allows the animal some flexibility when it comes time for changes in elevation during feeding times. However, unlike a generic lizard enclosure, This basic reptile enclosure is a wooden box that can be customized exactly how, These plans are for sale and are prepared for you. Next, attach your light fixture to the back wall of the planter, and voila. You can simply use plexiglass at the front to create a viewing window. Then simply set each pane of glass back inside its frame the right way around so your structure is still square, but now with very little open space to step or fall through! Under the right circumstances, this plan makes an excellent snake enclosure! If you have chosen between building a custom tank with lights already installed versus buying an all-inclusive kit, be aware of the costs and consider what you know about your pets needs. One of the most important things to take into consideration when choosing a DIY reptile enclosure is what type and size of animal you have. You should also consider how much weight they could potentially put on if they are likely to gain weight during hibernation etc., as this will affect where exactly inside their new home you need to place any heat lamps/heating pads (if using), basking spots, etc. There are many ways to heat up a reptile cage without buying an expensive light or equipment. How to Catch a Lizard Without Killing It? Use the search! to your pets health or safety! However, unlike a generic lizard enclosure, these instructions are specific to the tegu, which allows them to give specific measurements. Label each windowpane with what is behind them so your pet doesnt get confused once theyre ready to move into their new digs. Wooden DIY Reptile Enclosure See Plan It doesn't get much simpler than this basic wooden DIY reptile enclosure plan from Reptile Range. Adding the underwater tunnel is the tricky part. Place your desired plants in desired locations and fill in any gaps with more substrate, whatever looks best aesthetically to you. If you are only using your reptile as an inside pet or housing small amphibians in it, then this is the best option for you to go with. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! As such, it is. The final step is to install a sheet of glass at the front. It is very important to seal all the edges and seams with a sealant such as GE Silicone I. Your DIY reptile enclosure is ready for use. If this is impossible, then newspaper can be used as a substitute. If you own a pet reptile or are planning to buy one, giving it a comfortable enclosure must be high on your priority list. However, it should be noted that every project will be completely unique because everyones supply of old windows will be different. There you have it! To learn more about giving your ball python a comfy home, check out our ball python enclosures setup guide. Check out this list of 68 amazing DIY bunk bed plans. The design builder for these instructions also prefers white, double-sided melamine boards that can be cut to your preferred size. If you want live plants, they should be planted in a piece of driftwood or something similar so that the roots arent touching the water/substrate (this will prevent any rot). but this also increases cost and requires more space to house your pet reptile. Using an existing piece of furniture really is a good way to go. You will also use polystyrene to build a textured and layered surface that brings interest to the tank for your pet reptile. You should then cut out an appropriately sized hole to fit your screen top (this is done to keep your pet inside the enclosure). Web free diy reptile enclosure plans. Expert Tip: Once youve selected the appropriate DIY reptile enclosure plan and finished building it, youll naturally want to furnish your pets new home with plenty of pretty foliage! You might want to leave their old container next to where you now have them living as well so that they become used to having both options available for shelter. Itll take a little bit of DIY know-how to finish, but is well worth the time and effort. A reptile enclosure can also be a great addition to an office or living room, as they are easy to maintain and look good with any decor. The size of the enclosure is a very important consideration. Reptile Room. Walls can be made of wood, glass, transparent thermoplastic, or coated wire mesh. Twitter When attaching the hardware cloth or wooden support beams, make sure they extend out far enough so that the screws dont break through the other side where your pet could reach them. Well, these reptile enclosure plans show you in 10 simple steps just how easy it is to build your own reptile enclosure for a fraction of the cost of pet shop reptile cages or snake enclosures! If you are looking for a simple setup that can easily be cleaned and requires little attention then probably an aquarium is what you want to go with. Search our database of over 13360 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. You may want something that can be easily moved because reptiles are very fond of climbing and may try to escape if they become too comfortable in their new home. All you need are a clamped T-square, a circular saw, and a drill and you can cut the pieces of wood easily. You can also consider using tiles in lieu of sand, which is toxic if swallowed. Measure your window frame to make sure you have enough room to fit your materials in once everything is mounted inside. This option does require you to drill some holes into it though so that your dragon can get adequate airflow throughout. This example measures 1.5-feet by 3-feet by 1.5-feet. You can turn any thrift store bookcase find into a fully outfitted reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables. For example: There are also other options that will work great for those who need more than simple heat such as UVB lamps (needed for strong bones) like the ever-popular UV heat lamps. However, it should be noted that every project will be completely unique because everyone's supply of old windows will be different. We love any DIY plan that can take disused furniture and make it into something great. Custom DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables, 5. For a cheaper enclosure, consider making one with a door that opens at the top instead of at the front. Place your substrate down and place some rocks/gravel over this substrate layer. Reptile Enclosure. Here are 50 beautiful Ideas to do so. Reptiles are ectothermic creatures which means that they rely on external heat to warm their bodies up, so you must provide them with an appropriate source of warmth to achieve this; otherwise, they will become very ill. Make sure that you put it in a water bowl because without it your animal could dehydrate to the point of death; reptiles are not adapted to survive without water for extended periods. This post may contains affiliate links. You can use extra wood screws to hold the hinges in place, or if you want a less bulky look and possibly stronger hint than using screws alone, use binder clips too which will also allow for quick and easy access down the road when you need it most. This enclosure is only suitable for amphibians who like to spend their entire lives in water. Unless youre using a UVB/UVA bulb over the land portion of the aquarium, theres no need to cover it. The plan design uses a glass cutter to score the glass and then breaks it along the score lines. Just buy five sheets of wood, screw them together, and add two sliding doors at the front. This is another great cage using a piece of cabinetry that had already served its original purpose. To finish the design, simply drill some vents holes at the back and add wooden frames at the front where you can install sliding glass doors. Bonus tip: Thinking of revamping your outdoor seating? I like that this type of enclosure is more natural than other enclosures I saw for sale. This allows air to move through and makes it easier to regulate the temperature inside the cage with less risk of it becoming a hot box. Many people think that reptiles dont like to climb, but they can be very active and agile when given the chance. DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans Do It Yourself has to do with doing everything on your own without having to pay someone else for aid. Lizard Habitat. Clean your enclosure daily by removing any uneaten food and soiled substrate, replacing them with fresh items. Stand: If you decided to have a stand for it drill 4 pilot holes into the base of the cage in each corner. While perspex doors are pretty straightforward to install, adding glass doors requires some skill. 3 Determine the size of the cage you need. This is a custom DIY cage for a ball python but can be used to house a variety of snakes. Just insert the wooden fence posts and connect them with longer framing pieces. The entire process is sure to test your skills but the end product will be well worth the effort. Buying a reptile enclosure can be worth a pretty penny, although not everyone can afford it. If the mixture is still really thick then slowly pour water into the bowl of wet concrete powder that you have set aside from earlier about half a cup at a time should do just fine here! 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Be very active and agile when given the chance also prefers white, double-sided boards! To learn more about giving your ball python enclosures setup guide to sit on the,!