expandable cage complete!

[mofoya]

so, partway through the build inspiration struck. i realized that i would need a smaller enclosure at first because i'll be getting my cham young, but later the enclosure will have to be larger...

as a solution i made the bottom of the cage like a shelf that can be moved. in the upper position (pic1) it measures 24D x 32W x 22H. in the lower position (pic2) it measures 24D x 32W x 46H.

so as he gets closer to adulthood his cage will more than double in size by just moving a 'shelf' and rearranging the furnishings!

 

[reptoman]

Good idea! Definitely worth the extra effort.

 

[Mr Wilson]

What a neat idea!!! The cage looks great, too. It looks very well made. When are you getting your cham and what kind?

 

[Gensen]

Perfect!

Perfect solution!
Nice work on the build too!

 

[mofoya]

thanks everyone!

What a neat idea!!! The cage looks great, too. It looks very well made. When are you getting your cham and what kind?

i've been going back and forth on exactly what kind i'm getting. i think i've settled on a male ambilobe... i still need a little time to get the lights and get the plants set up in there. i might get him in about a month or a little less. i want to make sure everything is perfect for when he gets here...

 

[wendyeeeo]

I love your cage! Can you tell me what the material is for the screening? And where you got it? I've had bad luck figuring out that 'perfect' screening material that doesn't cost a fortune. Also, does your bottom shelf have the screen material over the wooden parts? I really like that idea.

 

[mofoya]

I love your cage! Can you tell me what the material is for the screening? And where you got it? I've had bad luck figuring out that 'perfect' screening material that doesn't cost a fortune. Also, does your bottom shelf have the screen material over the wooden parts? I really like that idea.

the screen material is called hardware cloth. its basically a pvc coated wire mesh. i had a hard time finding it also. home depot has it in the garden center for about $10 a roll (24" x 60"). its a nice forrest green color too! it took 5 rolls to do the entire cage and i suggest a staple gun. the only disadvantage i can see is that feeders can fit through it...

the bottom that moves is a wood frame covered with this material also. the 'other' stationary bottom just went through another modification to handle drainage...its basically some thick tarp-like material attached loosely to allow it to droop a little with a hole in the middle. then a bucket under the hole.

 

[FoBomb]

Awesome idea, why haven't any cage sellers thought of that? Oh yeah, because they want you to buy two cages.

 

[ParabuthusKing]

great idea, you gave me inspiration for future cage builds as I am new to the chameleon hobby somewhat