Making a screened cage secure

[lysinlight87]

Hi,

Neelix, my 6 month old male veiled is currently in a glass exo terra, 90cmx65x40cm. It's becoming too small for him and he's too heavy for me to just wedge branches in now. His basking spot keeps slipping down.

So, despite my concerns, I think I might put him in my screened exo-terra, 76x42x122cm.

I have the following questions however:-

The glass cage has a hood for the UV bulbs, which sits on top of his cage- how would I suspend them above a screened cage?

It's quite flimsy, I feel my cat would knock it over. How can I re-enforce it & anchor it to the coffee table?

How would people recommend I fix branches in there? Can I do it without making holes in the screen?

And finally, what material should I use to cover 2 of the screened sides (to hold in humidity and heat)?

Any feed-back would be appreciated!

 

[nightanole]

As the new owner of a breeze i will send my wisdom.

1. the screen should be metal (unless its the pvc pipe version with zippers Flexarium) So you can place your lamps directly on it. If its a Flexarium you have to have spacers or something or it will melt.

2. To hold it down, i placed potted plants in it. The cage has a panel at the bottom, and the cage frame is under the panel.

3. For branches, cut ends flush, and use 2 thumb tacs.

4. To cover the sides i recommend Something called Poly-Wall from lowes or home depot. Its a flexible pvc panel(4x8 sheet) meant for the inside walls of motor homes and bath rooms. Its easy to cut and will not mildew.

 

[lysinlight87]

Thanks

It is a flexarium. If the lights are not in contact with the plastic, it won't melt?

 

[sulfurboy1o3]

Your fixtures should be placed on top of your mesh cage. If it cant support the fixtures either have them hanging right above the mesh with a clamp or something. If it really cant support the mesh at all, maybe you need a sturdier screen cage.
Personally, id have the cham in a room away from the cat. Most cats can be pretty curious!

The easiest way to apply 'bend a vine' is to use the thin wires used to wrap heads of lettuce. I use many veggies for my tort and its simple enough for me to save some. Many of the horizontal branches i have in there are cut to exact size to fit in the cage,end touching wall to wall. You can apply some of those right around the basking light.

Use plexi or something light and plastic coated.

do you remember the brand of your meshcage?

 

[lysinlight87]

It's an exo-terra flexarium. We've just been out and got some sheets. My boyfriend is planning to suspend the fixtures- I don't think it's sturdy enough to hold them.

Thanks for the tips with branches. I'll try using thumb tacs.

We got him new lights with a reflector too, it's quite dim in the room

 

[lysinlight87]

Well, it's nearly all built now. My boyfriend has fitted the plastic sheets and made a wooden frame with a wooden support on the top, adding strength. We've bought a new UV tube and holder, which is now fitted. We've sorted out where the heat lamp will go.

He's going to make wire loops at either end of the cage to fix the branches to. Will the wire do my cham any harm?

We've got a large ficus & an umbrella plant, & spare plants if more foliage is needed.

My last question is what to do with the dripper? We're going to suspend it above the cage, but I was wondering what to do with the tube. Should I make a hole in the screen to put it through?

I will post photos tomorrow when this little project completed. Hopefully Neelix will appreciate the effort!

 

[reptilover]

Well, it's nearly all built now. My boyfriend has fitted the plastic sheets and made a wooden frame with a wooden support on the top, adding strength. We've bought a new UV tube and holder, which is now fitted. We've sorted out where the heat lamp will go.

He's going to make wire loops at either end of the cage to fix the branches to. Will the wire do my cham any harm?

We've got a large ficus & an umbrella plant, & spare plants if more foliage is needed.

My last question is what to do with the dripper? We're going to suspend it above the cage, but I was wondering what to do with the tube. Should I make a hole in the screen to put it through?

I will post photos tomorrow when this little project completed. Hopefully Neelix will appreciate the effort!

The wire loops may rust. I used fishing line.

I used those decorative hooks ment for ur ceiling and hung my lights and dripper from there . The dripper hose can sit on the mesh or hang above it. It'll drip right through.

Making a wooden frame to support the cage is the best thing u could of done..

 

[lysinlight87]

Cool, thanks. It's a good job my bf knows his DIY! He's going to make cross bars to strengthen it further, it's looking good.

I don't know what the wire is, but it's plastic coated, so I guess it won't rust?

I'll just let the dripper drip on the mesh. I was a little concerned though, cos I have seen him drink directly from the pipe, but i guess he'll find the water

 

[reptilover]

Cool, thanks. It's a good job my bf knows his DIY! He's going to make cross bars to strengthen it further, it's looking good.

I don't know what the wire is, but it's plastic coated, so I guess it won't rust?

I'll just let the dripper drip on the mesh. I was a little concerned though, cos I have seen him drink directly from the pipe, but i guess he'll find the water

He will indeed find water. Just have the drippes cascading down a few leaves he will see the movement and understand. But the fact he drinks from the tube directly is incredible and if so maybe a small hole to feed it through would be better for u.

And yes plastic coated is A ok!

 

[lysinlight87]

But the fact he drinks from the tube directly is incredible and if so maybe a small hole to feed it through would be better for u.

well, I've only seen him do it once...he might have been teasing me lol

 

[reptilover]

well, I've only seen him do it once...he might have been teasing me lol

Lol! none the less that ones up to u. Sticking through the screen limits moveabilty is all.
I always move my dripper around because my plants grow or get eaten so the drip may hit 5 leaves. But a month later there's only one leaf left it hits!

 

[lysinlight87]

Here's a pic, what do u think? Are more plant/vines needed?

 

[lysinlight87]

Hopefully, this is a better pic!