Suggestions for building a cage

[Jakedn]

Hey guys, I've decided to build my own custom cage from scratch. Today I drew up some quick blueprints on the design of the cage. I was hoping I could get some advice on building it, and some suggestions on materials to use or even on the design itself. I will be getting my chameleon around December so I have plenty of time to build the cage and I want everything to be perfect for him. I got all the dimensions written down to fit a perfect spot for the cage in my bedroom.

I'm going to have all sides of the cage except for the bottom and the back of the cage screen. The drawer at the bottom of the cage will be a built in drainage system. I plan to possibly drill holes at the bottom of the cage and cover the holes with a screen so that the water can drain into the drawer where a drip pan will be to catch the water.

What material should I use for the screen? What type of wood should I use for the frame and base? What type of seal should I put on the wood? Would it be harmful for the chameleon if I were to stain or paint the wood? I apologize for all of my questions but I want this to be a perfect cage for my future chameleon. Thank you in advance for any input you may provide me.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I use zero VOC paint to seal my wood cages.
I uses 2x2s and 2x4s for the frame, pegboard for the back and sides, plywood for the base, wire for the top.

 

[RSGriff]

Use PVC screen for screen doors for the sides, it is relatively inexpensive. For the top use aluminum screen so that your lights dont melt it. as for the wood, I would recommend using a hardwood that is resistant to rot. For the drainage system, there is a wonderful thread somewhere on here about making one out of Plexiglas.

 

[Jakedn]

I use zero VOC paint to seal my wood cages.
I uses 2x2s and 2x4s for the frame, pegboard for the back and sides, plywood for the base, wire for the top.

Thanks for the suggestions !

 

[Jakedn]

Use PVC screen for screen doors for the sides, it is relatively inexpensive. For the top use aluminum screen so that your lights dont melt it. as for the wood, I would recommend using a hardwood that is resistant to rot. For the drainage system, there is a wonderful thread somewhere on here about making one out of Plexiglas.

Do you perhaps have a link to the thread? Also, thanks for the input !

 

[beeze]

Here's a link to the cage that I built: https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/beeze-albums-making-aluminum-cage.html

 

[RSGriff]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/slimline-drainage-plans-pic-23845/

 

[SliK JiM]

I've been in your boat for a while. I think I'm pretty settled on my build, just need to get the space and time to build it! Your design also looks suspiciously like mine:

But, then again, there are only so many ways to design an enclosure. I'm in the UK so my materials will probably be slightly different to yours but you'll be able to find stuff similar I'm sure!
The wood is just standard PSE timber (Planed Square Edged timber) that is 18mm thick and of various widths (depending on where it is) - I chose this wood as it looks nice and stains very well.
All the screen will be black aluminium screen (fine insect mesh)
The base piece of wood will be plyboard (to give a strong base) with all the joints sealed with aquarium silicone to stop any leakage. I'm going to build a drainage base into the bottom part using polystyrene and a cement/tile grout mix (As once it has hardened it is like a rock and can be washed down with a hose if necessary) - this way I can build flat bits to put plants on, but also insure the water drains out of the bottom and it is completely smooth so easy to wipe! It's hard to describe, but I've seen something similar be done before and it looks pretty easy to do.
You'll be able to stain it without any troubles as long as you let it air out for a while before you put your cham into it! Also, a decking type varnish (for outdoors) is a pretty good way to seal the wood as its really hard wearing (as people tread on the stuff) and is great against the elements so works well in a chameleons enclosure.

Hope all that helps and wasn't too much of a rant!

 

[SliK JiM]

Also, this is the sort of screen I'd use if I was in the USA: http://www.metroscreenworks.com/sho...6.html?zenid=d7261f4678ffadf1d48a65f22311822e
I'm tempted to order off them anyway as the stuff we get over here is **** and a friend has recommended this company to me! It's only the shipping that is stopping me ordering from them, but that's not their fault, it's fedex, as to ship to the UK is $129 (for a roll of 48")

 

[Jakedn]

I've been in your boat for a while. I think I'm pretty settled on my build, just need to get the space and time to build it! Your design also looks suspiciously like mine:

But, then again, there are only so many ways to design an enclosure. I'm in the UK so my materials will probably be slightly different to yours but you'll be able to find stuff similar I'm sure!
The wood is just standard PSE timber (Planed Square Edged timber) that is 18mm thick and of various widths (depending on where it is) - I chose this wood as it looks nice and stains very well.
All the screen will be black aluminium screen (fine insect mesh)
The base piece of wood will be plyboard (to give a strong base) with all the joints sealed with aquarium silicone to stop any leakage. I'm going to build a drainage base into the bottom part using polystyrene and a cement/tile grout mix (As once it has hardened it is like a rock and can be washed down with a hose if necessary) - this way I can build flat bits to put plants on, but also insure the water drains out of the bottom and it is completely smooth so easy to wipe! It's hard to describe, but I've seen something similar be done before and it looks pretty easy to do.
You'll be able to stain it without any troubles as long as you let it air out for a while before you put your cham into it! Also, a decking type varnish (for outdoors) is a pretty good way to seal the wood as its really hard wearing (as people tread on the stuff) and is great against the elements so works well in a chameleons enclosure.

Hope all that helps and wasn't too much of a rant!

Thanks for all of the input and suggestions, every little bit helps! Also, it is quite funny how our designs ended up so similar I just drew this up this morning as the thought hit me.

 

[Jakedn]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/slimline-drainage-plans-pic-23845/

Thanks for the link, I actually might give that a try however I doubt I will be able to accomplish it.

 

[Jakedn]

Here's a link to the cage that I built: https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/beeze-albums-making-aluminum-cage.html

Thanks for the link

 

[RSGriff]

Thanks for the link, I actually might give that a try however I doubt I will be able to accomplish it.

well, that one is pretty detail heavy... Im sure you could think of something similar that would be easier to construct.

 

[Jakedn]

well, that one is pretty detail heavy... Im sure you could think of something similar that would be easier to construct.

Yeah possibly. Is it hard to mold the plexi?

 

[Jakedn]

I've been researching different types of materials as I prepare to build my cage. I came across this website for a screen.

http://super-screen.com/

Has anyone used this stuff or know what size the hole should be. I want it to be able to hold all of the bugs in but not allow my future chameleon to get his toes caught in it.