Building a Cage

[Reptile King]

I have the option to either build a cage for my ball python or purchase a Zilla Critter Cage (I really like the locking top lid).

I am leaning toward building the cage out of wood but if I go this route is there a particular type of wood that I should go with or stay away from? To me, the advantage would be to keep the humidity in the tank as it would be difficult to keep in humidity in a mesh screen top.

[Argentra]

I've already built and had running a system of four cages for my corns and am in the process of building stackable cages for my BPs. So far, my methods and materials have worked just fine.

I use Exterior (roof/wall) top grade plywood 3/4" for my cages, then paint them using Rust-Oleum Latex based paints. These paints are very water resistant if not waterproof. To give extra coverage, I use either sturdy contact paper or clear vinyl on the inside of each panel and tile or vinyl for the flooring.

Stay away from Pine, Cedar, and pretreated woods as those can be toxic.

[Mr. Constrictor]

Scrap the critter cage. Its a fish tank with a better lid. Fish tanks are made for fish. You can build something nicer and better for a few more $$$.

[Crazy4Herps]

I vote building your own.

A tip for keeping humidity up with a screen lid: put one or two damp, wrung-out dishtowels over most of the screen top.

[Argentra]

Towels are NOT a good idea on screen lids. Unless you can replace them every day and totally disinfect the used ones, they are havens for bacteria and mold.

The best ways to keep humidity with a screen top are to foil treat or cover with plexiglass.