Made a Custom AP Split Level Condo

I absolutely Love my AP A25 cage it’s 4 ft wide and 4 ft high. My Jungle Carpet, Esmarelda utilizes all of it and she is very interesting to watch.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...81170ec0f4.png

I wanted another one to house Olivia, my Olive Python, but I was restrained by available space. I only had 37 inches of vertical room, so a 48 inch tall cage would not fit.

My solution was to sandwich two T -10’s together with a 5” - 4.5” PVC pipe reducer. I had to cut a 5” hole in the top of the bottom cage, and another 5” hole in the bottom of the top cage.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b7f1397df4.png
To keep water and waste from seeping around and down from the pipe reducer I sealed the hole with a flexible putty like weather seal.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...140375586e.png

This gave me a 30” tall cage with seven inches left over for to set up a Herpstat 6 on top of this cage and two others, all with UTHs and RHPs.

As as some of you know, I am a big believer in offering options, so I added a lot.

Though hard to see, behind the perches on both levels are shelves. Each level has a Skyhide on the cool side and floor hides on the warm side.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e882d4eeba.png
The bottom level has a UTH and the top level has an RHP.

Olivia uses every comfort offered to her; both Skyhides, floor hides, both shelves and perches, and both heat sources.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3afea17018.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...20eacdce3f.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f31bbb9416.png
I figure that this custom condo will work until she is 6.5-7 ft, then I’ll move her to a 6 ft cage, then an 8 footer if she gets 9-10 ft.

Now, for those of you wondering why there are all of those extra clips near the Skyhides? I was shortsighted when installed the Skyhide in Esmarelda’s A-25. I installed a Large Skyhide without thinking about her outgrowing it. The following pic will explain.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aa69809299.png

Esmarelda tried to force herself into that hide and as a result snapped 4 clips and the hide with her in it fell a short distance onto the top shelf. She stayed in it for a day that way.

Installing Skyhide is ten times easier if done Before the cage is put together. That is why I added extra clips for Olivia’s Skyhides.

Dude! Wildly awesome set up! I love it


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Dude! Wildly awesome set up! I love it


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Thanks! I’ve had it set up for a few months now and it really seems to be working out well.

Innovation and crafty ness at its finest !

well done! So cool

That’s awesome man, very cool. I like it, thanks for sharing. You’ve always had good ideas ;)

Beautiful setups Reinz! Great idea and design on the critter condo.
On another note, I just noticed that our collections kinda mirror each others. (5) carpets, (2) boas, and an Olive. I guess great minds think alike. :)

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Beautiful setups Reinz! Great idea and design on the critter condo.
On another note, I just noticed that our collections kinda mirror each others. (5) carpets, (2) boas, and an Olive. I guess great minds think alike. :)

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Thank you!

Yeah I knew we had very similar tastes, but I never looked at it that closely. That is funny. And of course, I’ve been thinking about a Scrub for a few years now, but the itch is getting worse, and you are not making it any easier. :D

Add: It's a good thing that we don’t live in the same town. We would be enabling each other into a constant arms race!

R- Trust me on this one. If space allows get the scrub! I'm enamored with mine. He's been really chill. Totally contradicting the horror stories I've heard about their attitudes. He's not as flighty as my carpets or Olive and will stay fairly still while being held. And he's probably my most photogenic critter. I love this guy.

http://i.imgur.com/lJ7UWah.jpg

Awesome setup Reinz!!!! It looks amazing!

That's super cool, thanks for sharing!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

R- Trust me on this one. If space allows get the scrub! I'm enamored with mine. He's been really chill. Totally contradicting the horror stories I've heard about their attitudes. He's not as flighty as my carpets or Olive and will stay fairly still while being held. And he's probably my most photogenic critter. I love this guy.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/lJ7UWah.jpg

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That is so awesome and great to know! I’m so glad that you got a great one.

I’m out of room at the moment. I have to dispose of some furniture first.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reinz

I absolutely Love my AP A25 cage it’s 4 ft wide and 4 ft high. My Jungle Carpet, Esmarelda utilizes all of it and she is very interesting to watch.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...81170ec0f4.png

I wanted another one to house Olivia, my Olive Python, but I was restrained by available space. I only had 37 inches of vertical room, so a 48 inch tall cage would not fit.

My solution was to sandwich two T -10’s together with a 5” - 4.5” PVC pipe reducer. I had to cut a 5” hole in the top of the bottom cage, and another 5” hole in the bottom of the top cage.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b7f1397df4.png
To keep water and waste from seeping around and down from the pipe reducer I sealed the hole with a flexible putty like weather seal.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...140375586e.png

This gave me a 30” tall cage with seven inches left over for to set up a Herpstat 6 on top of this cage and two others, all with UTHs and RHPs.

As as some of you know, I am a big believer in offering options, so I added a lot.

Though hard to see, behind the perches on both levels are shelves. Each level has a Skyhide on the cool side and floor hides on the warm side.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e882d4eeba.png
The bottom level has a UTH and the top level has an RHP.

Olivia uses every comfort offered to her; both Skyhides, floor hides, both shelves and perches, and both heat sources.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3afea17018.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...20eacdce3f.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f31bbb9416.png
I figure that this custom condo will work until she is 6.5-7 ft, then I’ll move her to a 6 ft cage, then an 8 footer if she gets 9-10 ft.

Now, for those of you wondering why there are all of those extra clips near the Skyhides? I was shortsighted when installed the Skyhide in Esmarelda’s A-25. I installed a Large Skyhide without thinking about her outgrowing it. The following pic will explain.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aa69809299.png

Esmarelda tried to force herself into that hide and as a result snapped 4 clips and the hide with her in it fell a short distance onto the top shelf. She stayed in it for a day that way.

Installing Skyhide is ten times easier if done Before the cage is put together. That is why I added extra clips for Olivia’s Skyhides.

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Where did you find the wood perch that you have a cross the whole length resting on the v bracket? I have been looking low and high for a branch to use. I don't have the space to clean one or property to cut my own. Just hoping for a suggestion.

Really informative and creative post.thank you so much for sharing with us! [emoji4]


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zuri Indigo

Where did you find the wood perch that you have a cross the whole length resting on the v bracket? I have been looking low and high for a branch to use. I don't have the space to clean one or property to cut my own. Just hoping for a suggestion.

Really informative and creative post.thank you so much for sharing with us! [emoji4]


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The bottom perch is from a Crate Myrtle (sp?) tree I pruned and let it season for a year.

The top perch came from Lowes. I believe it was called something like a timber stake(?) that I found in the garden department rather than inside with the fencing supplies. It was an 8 foot stake with one end tapered to make a stake. I just needed 4 feet, so that didn’t matter.

oh how clever!! good work!! Also I always love the idea of your sky hides. Maybe I'll give one to my little scrub as well.

Thank you.

All of my snakes use Skyhides when given the opportunity, except for my big bodied Boa. I have not been able to find a hide large enough for him until today. When I get him a new enclosure I will install one for him.

Even my 17 year old BP uses one. She won’t use a hide on the ground anymore as long as there is a Skyhide available.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4e818b5174.png
Elvira, Normal BP.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Thank you.

All of my snakes use Skyhides when given the opportunity, except for my big bodied Boa. I have not been able to find a hide large enough for him until today. When I get him a new enclosure I will install one for him.

Even my 17 year old BP uses one. She won’t use a hide on the ground anymore as long as there is a Skyhide available.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4e818b5174.png
Elvira, Normal BP.

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Yeah I'm thinking about giving my little guy a skyhide as well and seeing if he likes it.such a clever idea.


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That’s pretty awesome

Spectacular job Reinz!!!

Reinz, I love what you did with this enclosure...but who cares about my opinion? What counts is that your snake loves it! Great job! :gj:

Zuri Indigo: what about a wooden closet rod? Nice diameter, super sturdy, & you could add "texture" to it. Home improvement store will cut to length for you.
If you were nearby, I actually have a spare one in my garage, lol.
(Re: "Where did you find the wood perch that you have a cross the whole length resting on the v bracket? I have been looking low and high for a branch to use. I don't have the space to clean one or property to cut my own. Just hoping for a suggestion.")

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Reinz, I love what you did with this enclosure...but who cares about my opinion? What counts is that your snake loves it! Great job! :gj:

Zuri Indigo: what about a wooden closet rod? Nice diameter, super sturdy, & you could add "texture" to it. Home improvement store will cut to length for you.
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Thank you Boger :)

Closest rods do work well. I have some in a few of my other cages. One thing to keep in mind, I’m not sure if they can be found in anything other than pine or cedar. I used pine, but I stained them just as a precaution. I know the pine thing is controversial and all about phenols, oil, blah ,blah. Also it’s just a bit more work and expense.

What I like about the timber stakes is that they are 3/4-1 inch larger in diameter and they are more natural looking. For me, I will stay with the stakes for future cages.

add: I was going to show a pic of my stained perches, but Tapatalk would not let me edit for some reason.

The closet rods I have around are coated but that's a good point about the kind of wood. I wouldn't worry too much about pine but it's not very strong
compared to other kinds of wood, I didn't think they used pine for closet rods? I can't tell from the wood grain what mine are but some sort of hard wood
I'd have to assume.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_woods

Another thing you could use for "branches" are bamboo poles...a local feed store has them, 6' long & economical. Just not as big around...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

The closet rods I have around are coated but that's a good point about the kind of wood. I wouldn't worry too much about pine but it's not very strong
compared to other kinds of wood, I didn't think they used pine for closet rods? I can't tell from the wood grain what mine are but some sort of hard wood
I'd have to assume.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_woods

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I had a hard time determining what the rods were made up of as well, so I went to local lumber yard and asked them. They told me that they only had access to pine, but knew of cedar. They said that there may be other kinds, but they were not aware of them.

The closet rods here have been "around a while" (as in, years- this isn't a new house) & from their weight & feel, are hard wood of some kind.
I haven't shopped for additional ones, as far as what's currently available...good point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Thank you Boger :)

Closest rods do work well. I have some in a few of my other cages. One thing to keep in mind, I’m not sure if they can be found in anything other than pine or cedar. I used pine, but I stained them just as a precaution. I know the pine thing is controversial and all about phenols, oil, blah ,blah. Also it’s just a bit more work and expense.

What I like about the timber stakes is that they are 3/4-1 inch larger in diameter and they are more natural looking. For me, I will stay with the stakes for future cages.

add: I was going to show a pic of my stained perches, but Tapatalk would not let me edit for some reason.

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Wait isn't pine bad to use? That's why I've been so sick trying to figure it out. I love the idea of wooden closet rods. But everyone keeps telling me avoid pine with ball pythons. And ceder as well I thought. I'm not sure about the ceder


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Reinz, I love what you did with this enclosure...but who cares about my opinion? What counts is that your snake loves it! Great job! :gj:

Zuri Indigo: what about a wooden closet rod? Nice diameter, super sturdy, & you could add "texture" to it. Home improvement store will cut to length for you.
If you were nearby, I actually have a spare one in my garage, lol.
(Re: "Where did you find the wood perch that you have a cross the whole length resting on the v bracket? I have been looking low and high for a branch to use. I don't have the space to clean one or property to cut my own. Just hoping for a suggestion.")

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Thanks it's a really good idea. Did anyone know if they have some that aren't pine? Closet rods are such a good idea but I don't want to hurt the little noodle. What did you mean by add texture like carving? Or sanding it?

Are you in the US?


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REINZ!!! What an ingenious idea. Your setups look fantastic! I will also hop on the bandwagon of sky-hide love.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zuri Indigo

Thanks it's a really good idea. Did anyone know if they have some that aren't pine? Closet rods are such a good idea but I don't want to hurt the little noodle. What did you mean by add texture like carving? Or sanding it?

Are you in the US? ...

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Yes, I'm in the U.S. :) The reason I have an extra closet rod in my garage is that it came home with me from a garage sale. It's not pine, it's some kind of hard wood.
(too heavy to be pine!) Some people remodel their closets & go with wire shelving...you could also try a free "want ad" locally. Older houses have hard wood rods...

Also, even a pine rod could be made safe by coating with non- or low-VOC polyurethane or water-proofing (from hardware store). Once dry, the wood won't be absorbing
"cage dirt" either. ;) That's a health benefit.

Texture: you could wrap it with rope (or something else) & secure it (keep in mind rope would get dirty in time but could be replaced), or you could beat up ("distress")
the surface using a saw or drill or whatever to add some irregular damage* like grooves...and then coat (seal) the wood.(*obviously, don't leave any splinters sticking out)

Looks fantastic! well done!

That is so rad!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, I'm in the U.S. [emoji4] The reason I have an extra closet rod in my garage is that it came home with me from a garage sale. It's not pine, it's some kind of hard wood.
(too heavy to be pine!) Some people remodel their closets & go with wire shelving...you could also try a free "want ad" locally. Older houses have hard wood rods...

Also, even a pine rod could be made safe by coating with non- or low-VOC polyurethane or water-proofing (from hardware store). Once dry, the wood won't be absorbing
"cage dirt" either. [emoji6] That's a health benefit.

Texture: you could wrap it with rope (or something else) & secure it (keep in mind rope would get dirty in time but could be replaced), or you could beat up ("distress")
the surface using a saw or drill or whatever to add some irregular damage* like grooves...and then coat (seal) the wood.(*obviously, don't leave any splinters sticking out)

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Oh man that's good advice and it made my day! You all are so incredibly knowledgeable and I'm so grateful to have found this little community of fellow reptile lovers. This is amazing! Thank you so much for the amazing ideas Boger!

And thanks Reinz as well. You're both amazing! [emoji4]