Cage System

[greenmonkey51]

Im going to start building a cage system for my cresteds and I can't decide what size to make the cages for singles. I have a single male in a 12"x12"x30" cage right now and it seems fine. Is that big enough or would 18"x18"x30" make that much of a difference in size. I know that bigger is better but I'm working with limited space and I want a lot of cages. Also what size would you do for a pair. Would it be ok to have some cages directly on the floor.

[ladywhipple02]

I'm planning on setting up a caging system with these:
MCB MD: Dimensions: 13 9/16"W x 16 1/8"L x 12 1/8"H


Reptile Tubs sells them, but I pick mine up at the Container Store. They're comparable in size to Exo-Terra Terrariums. My eventual plans: to have a couple shelves of these containers---with plenty of holes---all hooked up to a timered spraying system (like they have at the grocery store).


Just remember that height is more important than floor space and that they need plenty of ventilation. I'm not sure if them being on the floor would be a problem... as long as nothing can get to them, and they aren't sitting next to something that produces excess vibration.

[mlededee]

12"x12"x30" should be fine for individuals or even pairs. i keep up to 4 adults in a 23"x16"x16" cage with branches, vines and a few hides and they do fine. you might choose the larger size if you want to keep 3-4 adults together rather than pairs. having the cages on the floor should be fine as long as they aren't next to any air vents that would blow cold or hot air into the cages.

[greenmonkey51]

I have two places to put the cages one is 75F and the other is 70F. I want to put it in the room thats 70F since its a room that the lights arn't on all night. I'm concerned though about the temp I've heard that 70 is fine but to breed they like it a bit warmer.

[mlededee]

it does help to have it a bit warmer for breeding. you can always add some flexwatt or lamps for a 78-80 degree hot spot for your breeders cages.

[shadraak]

or if it's a really big room, a very small heater, one of those with coils and a fan just enough to raise the room 4-8 degrees

[greenmonkey51]

I think I'll design the breeders to be able to have lamps over them. How small of bulbs can you get, that will fit into a normal reptile lamp. Is 24" height ok for the 24" wide cages.

[shadraak]

well i just got a free reptarium thought it was a 22g, come to find out it's 38
16.5" x 16.5" x 30"

[Jeanne]

I think I'll design the breeders to be able to have lamps over them. How small of bulbs can you get, that will fit into a normal reptile lamp. Is 24" height ok for the 24" wide cages.

You will need to determine the hieght at which the lamps are from the top of the cage by using a temp gun to measure temps, adjusting the lamp height as neccessary; a low wattage bulb should do you just fine.