Custom Cage Buildng

[Bellabob]

I'm going to build 3 custom cages for my 3 snakes. Their plastic tubs don't look good and are taking up too much space in my room. I would like to build them, and stack them nicely in the corner. I want the floor to be 3 feet long by 1 and a half foot wide. I want it to be 1 foot tall, with sliding glass doors.

I have run into a couple of problems. The main one is how I'm going to heat it. I can't stick a heat pad directly on wood, and I don't want a hot heat lamp near wood either. So what I'm thinking is maybe just to have a glass bottom for all of them. Then I could just stick the heat pad on that.

I also want to know what the best wood is to use. I know to stay away from cedar, pine, and any other woods with oils and strong aromas. So, oak? Aspen? Ash? Any other good ones?

It would also be nice if one of you could give me your plans on a custom cage you may have built if its okay.

Thanks.

[OhhWatALoser]

Your ball python will quickly out grow a cage thats only 6 inches wide, you might want to rethink your dimensions

[grits]

If there is a lumber yard in your town ask for prefinished asian birch. I used the good one side (G1S) and will paint the exterior. The finish on the plywood is a 2 part epoxy that is baked on. I build custom cabinets and that finish has held up to everything.
As for the heating I have had no trouble with heating pads on the wood. I am about to start a set of 4 stacked cages for my brother and his boas out the same material with sliding doors.

Hes my burms cage:

[grits]

Your ball python will quickly out grow a cage thats only 6 inches wide, you might want to rethink your dimensions

His dimensions are 36" wide x 18" deep x 12" tall

[Bellabob]

Your ball python will quickly out grow a cage thats only 6 inches wide, you might want to rethink your dimensions

What are you talking about? 6 inches wide? I don't see anywhere in my post where it says that.

[OhhWatALoser]

misread his 1 and a half foot, i read it as 3x1xhalf sorry

[kitedemon]

I personally have an enclosure that is a touch bigger than you have suggested 36x24x12 I think you size is fine but I'd suggest 16 tall. The biggest reason is it is much easier to clean. It is heavy and awkward enough that caring it to a sink to clean is a big job so it is a reach inside and the little extra height is easier to deal with. The doors are taller, my 12 inch one has 3 inch lip at the bottom and 2 at the top and that makes the viewable area only 7 inch it is quite small.

Heating through wood will work but it is very inefficient. I suggest that replace the wood bottom with plastic HDPE or PVCx works well both are easily workable and heat ok. (1/4 inch) just use a bit heavier side and screw up through the bottom. That would be my suggestions.

I hope it helps spark some ideas.
Alex

[Cody John Steele]

I personally have an enclosure that is a touch bigger than you have suggested 36x24x12 I think you size is fine but I'd suggest 16 tall. The biggest reason is it is much easier to clean. It is heavy and awkward enough that caring it to a sink to clean is a big job so it is a reach inside and the little extra height is easier to deal with. The doors are taller, my 12 inch one has 3 inch lip at the bottom and 2 at the top and that makes the viewable area only 7 inch it is quite small.

12 inches in fine for the height, it makes heating easier as well. And I wouldn't worry about having a 7 inch tall window. That's plenty. A "Display Snake" or so to speak isn't going in there.

[kitedemon]

12 inches in fine for the height, it makes heating easier as well. And I wouldn't worry about having a 7 inch tall window. That's plenty. A "Display Snake" or so to speak isn't going in there.

It is a real bugger to clean the 12 inch one heating as long as it is a well designed enclosure is easy as well, I have a 30x24x12 and a 30x24x18 plus a 24x24x12 and 24x24x16 The 18's are easier to keep the thermal gradient correct and a humidy gradient as well. The cleaning is WAY easier and I do have display enclosures, sometimes there are snakes too.

I actually have may more issues with my bloody rack. The gradient is stable on the middle but the top runs warm and bottom cold I actually don't use the bottom it is too hard to manage.