A reptile terrarium, or reptile house, has to do more than just keep your reptile indoors. It must provide a safe and comfortable environment, and allow your reptile to enjoy its natural habits. Reptiles' needs vary by species, and you need to research your reptile's needs before building a cage for it.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Building Materials
Step 1. Choose the materials to work with
- Melamine, a board of highly compressed particles with a laminated decorative cover, looks good, is durable and easy to clean, but is heavy. Other options include a good type of plywood or precut shelf boards.
- The walls can be made of wood, glass, transparent thermoplastic or enameled iron mesh.
Step 2. Consider the behavior of the reptile
- Lizards love to climb mesh walls, which should be glazed to avoid injury to their paws. Snakes would scratch their noses against the nets.
- Snakes look good behind walls of wood, glass or clear thermoplastic. Reptiles with claws will scratch the clear plastic.
Step 3. Decide if you want a strictly functional cage or one suitable for display
Cages that will remain in a room dedicated only to reptiles do not need to be beautiful, while those displayed in living spaces should match the decor.
Method 2 of 7: Heat the Cage
Step 1. Provide heat to the reptile cage from above or below
All reptiles need an external source of heat because they are cold-blooded animals.
- Place a cushion or heating sticker on the floor of the cage and cover it with the bottom material. It will provide heat to the entire cage.
- Reptiles that like to sunbathe will need an incandescent lamp on the cage ceiling. If you have a species of reptile that needs extra light, an incandescent lamp can give it light and warmth. Otherwise, choose a heating bulb, or a ceramic heater.
- Heated rocks are a bad choice, as they can develop hot spots or short out, causing your reptile to get an electric shock.
Step 2. Test your heat source with a thermostat to make sure it doesn't get hot enough to injure your reptile
Step 3. Create a little variation in temperature so the reptile can move to a cooler part of the cage if it feels too hot
Method 3 of 7: Lighting
Step 1. Get some light if your reptile needs it
Some reptile species need more light to stay healthy, while others spend most of their time hiding, without requiring special lighting.
- Fluorescent lights are best for most cages, especially if you've already provided a heat source.
- The glowing lights will increase the heat of the cage. While you can use them as heaters, be careful not to make the cage too hot.
Step 2. Install lights outside the cage if possible
If you choose to mount a light bulb inside the cage, shield it so that the reptile does not come into direct contact with it.
Method 4 of 7: Ventilation
Step 1. Ventilate the cage by drilling holes in the walls or by building the cage with a perforated fiber wall
- The ventilation holes should be small enough for the reptile to not walk through, or covered with wire mesh, mesh sheet, or black mosquito net. Do not use the iron net in the snake cages.
- Make small holes in the ceiling and a few more near the bottom of the cage. Fresh air will enter from below and warm air will exit above rather than accumulating in the cage.
Method 5 of 7: Doors
Step 1. Place the door in a spot that allows you to easily reach all parts of the cage
A poorly placed or improperly sized door may demotivate you to take proper care of your reptile.
If you mount a door with hinges, make sure it opens downwards. If you have to hold the door with one hand, cleaning the cage or taking care of your reptile the right way will be tricky
Step 2. Build a door that allows you to see where your reptile is before opening it
If your reptile prefers opaque walls, build a large window and cover it with a flap when not in use.
Method 6 of 7: Seal the Interior
Step 1. Sand any rough areas or sharp edges
Cover the edges of any iron mesh in the cage.
Step 2. Lacquer the bare wood and apply a finish, such as polyurethane, to protect it
Make sure you ventilate it thoroughly afterwards so the fumes don't make your reptile sick.
Step 3. Seal the bottom of the cage so substrate, water and droppings cannot escape
You can use silicone fixative and durable plastic sheets.
Method 7 of 7: Finish the Cage
Step 1. Furnish the cage with objects that simulate your reptile's natural environment
- Cover the floor with substrate or soil. It can be sand, rocks, bark, moss, artificial soil, terry towels or other materials, depending on the species.
- Consider your reptile's need for water. Some need a large plate that they can fit in, while others just need an overturned bottle to drink from.
- Enter three branches for species that like to climb and flat rocks for those that prefer to rest under a hot lamp. Give your reptile some hiding places as well.
Step 2. Have your reptile enter the cage and carefully observe its behavior to make sure it is comfortable
A reptile that has strange behavior or is constantly trying to escape may be uncomfortable and need you to make changes or build a more suitable cage.
Step 3. Finished
Advice
- Before you start building a reptile cage, make sure you can move it when it's finished. Measure the width of your doors and design your cage as needed to make sure it fits through.
- Consider building a reptile cage from existing items such as an aquarium, old drawer, dresser, or doorless refrigerator.
- You should be aware of the behavior of your particular reptile species, and whether he will be comfortable in the cage you have prepared for him or not.
- Make sure you cover the excess holes with other wood, glass or mesh.
- Do not use toxic substances of any kind that could be harmful to your reptile.
