DIY Burmese Cage

[fordsrule_68]

Wondering if anybody on here has built there own cage for a snake or reptile. I was thinking about building a 6'x2'x2' or 8'x2'x2' for a burmese python. We don't have the snake yet but thought about getting one in May at the next Rocky Mountain Reptile Expo. I thought of using 2x4's for the frame. I don't know for sure what I want to use to cover it with was thinking either a cabinet grade plywood that I could finish or MDF or something along those lines. For heating I would cut a circular hole in the material and put wire mesh over the hole on the inside and set the heat lamp on it, or should I use flexwatt heat tape I have no experience working with this stuff. I would use plexiglass on hinges that swing down for opening and viewing. Ventilation would be done by cutting holes in the material and covering with wire mesh. If I use plywood what would you finish the inside with that would be animal safe? Is linoleum a good idea for the floor? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[JustPlainJef]

I've built a double-decker cage for bearded dragons, and I know someone who built a few tanks for burmese pythons, so here's my take.

He did use the peel and stick tiles for the sides as they are very easy to clean. I have slate tiles for my substrate, but I wish I had used a water-based sealer to seal them. Granted, the python won't poop every day, but if the tiles are sealed they are easier to clean. As far as any animal-safe finish, any paint is fine, but water-based (latex) is better. And it needs to dry. Once it's dry it's safe. Water-based paint actually takes 30 days to fully cure, but I'd think that after 5 or so it'd be safe enough for your animal. Give it more time if you can. My tanks have garage floor epoxy paint under the tiles and kitchen and bath paint on the walls, which is very easy to clean. I painted a mountain-like scene (very basic, I'm no artist). I don't have access to my pix now, sorry.

I mounted all the electric on the back of mine, including a digital timer that can be set to on at dawn and off at dusk so I don't have to worry about changing the lighting times with the seasons, and I left some outlets always on, but I put the switches on the back,and they are difficult to get at. Luckily I don't have to very often.

I can't help you much on the glass / plexi debate, but I can tell you that I called y or 8 glass stores and found a steal locally, like 1/4 what most of the other places were charging. So make a lot of phone calls for stuff that isn't necessarily @ your local home center.

 

[Nora]

Oh man, just the title of this one got me. Before you build, my best advice is to check some legalities. Many cities and states have very specific enclosure requirements for these guys. I have a friend with many snakes (2 of these guys), he actually is looking at starting an enclosure business with a friend of his that meets most city/state safety standards because so many people have trouble with this. This is snake seems to be the 'black sheep' outside of venomous right now, and seemingly for good reason. If you go this way, I strongly urge expert consult on this one, growth rate is something like 3 feet and 10+ pounds a year. My friend is a breeder and something of a snake pro and even he can't work with these snakes one-one anymore, has to have a buddy come help when they need to be moved, he's in his early 30's over 6 foot and is super careful about watching for these snakes to get aggressive, the city/county state are just looking for an excuse to euthanize his pair 'cause their so big. In the last few years so many places have enacted laws against the big snakes that he is actually now fairly limited in where he can live - on personal independently owned property no less.

I love snakes, and I still think bp's are really gorgeous, it just seems to be a major life altering decision to own one and standard DIY does not apply.

 

[tricksterpup]

I love snakes, and I still think bp's are really gorgeous, it just seems to be a major life altering decision to own one and standard DIY does not apply.

I agree and it is. I own a Burm and work with her all the time. If you have never owned any snakes in the past or work with any now. Pass on this animal. You do not know what you are getting into. This is a large animal and require large prey items. This gets costly. I feed mine 10 pound rabbits. Its not easy getting prey items for her. Luckily I have a rabbit breeder near me.

Actually, i recommend going out and ordering a cage for your snake. It will cost money but you will get a nice one if you order from Monstercages.com. They specialize in Large snake enclosures.

As for heating goes, I have Heat panels in my cages for my large snakes. Heat lamps will burn your pet and can cause fires. Flex watt is the second best choice in my book but you have to spread it out through out half the tank. I always recommend spending good money on cages and never go the cheap route. This animal will live for over 20 years. so you will be spending about $10 a year for your pet's setup. Best way of thinking about it.

Again, I have to state this. If you have not worked with an animal like this before then choose another pet. There are to many laws and regulations against these animals. Your city or area may not allow you to have it. If you are a renter, your rental my have rules against animals like this.

The burm I have was given to me and I am the third owner of a 15 foot growing snake. The last owner used her for reptile shows and came down with cancer and passed her along to me. He could no longer keep up with her due to his illness. Before that, she was dumped at the local humane society cause the original owner couldnt handle a snake that big. She is currently 10 years old and weights over 120 pounds. When we pull her out of her cage its like pulling steel cable. There is also the 2 adult rule in the house. If we work with her there has to be a second adult in the room present. This snake is a kitten outside of her cage but inside she is a tigress. I have her hooked trained to know when she is coming out but I have seen her feeding response and it can be scary.

So if you want a largish snake, I recommend a male boa. As this snake grows to adult, pick up a 48 x 24 x 12 cage, perfect size for a 6 foot boa.

 

[toddnbecka]

You'd be much better advised to go with a red-tail boa than a Burmese, they will top out at less than half the size of the python. Where will you house the snake when it grows to 20', and still has more to go?
As for the enclosure, nylon screen is better than aluminum. If the snake rubs its nose on the screen its not going to abrade the scales as badly.

 

[fordsrule_68]

I have experience with snakes and reptiles and have been reading lots of information in books and on the internet. If we get one we would get a male so it wouldn't be a large as a female but still pretty big. I know how big they get. They can be 6' to 8' plus in 1 year and keep on growing. We have access to rabbits and rats and chickens wouldn't be a problem either. I know that you are suppose to have somebody else with you when doing tank maintenance and feeding, etc once they stat getting big.