An enclsoure I built

[Chad_Youngquist]

Here is a picture of an enclosure I built a while back. It's actually the first one I ever built. I wanted one of my setups to be aesthetically attractive, so I went to work on this one.

I have a lot of company over, and everyone is always curious about my snakes. So the first setup they see is this one, so that people will know right away that I'm not just some freak with glass tanks everywhere with the stench of snake crap permeating the house. I don't like foul smelling snake rooms and I really appreciate when people make an effort to make their animals look attractive. It lets you know that people actually care for the animals' well being.

I know that this is the boaphile's web site so mad props are in order for boaphile plastics. I really like the look and streamlined appearance of Jeff's cages. The rack systems are very attractive. Way to go Jeff! And thanks for giving me hints on heating my enclosure whether you remember doing so or not. Peace.

Chad

[trinitywolf]

great looking shelf! Would you mind sharing your plans? They don't look to difficult...but it helps me to see it on paper!

Thanks!

[Chad_Youngquist]

I wouldn't mind sharing the plans except the plans I have don't reflect the way we built it. It kinda evolved as we went. Also, we used some tooling that not everyone has. I basically drew the entire thing in AutoCAD, then modified it when I realized some problem areas.

The core is made from 3/4" melamine. The shelf mounts were mounted from the inside so that no screw heads are visible from the outside. The back is 1/4" melamine so that the heat would permeate better. The face assembly was done in raw pine using a Kreg jig and then the whole assembly was shot with three coats of a water-based sealer. I nailed in the window track before I attached the face to the core. I had tempered glass cut to size and I installed pulls on the ends of each panel. 11" Flex-watt heats the enclosure. 3 strips run up the outside of the enclosure (1 on the side and 2 on the back). Fire resistent foam insulation covers the flex-watt to allow the heat to transfer into the enclosure. When I purchased the thermostat, I got a power booster along with it to power two or three more cages if I ever build more.

I haven't decided completely yet if this cage will be as functional as other cages for what I really want to do. For display type animals, this cage is exactly what I want.

I hope that helps. You can e-mail me if you would like to know more about the enclosure.

Chad

[The_Boaphile]

Those cages look great! There is no problem whatsoever with posting your stuff here! Lets face it. I have never ever one time ever bought a cage from anyone. OK. So I have been able to build my own since I got into this 17 years ago now but many people have to build their own cages. Even though my plastic cages are cheaper overall than the other plastic cages out there, it is still less expensive to build your own if you have the time, inclination and skills. I don't like to give people advise on building cages obviously since I am very busy and trying to make a living now building may own plastic cages but have given a number of people advise on how to do it.

Please don't all start calling now asking how to do this and that and the other thing but please!!! Post anything you want cage wise here. So long as it is of a positive nature lets see what you have. You may have a great idea that can help us all!

Thanks Chad and great job on those cages! I'd be proud to own them too!

PS AutoCAD huh!?!?!? Hhhmmmmm.....

[EConstrictor]

Those are great looking cages Chad! Some of the best looking home built I've seen. I build most of my own too, although they're not nearly as nice looking as yours. I also use AutoCAD to design my enclosures. I sure would love to get a copy of your plans! ;) hint, hint cwm4.gif

Brett