Can you please give me some ideas on how to build a cage for a snake?
What materials to use?
I prefer plastic or melamine material but i will consider using wood or plywood.
I want a cage that holds humidity...The cage needs to at least be 4 feet long and 2 feet wide because it is a big snake. (Blood Python)

Thanks!

For a blood python, you are absolutely right....you need fairly high humidity. I have used melamine and have had it, edges/corners sealed and all swell from being wet.

My suggestion would be oak plywood. Many times, you can get this in 2'X4' and 2'X2' sections to facilitate building without a lot of sawing. Use at least 1/2", but preferably 3/4" plywood. The 1/4" stuff will sag. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Take the 4' piece that will be the back of the cage and attach the two sides to it with wood screws (drill pilot holes to prevent splitting). Then add the top. Carefully flip the whole thing over and add the bottom piece. The front can be done in many different ways..it may be best to do some Internet searches and find something within your skill level to build. Use plexiglass in the door for viewing.

You'll need ventilation. The best thing I've found is PVC drain covers. Cut the appropriate sized hole with a hole saw and attach the drain cover. I would suggest one in each end and two in the back.

Stain it whatever color you like and let it dry. Go back over everything with Helmsman Spar Urethane...several coats. Once all that is dry, use Envirotex Lite or similar clear curing epoxy and flood the floor with it and spread it for several inches up the sides. Let all this dry and cure with the door open for about two weeks. Install your heating device and lighting and bring it up to temp and let it remain this way for 24 hours. Open it up and if it still has a paint odor, let it cure with the door open for another week and try again. Usually, this is all it takes.

I have paraphrased a well tested set of cage plans developed by Tom McCarthy of McCarthy Boas. Please see http://www.mccarthyboas.com/EZ_Prints.ht… .

I used melamine to build my arboreal cages. It's resistant to moisture and holds temperatures well. Plus it looks nice. For a blood python you'll need some sturdy doors. Best ones would be ones with latches rather than sliding as the tracks are rarely strong enough to hold up to a large python. I'd use tempered glass rather than plexiglass as it is less flexible and doesn't scratch so easily. You can use any type of silicone to seal seams and use the computer vents for the ventilation. I drilled round holes the size of the vents and glued them in place. I'd suggest two doors instead of one large one as it would be easier to work with and would also be stronger. I used Greg Maxwell's plans to build my cages. You can get them here and modify the size to yours. You'd also need to put in the latching doors rather than sliding ones. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
http://finegtps.com/cage_plans.php
Here is a picture of mine. These are smaller pythons though:
http://www.franclycac.com/images/snakero…

Owner/breeder of snakes
www.franclycac.com