Materials

Cage Boxes

There are many plastic storage boxes to choose from. Many of them can be used in this design, giving you a lot of freedom to build a rack system to your specific requirements. There are a few simple things to consider when choosing a box, however.

1. Choose a cage box that fulfills the requirements of the species that you'll be keeping. The age and size of the animal should also be considered. Younger specimens of many species such as Ball Pythons (Python regius) may prefer the security of smaller enclosures at first.

Arboreal species will need a taller enclosure so that perches may be included.

If the species is terrestrial, then the cage box should probably be wider or longer than it is tall.

2. The box should be rigid. Flimsy boxes tend to sag and may slip off the box rails when weight is added to the box.

While the box may bend when pressure is applied, it should not bend easily.

3. The box should have enough of a lip along its front-to-back length to ride on the box rail channels.

4. The box should have sides that are parallel to each other along the front-to-back length. Bowed or tapered sides can cause the box to stick or slip as it rides along the box rail channels.

Once you find the right box and use it in the construction of a rack system, save the Measurement Worksheet for that box so that you may use it in the future.

Lumber

You will find 2x4's & 2x2's in plentiful supply at your local home improvement center. They usually come in 8 foot and longer lengths.

Take your time in choosing the straightest, cleanest pieces available. One thing you'll notice is that you may have to spend some time sifting through a pile of wood to get straight pieces without bends, twists, and knots. This is critical to a quality result. Bent & twisted wood equal rack levels that won't sit flat.

To determine if a piece of wood is straight put one end of wood on the ground and bring the other end up to your eyes so that you may look down its length. You'll immediately be able to see whether the piece is straight or not. Turn it 90 degrees to check the other side as well.

Check for twists in the wood by laying it flat on the ground. Wood without twists will touch the ground on all sides and corners (assuming the ground is level). Twisted wood will lift off the ground in one or more places.

If your home center carries a superior brand of lumber, guaranteed to be cleaner and straighter, it might be worth your time and a little extra money to use it. Don't assume, though, that it really is straighter. Check every piece!

Once you've completed your measurement worksheet, you can calculate the amount of lumber you'll need per rack level. It's a good idea to get a little extra for making test cuts and doing rework (if necessary).

Wood Screws

The parts of this rack system may be assembled completely using 2 inch wood screws. Of course you may use longer screws, but this size is sufficient to hold well.

Premium, rust resistant deck screws are a very good choice for this project. Some are specially engineered to be strip-proof and coated to go in smoother too.

Get in the habit of drilling pilot holes before attaching the parts together with screws. Pilot holes prevent splitting and help the screws go in straighter and easier.

Peg Board Paneling

Peg board is used for the cage top which prevents escape and provides good ventilation. In this design scraps of peg board are also used to support the heat tape that runs underneath the cage boxes.

Peg board usually comes in a sheet that is 4 ft. x 8 ft. in size. It also comes in varying thicknesses. 1/4 inch is the thickness used in this design but adaptations may be made that allow for thinner peg board. Should you choose to use a thinner peg board you'll need to make an adjustment to the size of the groove that's cut in the Side Rails & Cross Rails. Peg board has one smooth side and one rough side. Make sure that the smooth side faces down into the cage boxes.

Peg board is not the only thing that you can use for a cage top, but it is readily available and easy to use. Other possible cage top materials include steel grating as with some commercially available rack systems, and clear acrylic sheeting which may be especially useful for high humidity species. If you choose to use something other than peg board, you'll need to adjust the size of the groove in the cross rails & side rails.

Connecting Brackets

To be good and solid, the levels of the rack system need to be attached to one another. To do this you may use corner brackets at the inside corners of the rack level, or mending plates on the outside corners of the rack level. These two kinds of brackets usually come with screws to attach them.

These may be found at most home improvement centers within the hardware department.

Heat Tape

The cage boxes in this design are intended to be heated from below using heat tape.

Heat tape comes in varying widths and the decision as to which to use will depend on the size animal you're keeping and the size of the cage box. In most cases, 3 or 4 inch heat tape will be sufficient, but you may need to use the 11 inch tape for a very long box. For every length of heat tape you use you'll need one pair of connectors and an electrical cord & plug.

Warning: Assembling or using heat tape improperly can be dangerous to your animals & a fire hazard to you. Always follow manufacturers guidelines for the assembly and use of heat tape. Never use heat tape without a temperature controlling mechanism such as a thermostat or rheostat to control electrical output.

Use one of the methods recommended by your manufacturer to attach the heat tape to your rack.

Many herpetological suppliers carry heat tape and needed connectors. It is usually priced and sold by the foot. Here is a link to one supplier.....click here

Wood Sealant

Because this rack system is constructed of wood, moisture can cause it to warp if it's not protected. Warping will affect the rack's performance negatively.

Regardless of whether you believe your rack will be exposed to moisture, you should protect your rack parts before assembly using a wood sealer / water-proofer. Check your local home center for available brands.

In addition to waterproofing, the rack may also be painted. Regardless of what you decide to do to finish your rack system, be sure everything is dry and fume free before housing any animals in the rack.