Breakdown cages

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
K

Kioka

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 2, 2007
600
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Edmonton, AB
First off... I always wanted a big display cage of 6'-8' long by 2'-4' wide and 6'-8' cage with odatrids in it, but the problem is that I live in rental units.

Have anyone done breakdown cages for reptiles? A cage builder told me to use 1/4-20 fasteners (http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&cat=3,41306&p=45375&ap=1) and build the pieces separately then assemble them using these fasteners.
 
you could use those or you could just use regular bolts. it can be done. you would have to figure something out for support though to make the cage solid since it will be able to be broken down so you will use some of the structural integrity by doing that
 
Oh? What do you have in mind, Mike? I would be interested to see how they can be reinforced.
 
the main thing is giving each individual wall structure so they can be taken down many times and put back up with the minimal amount of flex possible.

you could frame each wall of the cage out like a normal wall. you could use 2x4. it will give you the structure you will need for walls but at the same time it will also add some weight. but they will last for a long time. and on each side you could just drill though the 2x4 on either side and attach it using bolts/washers/nuts. you could also get some metal tube the size of the hole you drill and run them along the inside to sleeve it out. in the end you would end up with 5 solid walls and then whatever you want to use for viewing. i would use acrylic sheets if you are going to be moving it frequently.

im not sure how much time you want to put into it. but thats the route i would go. in the end each frame would be big enough that if you had to move you can just break it down and put it in the bed of a pickup truck.
 
Ah, that makes sense. At least... somewhat. I am a visual learner, so I am trying to see it in my head.
 
heres a quick sketch. basically you just need to run a strip down each of the walls. this will alow you somehting to run the bolts through. make sure the strip is attached to one side of the wall and then bolt it through the oposite wall. you could do it on both sides if added support is needed.

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Ah. That makes COMPLETE sense now. Thank you!
 
To reduce the weight on the enclosure, I am thinking of using a cattle trough for the substrate. Or do I just build it outright and use a litterdam instead?
 
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