Custom cage for P. vitticeps....

[Haroldo]

For those of you that know, I've been working on a custom cage for my beardie on weekends for the last few months. I made the actual cage out of 3/4" oak with another 1/4" on the top for a finished look. I designed the entire cage to be put together without a single screw, except for the custom electrical wiring. The only thing on this cage that isn't oak are the moldings--didn't see a reason for that. It tops out @ over 200# and that's unfilled and unfinished. I applied a walnut stain with no less than 2 layers of clear coat. The pics here are teasers and are @ various stages of assembly, but before actual clear coat was applied. It measures over 48" L, 24" high & 20" deep. Hope you enjoy.



















Hope you enjoyed. Thanks.

Oh and if the stain seem uneven in some parts, that's because these pics are before a second and third coat was applied, sanded and a clearcoat applied. Still an ongoing project.

 

[Haroldo]

And her is my spoiled female..

 

[Geckospot]

Pretty nice...Are you going to paint the foam?

 

[Haroldo]

Pretty nice...Are you going to paint the foam?

The foam is getting a colored grout treatment with sand. Finally a waterproof sealer will finish it off.

 

[markshin]

cant wait to see the finish product

 

[herperboy]

Are you breeding beardies?

 

[Haroldo]

Are you breeding beardies?

Not until later this year. I've got the female pictured (really orange in person with lavender highlights) and a male that's got quite a bit of orange and yellow situated to breed later this year.

 

[oscar]

ok, how'd you consruct that without screws?! did you just use some kind of liquid fastener?
looks really nice and i cant wait to see it with its inhabitant situated in it.

Scott

 

[Haroldo]

ok, how'd you consruct that without screws?! did you just use some kind of liquid fastener?
looks really nice and i cant wait to see it with its inhabitant situated in it.

Scott

Custom and extensive dowel joinery. Basically the thing fits together like a puzzel, so technically I can make a cage and ship it out to a client. The design is currently being revised to allow these custom units to be broken down completely to fit inside a 10" H 28"W and 54" L box. Not bad huh?

Thanks for the compliment.

 

[Mack2]

Do you sell these, there great I really like them? What are you going to put over the insulation? And what’s to hole in the back for?

This topic is almost 5months old, got any updated photos?

 

[Haroldo]

Do you sell these, there great I really like them? What are you going to put over the insulation? And what’s to hole in the back for?

This topic is almost 5months old, got any updated photos?

Actually yes I do sell these--they are made custom to order and on a individual basis. The insulation is actually getting covered with a grout/sand mixture with a clear sealant that is guarenteed for 15yrs. Will give it a natural look. I have been so backed up doing other custom vivs and cages, that I have not been able finish my own pride and joy. Go figure. I am currently re-working the electronics of this cage (digital timers and dusk sensor for night lighting. As for the hole, that is actually a screened irregular ventilation system. I wanted the air holes to blend in naturally to the scuplted interior rather than a "fixed" look, though that might change as I overhaul it again. I've even upgraded the glass for the front of the cage--from 1/8" double strength to 1/4" single. I don't think a monitor could break that front. Anyway, I should have finished pics in the next [I would say] three weeks (I work weekends only during the semester).