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Post by kevman on Mar 19, 2005 11:48:24 GMT -8
Hi, In the summer I would like to build a cage outdoors. I have lots of small PVC pipe and could get some small mesh for it, What are some designs you would suggest?
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Post by mar on Mar 19, 2005 16:00:59 GMT -8
I am of the thought that for outdoor cages you have to go BIG inorder to get proper conditions for thermalregulation. 10'x8' or 12' x 8' are the sizes I would like for a cage. There is little worse than caging an animal in the sun with no escape so you have to ensure that the cage has a shade retreat, a pool in the shade would also be a good idea.
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Post by kevman on Mar 19, 2005 17:09:12 GMT -8
Alright, thanks. I have a alot of fibreglass resin, so building a pool would be easy. Would you know of any designs to follow?
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Post by mar on Mar 19, 2005 17:29:33 GMT -8
after working in my garden this summer I have become a big fan of driving the PVC right down into the ground with a mallet if that helps at all...
Peruse the local hardware stores and see what fittings you can find then design around those.
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Post by kevman on Mar 19, 2005 18:26:08 GMT -8
Okay, thanks.
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Post by prism_wolf on Mar 19, 2005 18:30:03 GMT -8
I have an outdoor cage.  I use a mesh that is used mainly for fisheries and can be ordered online. www.internetplastic.com/plastic_extruded.htm. Call the number and ask for their free sample packet. This stuff is made to last. I use the XB1133, but I think the XB1135 would be better. Smaller diamonds...and the diamond pattern is great for iggy climbing...  . The basic plans were from this site: www.geocities.com/RainForest/9008/pvccage.html. My outdoor sunning cage is only 4'T x 6'W x 2'D, but it does a great job. I used a PVC that was a little to large that (if you look in the corners) left large gaps a young ig can get out. The 90 degree elbows have to much curve on the outer bend. I believe the smaller diameter PVC has a more cornered angle. With shade it allows for thermoregulation and the mister connected to a garden hose helps keep down the heat even better. Just one problem there...it makes the grass grow by feet...daily...in that one area! |
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DaZed85
Full Member
Being an Iguana Owner Isn't Easy!
Posts: 78
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Post by DaZed85 on Mar 19, 2005 19:47:09 GMT -8
 ^^^ thats nice^^^ 
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Post by kevman on Mar 20, 2005 10:03:35 GMT -8
I can buy 12 foot vacuum tubing for 7 bucks a piece, which is fairly good, or cheaper, 10 foot PVC for 4.99, but since i wish to make it 8 feet high, I might just buy the more durable PVC for 4.99.. The rubber mesh is 14.99 for 2X25 rolls. They also sell full sized ponds ranging from 50$-500$.
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Post by mar on Mar 20, 2005 10:26:00 GMT -8
That PVC is expensive, typically I pay $1.25 for 10'. I have always used 3/4 inch for the frame but if you have any lengths over 4' you will need larger. You can save a lot of money on the pool with something like a plastic kiddy pool -- 4' diameter for $6 to $10 -- you don't want it but a few inches deep anyway.
Mesh: don't get the black plastic bird mesh typically sold at home stores and garden centers. I used this once and Bob tore a hole right through it one day. I have had good luck with a large green plastic mesh but that has become hard to find.
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Post by kevman on Mar 20, 2005 12:30:55 GMT -8
Its really thick stuff, its made of a type of rubber you can leave outside. The PVC pipe is so expensive because its got a 3 inch diameter..
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Post by prism_wolf on Mar 20, 2005 14:31:06 GMT -8
Wow...that 3" diameter is really overkill. You honestly don't need it that large...you can still use at least a 2" diameter. You don't want the cage to high. You want to be able to get the ig easily again...and UVB makes igs NUTS! It's hard enough catching them in something smaller! My ideal size would still be 6" x 6' x 3'. I only had enough mesh to complete the size I have...which really does work very well.
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Post by kevman on Mar 21, 2005 12:57:32 GMT -8
Well, the reason I want it so big is that it would be a good place to put him for 12 hours and he could atleast go anywhere.
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Post by mar on Mar 21, 2005 13:31:46 GMT -8
Big cage is great but 3" PVC is overkill as Veronica puts it. At most I would use 1" diameter pipe. You don't want to do long horizontal runs of pipe. Break the walls every 4 or 5 feet with a vertical. In my reasearch while designing my cage I looked at a lot of PVC green house plans online. Any of these could easily be altered to fit your needs as an ig cage. Many of them had a "kit" where you would buy all the fittings (most are not available in a local hardware). www.pvcplans.com/ |
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Post by kevman on Mar 21, 2005 13:36:27 GMT -8
I was thinking of using the 3 inch for the bottom piece then use the 1 or 2 inch pipe for the top and sides. Thanks for the link BTW.
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Post by mar on Mar 21, 2005 13:57:15 GMT -8
Dont' worry about using different size pipes, all you're doing is making it hard for yourself. By using all one size you are able to use standard cheap readily available fittings.
Curious, what is the vacuum hose for? If it is large diameter it could be great climbing but you would be talking 6+ inch diameter
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^^^ thats nice^^^ 
