Plywood for Custom Reptile cage?

Question

Im planning on building a 50" log 20 inch wide cage for my beardeddragon. Would it be ok to make it out of Ply wood?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It should be fine. You want to make sure it hasn't been treated with anything.

Answer 2

No!!!!!!!!! Use glass it will not absorb water like plywood and it wont give them slivers just buy one at the store dont make it yourself i have tried it is not worth it.

Answer 3

while plywood would make great temporary (like outdoor time) quaters, long term it won't last. The wood will absorb urine and hold smell as well as rotting. Besides that the dragon is likely to claw it and break away small slivers that might hurt it either through it eating them or in its skin. Try making a frame from 2x4s, and using grated wire for the front and bottom. Have atleast one side (usually the back) be water treated smooth wood with a small door for dropping in food and such.

Answer 4

There are different kinds of plywood. If there is a likelihood of water spilling, use a plywood that is water resistant at least for the bottom.
I had a big cage for water dragons, and it was made largely of plywood, with plastic mesh fencing material on 3 sides. It worked great; I had it for years.

Answer 5

i LIKE USEING MELAMINE MORE EXPENSIVE BUT WATER AND SCRATCH RESISTANT GET IT IN BLACK

Answer 6

hi there
we have made several enclosures out of plywood but never use pine or ceder same rule they are toxic to reptiles... spruce, oak maple are better choices ... they make great pieces of furniture ... we have made 2 that were 7.5 x 4 x 2 that separate in 3 sections ...we used several coats of water base urethane, non toxic and it water proofs the wood but u need to make sure it's airs out for approx a week ..and seal any cracks with silicone ... once aired out u can place ur beardie in the enclosure....make sure there is ventilation holes or screening as well heat lamp and UV lamp...
we also built a few out of melamine which is already water proof but u still have to silicone all cracks.. and as well it needs some kind of ventilation....
hope this helps

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Answer 7

I have an iguana and have heard that building a cage out of pine does give toxic vapors to the lizards, so I dont know what would be safe. I built my cage out of PVC pipe and a plastic mesh for the sides and for the floor I used a plywood wrapped in a heavy duty plastic then covered it with the green in door/outdoor carpeting. My iguana has a small pool in the cage and eveything seems to be working out for him.

Best of luck to you.