Do you have a pet snake? If so, you know that it’s important to provide them with a comfortable place to live. While you can buy a snake enclosure from the store, it can be expensive. That’s why we’ve put together 9 DIY snake enclosure plans that you can make at home for cheap! These plans are easy to follow and will help keep your snake happy and healthy.
Before We Begin
Before we get started, there are a few things you’ll need to gather. First, you’ll need some supplies. For these plans, you’ll need wood, screws, hinges, and latches. You’ll also need a drill and saw to cut the wood.
If you don’t have all of the tools necessary, don’t worry! You can always ask a friend or neighbor for help. Once you have all of the supplies, you’re ready to get started!
Top 9 DIY Snake Enclosure Plans
1. Built-In Enclosure
Are you looking for an enclosure that’s a little more stylish? This next one is perfect. It’s made to look like a piece of furniture, and it would fit right in with any home décor. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require much in the way of materials.
How to Make This Enclosure
First, cut the plywood to fit the inside of the box. Then, use the hot glue gun to attach it to the box. Next, stain or paint the entire setup. Once that’s dry, add in your snake and you’re all set!
2. PVC Pipe Enclosure
This next enclosure is perfect for those who are looking for something a little different. It’s made out of PVC pipe, and it’s easy to make. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
How to Make This Enclosure
First, cut the PVC pipe into pieces that will fit your snake.
Then, use the hot glue gun to attach the PVC elbow joints and T-joints together. Once that’s done, add the plexiglass sides by using the water-tight adhesive to attach them to the PVC pipe. Make sure to leave an opening for your snake to get in and out. Once that’s done, add in your snake and you’re all set!
3. The Console Enclosure
This next enclosure is perfect for those who want to save space. It’s made to fit underneath a console table, and it’s easy to make. Plus, it has plenty of ventilation and is easy to clean.
How to Make This Enclosure
First, remove the bottom panel of the console cabinet. Next, cut the plywood to fit inside the cabinet. Then, use the screws to attach it to the cabinet. Close any big openings by attaching plexiglass or acrylic with a water-tight adhesive. Once that’s done, add in your snake and you’re all set!
Now that you’ve seen a few different options for snake enclosures, it’s time to get started on making your own! With these DIY plans, you can make the perfect enclosure for your snake, and you’ll save money in the process. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
4. DIY Snake Cage
Snake enclosures can take many forms. One of the most satisfying and arguably simplest to maintain is a cabinet-style enclosure. They are large enough for most snakes and everything from lighting to storage drawers to keep substrate and other items can make up part of the self-contained unit. Rather than buying the materials and attempting to make your own cabinet from scratch, using an existing chest of drawers means making fewer cuts and ensuring good stability and rigidity.
How to Make This Enclosure
This DIY snake cage does exactly that, using a set of melamine drawers and adding all the necessary inserts and features to create the enclosure you need. You may need to modify the design according to the chest of drawers you have on hand, but the plan does give you a good guide to what is required.
5. Custom Snake Enclosure
If you’re happy making accurate cuts using a table saw or another saw, then starting from scratch affords you greater flexibility than trying to customize an existing piece of furniture. It means that you can create a cabinet-style snake enclosure to perfectly fit any space. If you’ve got an oddly shaped alcove that you would like to house your enclosure, you can create that. You can also create the horizontal and vertical dimensions that best match the snake you have and its preferred enclosure orientation.
How to Make This Enclosure
This custom snake enclosure guide uses wood for the frame and plexiglass for the window of the enclosure. Plexiglass is easier to cut, and drill, and less likely to smash than proper glass.
6. Snake Cage
If you have a basic idea of the size and dimensions of the enclosure you want, this snake cage guide gives good information on how to turn those requirements into a working plan. It encourages the addition of a hinged opening at the top of the cage.
How to Make This Enclosure
A wide opening makes it easy to get into the cage to clean and tidy up, and it also means that you can lift the snake out without being constrained and having to squeeze your hand and the snake out.
7. Reptile Enclosure From Furniture
A bookcase is a good piece of furniture for conversion into a snake enclosure. You can remove some of the shelves, turn the case on its side, and all you really need to do then is add a few holes for the inclusion of lighting and other features and find some way to attach a plexiglass or glass front.
How to Make This Enclosure
This reptile enclosure uses a 5-shelf bookcase and looks great once finished, thanks to the solid sides and the clear center section. And the guide also shows you how to cut Styrofoam down so that it can be used to create an interesting layout within the enclosure.
8. DIY Plywood Reptile Enclosure
While most of the previous guides have been for 20 to 40-gallon enclosures, this DIY plywood reptile enclosure video guide shows you the basics of how to make an enclosure that can be scaled up or down according to your requirements and those of your pet snake. The video actually shows a 600-gallon enclosure being constructed, which can be challenging simply because of the size of the construction.
How to Make This Enclosure
The addition of wheels is a good addition for a tank of this size and can also be useful on smaller enclosures because it enables you to roll the enclosure in and out of its home. Before you get carried away making a tank big enough to cover an entire wall of your home, do consider the requirements of your snake. Some owners report that their snakes get stressed if they have too large a tank because it means they have a lot of areas to protect and guard. There are very few individual snakes that would benefit from having a 600-gallon tank.
9. Snake Tank Table
Rather than converting a dresser or media unit into a dedicated snake tank, this snake tank table video uses an IKEA table, and rather than converting it into a dedicated tank, the resulting tank can still be used as a table. Some snake species that get especially stressed will not do well in a table tank setup. They won’t be able to relax and they can become anxious and ill. The constant knocking on the table will keep them awake.
How to Make This Enclosure
However, the guide does show what you can do, and this IKEA hack is a great way to take advantage of existing items to create something attractive and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions: Snake Enclosures
What Do Snakes Need In Their Enclosures?
Snakes need a few things in their enclosures, including a hiding spot, a water bowl, and some sort of substrate.
What is the Best Substrate for a Snake Enclosure?
The best substrate for a snake enclosure is something that’s easy to clean and won’t hurt the snake if it eats it. Some good options include paper towel, newspaper, and cypress mulch.
What is the Best Size for a Snake Enclosure?
The size of the enclosure will depend on the size of your snake. A general rule of thumb is to get an enclosure that’s at least twice as long as your snake and one foot wide.
How Often Should I Clean My Snake’s Enclosure?
You should clean your snake’s enclosure every two weeks. This will help to keep the enclosure clean and prevent the spread of disease.
What Are Some Common Health Problems in Snakes?
Some common health problems in snakes include respiratory infections, mouth rot, and parasites. If you notice any of these problems, take your snake to the vet as soon as possible.
What Do I Do if My Snake Escapes?
If your snake escapes, the first thing you should do is check all of the hiding spots in your home. Snakes like to hide in small spaces, so check under furniture, in closets, and in any other small spaces. If you can’t find your snake, call a professional snake catcher.
Do I Have to Keep My Snake in An Enclosure?
No, you don’t have to keep your snake in an enclosure. However, it’s a good idea to do so because it will help to keep your snake healthy and safe. Plus, it will prevent your snake from escaping and getting lost.
Can I Put More Than One Snake in an Enclosure?
A: Yes, you can put more than one snake in an enclosure. However, you’ll need to make sure that the snakes are the same species and that they get along. You should also provide each snake with its own hiding spot and water bowl.
What Do I Do if My Snake is Acting Strange?
If your snake is acting strange, it’s best to take it to the vet. This way, you can get a professional opinion on what’s wrong and how to fix it.
How Much Does a Snake Enclosure Cost?
The cost of a snake enclosure will vary depending on the size and materials used. However, you can expect to spend around $100 on a good-quality enclosure.
Where Can I Buy a Snake Enclosure?
You can buy snake enclosures at most pet stores. You can also find them online, but be sure to do your research before buying one. Make sure that the enclosure is the right size for your snake and that it has all of the features that your snake needs.
How Do I Set Up a Snake Enclosure?
Setting up a snake enclosure is relatively easy. First, you’ll need to choose the right location for the enclosure. Then, you’ll need to gather all of the materials and supplies that you’ll need. Once you have everything, you can start assembling the enclosure.
What Are Some Tips for Keeping My Snake Healthy?
Some tips for keeping your snake healthy include feeding it a nutritious diet, providing it with a clean and spacious enclosure, and taking it to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your snake live a long and healthy life.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make With Snakes?
Some common mistakes people make with snakes include not handling them enough, not feeding them properly, and not taking them to the vet for regular checkups. If you’re new to snake ownership, be sure to do your research so that you can avoid making these common mistakes.
Conclusion
Do you have a pet snake? If so, you know that it’s important to provide them with a comfortable place to live. While you can buy a snake enclosure from the store, it can be expensive. That’s why we’ve put together this list of DIY snake enclosures that you can make at home for cheap! These plans are easy to follow and will help keep your snake happy and healthy. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on one of these plans today!
Featured Image Credit: Brett Upshaw, Shutterstock
