Penelope's Cage

Very nice!

i was just wondering what kind of sand do you use for your tank... Because i used this sand before and use to get all over my bearded dragons, is that Cali Sand or something else....

Thanks! I use play sand that you can buy from home depot. I scoop out sand and replace with clean sand often. She doesn't eat the sand and therefore has not impaction problems.

5/5!!!! that cage is amazing i love how you even decorated the front w/ those pebbles

sorry me again where do you get that much styrofoam and how do you sculp it

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO BUILD BEARDED DRAGON CAGE

Cage Construction

1. Make a box out of plywood that is 4’ x 2’ x 2’ (or scaled down to what size you would prefer) attach 2” x 4” to create a frame for the front of the cage.
2. Set plywood cage aside because you will be working with the Styrofoam rocks outside the cage.
3. If you want to do the rock frame like I did you can get river rocks from a plant store or craft store. Attach the stones with liquid nails an let dry and set. Then apply the remainder of the tile grout in between the rocks. Since it will be outside of the cage the rocks and grout can be sealed with regular grout sealer.

Rock Formation

1. Get 2 – 3 sheets of Styrofoam from home depot
2. Cut one sheet to fit the dimensions of the bottom of the cage (base)
3. Mark out where you want the bridge, cave, & other rock formations on this base Styrofoam sheet
4. Take the remaining sheets of Styrofoam and break them up into pieces
5. Attach one layer at a time to the base and layers with liquid nails
6. Once you have the basic shape you want fill in the gaps between the styro sheets with “great stuff” from home depot.
7. You will need to make the Styrofoam surfaces of the rock to be rough so that the grout will attach to it. I used a “wood rasp” to achieve this (looks like a cheese grater with a handle on it they will have one at home depot) this tool is also used to shape the rocks.
8. Then buy a non-sanded tile grout from home depot in whatever color you would like to use. I think I used a reddish brown color can’t remember the name.
9. Mix the tile grout and apply. To do the vertical pieces of the rock flip the formation on it side apply grout and let dry.
10. If you want smoother looking rock formations you can sand the ground with a piece of sand paper.
11. After it is all dry I used some craft paint to give the rocks more dimension
12. Then once the paint is dry apply a non-toxic water based glue to seal the grout (you can get it at home depot it is in a green bottle with a duck on it) apply several layers of the glue.
13. To create some traction for the lizard I threw play sand on top of the wet glue.
14. Drop the whole base with your rock formations into the plywood cage.

Also got the background at Petsmart and the fake plants at craft store.