DIY Wardrobe Conversion Into A Giant Snake Enclosure
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Join Shannon and Diglett from Reptile Way on this crazy building adventure!
These days buying brand-new, extra-large reptile enclosures can cost an arm and a leg. So we have come up with a cheaper alternative! Converting an old-fashioned wardrobe into a giant snake enclosure. We will go through this entire build step-by-step so you can create something similar at home.
All building materials can be purchased from your local Bunnings. For the fake plants we highly recommend Spotlight, due to their large variety and good quality.
Good luck with your build!
Dads with their cups of tea and timely painting advice. You gotta love 'em 😉❤
Haha couldn't have said it better myself 🤣
I agree ...I wish I had something like that ....looks great!!!
Wow, Shannon, what a huge project! It was great to literally see it taking shape. Great job!
Thanks so much for the positive feedback and for supporting the channel 🤗🙏
The definition of, if you're going to do something, do it right. Beautiful job!
@@BellaViglianco thanks for the kind words 🙏 😊
my dream enclosure you did an incredible job!
@hairygrandpa4479 thanks for the kind words 🙏
😂 😂 😂 yeah, nah. Is that a Ozzy Man shirt? I love that guy. He's absolutely hilarious. Spreadie to the underworld.
Love that you show on screen everything that you use, makes finding them so much easier. That wardrobe was a great find. I'm currently in the process of some DIY upgrades for my carpet python and you've given me some great ideas.
Thanks for the positive feedback, Goodluck with your build!
Shanon, you got out of bed in a rush and forgot to put your trousers on !
Hahaha I had a giggle at this. At the time of this build I was living in Darwin. Current temperature: Stinking hot. Trousers are not a necessity nor a way of life in the top end 😂😂
Thanks for your comment 👍 😂
Absolutely incredible!!!! You did such a beautiful job!!!
Thanks soo much for the kind words ☺️ 🙏
Cool idea!
This is incredible ❤
Looks like a crocs head at 15:54. Lol. Great work by the way.
Never noticed that before until you mentioned it. But it sort of does. Quite interestingly when I started this build I had spent just over 2 two years working pretty intensely with Australian Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, and what do you know it expressed itself in this build 🤣🤣
Downright incredible and so inspiring! I so admire your artistic mind and dedication to this project. The turnout is beautiful and I'm psyched that your snake gets to live in there! I'm curious, how do you change out the water in the water features?
Thanks soo much for the kind words.
I use an large aquarium pipette dropper (50 ml) to extract the water. Give it a wipe with clean cloths, and then refill.
This is amazing, such a labor of love❤ seeing Diglet explore must have made your heart swell 🥹 so cute!!
Brw, I was wondering why you use a red light bulb, since that info is outdated and isn't recommended because it disturbs the snake at night (they can't see red but see the light!) while you simultaneously use Arcadia UVB and talk about bio active, which seems you do know a lot about reptile keeping. Weren't you aware of the red light bulb or did you choose to use it anyway? Just curious cause it confused me 😊 Anyhow, keep up the good work, it's so inspiring to watch these build. Makes me instantly want to build something new
Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
I actually do not use a red bulb, I do not use red bulbs for any of my animals. The heat bulb used is a night bulb that emits a slight purple tinge (not red), and somewhat replicates moonlight. These bulbs can be used at night as well as day time and do not disrupt day and night cycles or disrupt sleep patterns for reptiles such as Diglett.
Hope that clears it up 😊🙏
How could she not see the crocodile head she created? That decorated a bit, I feel it would have looked awesome, just my opinion, of course 😊
@Isnogud67 This is she 🤣 hopefully someone re-cteates this build and improves on it in the way in which you described. I am a big fan of crocodiles and at the time of this build, for work, I was mainly working with Australian Saltwater crocodiles, which obviously came through subconsciously in this build 🤣🤣 Thanks for the comment 👍
@@ReptileWay oh…it was meant to be funny…im sorry if I made this not clear enough….and also sorry for the ‘she’. Your work is awesome, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. My most sincere apologies. I truly meant it in a fun way 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@Isnogud67 no need to apologise, I took it in a funny way, and responded in what I thought was a funny way also 🤣.
Even if the parts of the world are quick to anger and condemn others for no real reason, we do not have to follow suit. Keep your sense of humour, I like it! 🤣👍
Thanks for the kind words also 😀 🙏
This is very impressive. I hope to make something similar for a trio of emerald tree skinks. Great video as usual!
Thanks! Do you keep those guys? They are stunning reptiles!
That’s amazing! 10/10
Wooohooo! Thanks for that feedback 🤗
Zoo quality genius....
I'm going to do a smaller version...cheers from Inverness 🏴
Thanks for the kind words... Goodluck with your build! 😊🙏
He is such a beautiful guy and I just love your enclosure build. You did such an amazing job. ❤❤
Thanks soo much for the kind words 🙏
WOW, that's brilliant. What a laborious build! Sheesh. Great job. You must be immensely proud.
I mean, that is a PHENOMENAL enclosure! Holy cow!
Thanks soo much for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed the video and the build.
It definitely was a labour of love.
Haha the shirt I just got from Kmart, but it should be one of his shirts 🤣🤣
You did such an amazing job!!!! ❤️ thank you for sharing how you did this. It has really inspired me to want to do this myself. Though I would like to use glass and I'm concerned about ventilation, I'd appreciate any suggestions! ❤️
Im from the UK.. found this video just as i was going to be falling of to sleep. I got to say what an excellent build and your dedication in going that extra mile as they ssy into is very inspiring. I was planning to do a 'wardrobe viv build' ages ago but this has certainly re-wet my appetite to get that particular project underway. Good job 👏 😎
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
I'm soo glad you found the video useful and inspiring.
Goodluck with your future builds!
I inherited a large china display cabinet, and I want to convert it so badly!
I say give it a go! Goodluck 👍
Woman you got it going on,,,,, your a great mom
Haha thanks for those unique yet kind words 😄 🙏
Great video! Love how you explain and show the steps to achieve the end vision.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! There will be more videos to come! 🤗
You truly are amazing, you inspire me so much, I have made two builds because of you, thank you!!!!!!
Thanks for the kind words. That's amazing 👏 I'm so glad the videos have inspired you to build!
Thanks for supporting the channel 🙂
You are very welcome, you are truly amazing at taking your vision and bringing it to life!! Very inspiring and I’ll continue supporting your channel, hope you had a great New Year!!!!
You are something else. Great job looks amazing. Your tutorial is clear and easy to follow.
Thanks soo much for the kind words. Soo glad you enjoyed the video 🙏😊
Thats a beautiful enclosure and wow what an effort, well done!
Thanks soo much for the kind words 🙏 I think Diglett the Black-headed python appreciates the effort too 🤣
Amazing work! I'm glad Diglett is enjoying the space! :D
wow this is insane. Its probably the most impressive build i've seen on youtube. Well done
Thanks for the kind words and supporting the channel 😀 🙏 I hope it helps a few people to improve their scaly pets lives!
@@ReptileWay been thinking of a larger enclosure with rock and maybe waterfall for a water dragon, def taking some inspiration from this. Greetings from South Africa
@jpkruger6333 Soo glad the video helped. Goodluck with your build!
Fantastic job with the wardrobe conversion 😁
Thanks, I'm soo glad you enjoyed this video also 😊 🙏
Gorgeous enclosure. You are so inspiring.
Thanks! I'm soo glad you liked the design 🙂🙏
I have a wooden gun cabinet that was my dad's. Has a glass framed door I have thought about fixing it for some small arboreal snakes like a green vine snake.@@ReptileWay
@@leekestner1554 That sounds like a great idea 💡 Goodluck with your future builds 🙂
This was such a great video. Exactly what I needed, as I want to do this for my jungle carpet python. It's hard to find an enclosure to suit an arboreal species.
Thanks soo much for the kind words. I'm glad the video proved useful. Goodluck with your build 🙂 🙏
Love your build ! Amazing. You giving me some ideas for my build as here in Australia we don’t have the same materials as American. Well done.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm so glad the video proved useful. Goodluck with your build 🙂 🙏
By far the best build I've watched
Thanks soo much for that feedback. We have more build videos to come so stay tuned 🤗
What an incredible build! You’ve really given me the confidence to start planning my own for my Bredli centralian boy.
Awww thanks for the kind words 🙏 😊 I'm so glad the video was useful 😀 Goodluck with your build!
I love your work, there is so much climbing area
Thanks for the kind words 🙏 😊
She sounds like a kinder garden art teacher then she builds a zoo quality enclosure lol. I was not expecting that !
Ok that made me laugh 🤣🤣
Well let's respond with a kinder garden level lesson... Never judge a book by its cover 🤣
Thanks for watching the video and thanks for taking the time to comment
@@ReptileWay lol amazing work ! Do you recommend carpet pythons ? I've had a ball python in the past an held some big boas and I'm looking to get into a bigger snake but carpets arnt very popular in America so I don't know much about them
@@basedbane787 Thanks 🙂🙏
At the end of the day I can only recommend when I know enough about the individual getting them. I look into reptile experience, will children be interacting with animal, do you have the space to keep a larger reptile etc.
If you are after a bigger snake they are a good option. I recommend getting it as a baby so you can help influence the temperament, ie. getting it used to handling as it will make things alot easier in future as it gets bigger.
However, You first need to decide what sub species you want and go from there. Once you've decided on the sub species then you do more thorough research into the requirements and see if it will be a good match.
Hope that helps a little
Nice job grand total $3,542.17 haha. Jk beautiful enclosure
this is brilliant! thank you so much for explaining everything in so much detail and including exactly what products to use!
No worries. I'm glad it was useful!
nice job. looks good.
Thanks for the positive feedback!
U must of pay hundreds on the foam spray. I did a smaller in closure and it was expensive. Looks really good God bless and to all a bless day 🙏❤️
Thanks for the comment. Yes you are right, it did cost a bit, after every pay day I would by cans of spray foam 🤣
To you also 🙏
I’m just loving your content, could you please help with a US alternative to Davco, I can’t find anything that says it’s sanitized, you are the only person I’ve found that does this method and it’s definitely the route I want to take on my current build, I’m currently stuck not trusting the standard US products, as Davco clearly states “eco friendly” thanks!
Awesome build. And thanks for the heads up about Crommelin Paving sealer.
Thanks! No worries 😁🙏
Amazing!!!
So much space and choice for the snake😍
Thanks for the feedback. Yep that was the main goal 🤗🙏
this is great! can’t wait to build my own!!!
Thanks! It really Is a fun project! Time Intensive though, I did it over about 9 months in order to get it perfect and match my vision.
Goodluck with your build!
Good job
Thanks 🤗🙏
Love this, You did such an amazing job! Now, a quick question. Would something similar to this be okay for a ball, Python?
Freaking sweet build!!!
Thanks! 😊🙏
Love the way it looks you have talent
Thanks for the kind words 🙏 Soo glad you like the build 😀
Very very nice build👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Thanks 😊 🙏
@@ReptileWay You are very talented. I am building my own boa constrictor enclosure and you give me so much inspiration😁
@XGAAMPIEX thanks for the kind words. Giodluck woth your build!
absolutely love your work!
Thanks soo much for the kind words 🙏 😊
Awesome enclosure!
Thanks!
Very great job 😁👍
Thanks! 🤗🙏
Wow! 😮
This is an amazing build I love it and the detail. I have a hutch that I want to convert for my green tree python and another cabinet I want to do for my bearded dragon and to be honest I just get lost but I love how you explained your prosses
No worries, soo glad it helped. Stay tuned as we have some Green tree python videos coming out in the next few months 😊
Thanks for supporting the channel by taking the time to comment!
Thank you ! Your build videos are fantastic. I've considered converting a wardrobe for awhile now but you just gave me the confidence push to get started. Good luck with the channel, I have a hunch you are going to have many, many followers very soon. ;-) Cheers!
That is honestly the best response I could imagine getting from this video. I'm soo glad it gave you the confidence to get started. It's really just as easy as taking it step by step. You've got this! Goodluck with your build and thanks for the kind words 🙏 😊
so beautiful! i have a wama python and this is such a good idea
Thanks soo much and thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Womas are absolutely gorgeous snakes!
Love it!!!!
Thanks! Diglett loves it too 💕
This is incredible!!!
Thanks soo much for taking the time to comment and the kind words 🙏 😊
@ReptileWay absolutely! Great work you should be proud I think I might want to give this a shot!
@@kaylageairn That's great! Have fun with your build!
@@ReptileWay thank you!
So do you take comissions?
I'm in America. Very inspiring! Might even try some smaller rock decor projects like you've done for my own snake's adult enclosure when he grows up.❤
I do build and sell reptile products, but only locally as the demand is quite high.
Thanks for the kind words. Goodluck with your build. It's definitely better to get a head start on the adult enclosure whilst you've got time 🙂
@ReptileWay Thanks for your reply! Looking forward to more amazing builds then!
Can you do something similar for a beard dragon?
You sure can. Alterations I would make if it was a Bearded dragon would be easier to climb slopes with lots of grooves carved into the slopes so they can grip with their nails.
Some large logs which are great for climbing.
Reduce the size of the water holes.
Replace the substrate with a more arid substrate like sanitised play sand, or an arid bioactive substrate that has largish grains of sand.
However the main building principles would be the same. You may have to alter heating of the enclosure to match your conditions. As I'm in a hot humid climate, so have the risk of overheating my animals, so my heating is more minimal.
Goodluck with your build, feel free to let me know how it goes! 😊
love it
Thanks 🙂
Does the humidity rot the enclosure?
Will the wardrobe even stay humid for the ball Python?
Humidity won't rot the enclosure as the entire inside has been waterproofed.
You can waterproof right at the start with products like liquid rubber (serpa design is a good reference).
But because I wanted to waterproofed the fake rocks and pond for easy cleaning, I decided to save all of my waterproofing for the last step with a clear pond sealer.
I live in a humid place so I can get away with mesh doors, however if you are in a cooler and drier climate you can replace mesh doors with plexiglass or glass 🙂
I love this dress! Where did you get it?
Yeah those clips are a nightmare
I'm glad it's not just me 😅
I've been watching your builds lately and decided to give it a go. Didn't turned out as good as yours though 😂. But I'm having a problem about my 3rd layer of grout, Its cracking. Is it normal? Should I just continue with the 4th and final layer? And one more thing about sealing, did it end up with a glossy finish?
@Ynot432 thanks for taking the time to comment.
Before grouting make sure you have carved entire shiny top layer of spray foam off, this will allow the grout to adhere and prevent flaking.
Ensure you are mixing grout correctly and thoroughly.
The grout technique I use:
- first layer: For my first layer of grout, I do a thicker consistency, like thick pancake batter. This allows you to fill in airholes, cracks and crevasses.
You need to wait for this to be completely dry and set before you do the next layer.
(Once dried high liklihood you will find cracks, that's ok, because you will amend this as the layers progress)
Each layer from the on, the grout mixture is of a more runnier consistency. By layer 4 or 5, sometimes earlier, the cracks will be no more.
And yes, sealing does leave a glossy finish. I have not found a brand that does not leave a glossy finish.
The sealing adds longevity, locks the paint work in and will allow you to maintain a hygienic environment for your pet.
You can choose not to seal however over time, especially if an animal urates or defecates on the piece along with general cleaning, the piece will experience wear and tear and rapid pace in comparison to sealed piece.
Hope that helps 🙏
I started my build. I did the spray foam the grout and now I’m on the dry lock. I bought the waterproof dry lock. I’m gonna do that and then do I need to do clear sealant after I paint on top of the dry lock.
@gracescuttaro4598 I'm interested as why you've grouted it and are also doing a Drylok layer?
Drylok has also a waterproof component, so I could understand if you were going to use it to avoid waterproofing step at the end. I'm just curious and I may learn something 🤔
To answer your question, if you want to lock your paintwork in and make it more sanitary it is advisable. However keep in mind the waterproofing does give it a shiny appearance, the unfortunate trade-off.
@@ReptileWay OK so I did three coats of grout so do I not have to do the dry lock just do that waterproofing clearcoat? I thought I was supposed to do the grout and then the dry lock to waterproof it but I wasn’t sure.
@@ReptileWay thank you so much for answering me back. This is actually my first project so this is all new to me, but someone had mentioned to grout it and then dry lock but I see what you’re saying. I kind of wish I just did the dry lock in place of the grout, but I didn’t lol so I guess I’ll just do a clear waterproof to seal in the paint, it’s very hard to find the waterproofing that safe for the reptiles.
How do you do the spray foam,, without getting air bubbles. What am I doing wrong? 😕
@tracyhutchinson4929 it unfortunately happens with spray foam. To reduce it, do smaller sections at a time, wait for it to set, then repeat. I just fill the air holes with foam I've carved off.
Hope that helps 🙏
@@ReptileWay thank you, I'll give it another go. Just found your channel. I'm really enjoying it 😊
so is this enclosure build for a black head python? How does the black head go in a enclosure built for height instead if length?
It may be a tall enclosure, but it's not built in an arboreal manner i.e. using branches to replicate a canopy.
Instead it's built in a terrestrial manner i.e. big easy to climb large levels, essentially increasing the surface area within the enclosure.
Also it is false that Black-headeds are found solely on the ground and can so easily be boxed into a category. I live where they are naturally found. Going out herping in search of these critters we quite commonly find them in trees, climbing steep rocky outcrops etc, as well as on the ground.
In addition the design of this enclosure, in order to keep Digletts safety a priority, it is impossible for Diglett to fall from top level to the bottom, as that second level is so big, when the doors are closed there is only one entry route up to the next level (in video it's to the right hand side of the enclosure, you see Diglett using it).
Also, a major health risk of Black-headed pythons in captivity is that they are prone to fatty liver disease and obesity. The design of this enclosure will enable Diglett to exercise and stay healthy.
This is not Digletts forever home, it's just home for the few years as Diglett, in my opinion, will outgrow it. Once it's a heavier and older animal there will be a new enclosure design to suit Diglett.
In Summary there are numerous ways to achieve the same goal of having a happy and healthy animal. This is one of our main messages. Because in remote parts of Australia and other places around the world, resources may be limited, so one has to use some creative thinking.
Thanks for taking the time to write a message. Hope this makes sense 🙏🙂
@@ReptileWay I really love it and the way you just explained the increase in land mass and that being the reason for the massive ledge type build 2as awesome so thank you. I have a Albino Darwin but am really interested in getting s black head also and a jungle aswell. Love the build. Subbed n liked
cheers
@@cjleveille2626 Thanks heaps for the kind words! The really are a wonderful snake! Make sure you check out our Black-headed Python care guide video. It's based on scientific research, weather data, vet and breeder advice 😊
how heavy is this thing after you got it finished?
It's quite heavy. I'd say around 100kg. So it may not be ideal for everyone, however it works for me 🙂
It’s beautiful. How do you clean the water feature, etc ?
Pretty easy, I empty the 2 ponds using large pipettes/ (turkey pasters). Then I can use cloths to give it a good wipe out, and if it has any build up I use earth dish washing liquid diluted in a bucket of water as it's more natural and grey waters safe and doesn't seem to strip the waterproofing 🙂 I can use this method and cleaning tools to clean entire enclosure
@@ReptileWay awesome, thank you so much. You are so talented and very beautiful if I may add. ❤️❤️
@@aqua.scape69 Thanks for the kind words and supporting the channel! Seeing kind comments on media platforms does soo much for content creators. Soo thanks 🙏
What do you recommend using to seal a wooden wardrobe I’m converting for my Burmese? Some of these products aren’t available where I live but I’ve been looking at DryLok but I just don’t want to make this massive thing even heavier once I start the spray foam/drylok mix. I want to seal the entire thing before I spray foam so I don’t put the wood at risk :)
No worries 🙂 The fella from SerpaDesign, he uses a black liquid rubber. Here is a link to one of his build videos where he uses it....
th-cam.com/video/UKMmcUes7HU/w-d-xo.html
How heavy was it once all the grouting was done?
The whole build at the end would probably be around 100kg
This is amazing, how old was your bhp when you put him in this tank?
Thanks for the kind words. I think Diglett was around 1 year old 🙂
@@ReptileWay you really nailed it love the time and effort put into this build 😊
@@jaimelee4744 Thanks so much! 🙏 It really was a fun build
@@ReptileWay yeah it looked like it was. Ive not long finished a little build for my bhp too, its so fun doing it 😄
Big props for striving to give them great lives. Something about sticking pets in drawers rubs me wrong
Thanks for the kind words ☺️ 🙏
@@ReptileWay thanks for being a good ambassador for our hobby
And will this rock thingy work for a beared dragon how much did this all cost aswell
For the rock thing u builds
Fom your video how to build rock features for your reptiles step by step guide
And will it fit in a 75 gallon tank and four foot cage but no this vid, the vid named rock features for your pets step by step guide
This style of building will indeed work for a Bearded dragon. Only recommendations I would make would be to make deeper cuts when carving the grout, so claws can get a grip. Make sure any ramps/slopes up to next level aren't so steep. Also add more logs in as the really enjoy climbing them as their claws can grip in the wood (Make sure logs are cleaned and disinfected).
Cost-wise: raw materials and lights etc for Wardrobe build about $2000 Australian dollars. For the Build Rock features for your pets raw building materials cost about $220.
The exact size of the piece is the following, which will help you determine if it will fit in certain enclosures.
Length:109cm (42.9 inch), Width: 48 (18.9 inch), Height: 26 (10.2).
I hope this answers all you questions 🙂🙏
@@ReptileWay it answered most of mine but one if you remember at all but how much did It all cost
Fake plants🥲
Fake plants can still be a form of enrichment. This decision was made because Diglett has killed every live plant put in previous enclosure. This can be a bit of a problem with some snakes. And for an enclosure this size one could easily spend $100 on live plants. But in Digletts case it's a waste of money considering the track record.
My Burmese is so heavy that he would easily kill any live plant. We’re definitely going with fake plants!
@@maddiec1149 Great choice for any plant murdering reptiles 🤣🤣
Good luck cleaning those cave hides after a poo.
Thanks for the goodluck 🤣 But it is very possible as they have pond sealer inside them, as well as throughout the entire build. Not only does this waterproof it, it gives it a more smooth almost fibreglass texture. So with some earth dish washing liquid in some water with a cloth even the nastiest poo can not only be removed, but the area can be thoroughly cleaned. But thanks for your concern 👌
That's a waste I could do with a wardrobe
Hahaha fair call 🤣 ... Peoples struggles are real