What to Look for When Buying New and Used Reptile Cages

Finding Cages for Sale and Cheap Custom Reptile Cages

If you keep pet snakes, turtles, tortoises, iguanas, and other reptiles, having a secure cage is important. In the wild, lizards and the like roam over wide area, so your critter will always be tempted to wander outside the enclosure. Besides making sure that your reptile cage is structurally sound, you should also buy an enclosure that has plenty of room. The larger the terrarium, the more comfortable your pet will be and the less likely it will try to get out.

There are many types of reptile enclosures from plastic boxes with lids, modified fishtanks, to fresh air cages with mesh screens. Here are some points to consider when purchasing a standard reptile cage or buying a custom enclosure.

New vs. Used

New reptile cages are cleaner and likely sturdier than a used cage. However, if you have many reptiles and need separate cages, or you need to buy a large enclosure, new items can be expensive. By purchasing a cheaper used cage, you can often save more than 75% off the price of a brand new cage. Look on craigslist to find moving sales, check eBay, or post a want-ad online. If you obtain permission from the store managers, you can also place a want-ad flyers inside pet supply stores.

If you buy a used reptile cage for sale, make sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and hot water so that your pets don't catch diseases.

Glass Terrariums

Glass enclosures are ideal for reptiles that need moisture, such as turtles, as well as amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders. Glass reptile cages can house reptiles that prefer a drier environment.

Glass reptile cages can be purchased at any pet supply store that sells fish takes, since a glass terrarium is nothing more than a fish take without water filters and aerators. Since these enclosures are easy to find, they can be cheap option for reptile owners who need a small or medium sized habitat.

Stackable "Reptile Ranches" with Lids

For smaller animals or pet owners who have several reptiles, there are stackable plastic enclosures that look like large Tupperware containers. One of the most popular brands is Reptile Ranch. The containers are made of clear plastic and allow plenty of air to enter through the holes at the top of the container, even if you stack them. They come in many sizes, some are even large enough to hold two pets comfortably.

Because the plastic cages are water-proof, these are ideal for turtles and amphibians.

Screened Reptile Habitats

Screened reptile cages are made of a wooden or metal frame that is covered with plastic mesh or wire mesh panels on the sides an top. Because all of the walls allow fresh air to circulate, these enclosures are the closest thing to a natural habitat.

Screened cages are often custom-made, or you can order them in standard sizes from pet suppliers. Because the raw materials for these cages are easy to obtain and relatively cheap, you can even make your own customized reptile cages. A large screened enclosure can house taller plants for lizards and snakes that like to climb trees. A large screened cage is ideal for a tortoise that doesn't need much moisture, but likes to crawl around.

If you feed your pet live food, you must use very fine mesh so that the insects do not escape. Otherwise, you can use chicken wire or old window screens if making your own reptile cage.