Cage Requirements (Cage Design) Pics to come

[Kaoskyle]

Hey guys, I'm new to this site but I've been raising Leopard Geckos for about a year now. I just graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado with a bachelors in Industrial Design (for those who have no idea what this is, I am a product designer that designs anything thats mass produced such as furniture, cars, toys, electronics, you name it and we probably do it).

I'm thinking about designing a unique cage, different from anything out in the industry, for reptiles. And since I already have a leopard gecko, I thought I would start with him. If this idea turns out, I'll probably go to a manufacturer and see what it would take to get this made and available for everyone.

What I need is your input on features you would like, being gecko owners.
-is there a way I can make feeding/watering easier?
-cleaning easier?
-unique shape of the cage
-anything you can think of

Let me know your ideas and I plan on keeping you updated with the process. I'll be posting sketches, study models and computer models to see what you guys thing!

Thanks in advance for all the ideas!

 

[RakesRepts]

First, I'd like to say THANK YOU! I can't wait to see how this project evolves. When designing the dimensions of the enclosure, sacrifice height, not floor space. Many people use paper towels as substrate, so maybe think about the measurements of a standard paper towel or two? Front-opening enclosures seem to be popular among gecko owners. As far as making food and water dispensation easier, I can't think of anything. I'll be checking this thread often. :main_thumbsup:

Thanks again!

 

[theCREECH]

I really like the idea. I think first you need to figure out which direction needs the most help.. "Rack" system or "Naturalistic" system. It seems that one thing that's been crazy about Leopard Gecko owners is.. once they get one they want more. So many people out there buy one and see just how fun it is to own that they get another and another and so on. I read an article once they said they really become collectors of sorts. So when you have lots of geckos you want the cages to be really easy to clean.

I was thinking about designing my own cages too, and what I decided I wanted was a sort of rack that had better looking "drawers" with a very clear front panel and very flush to the drawer next to it. This way it would look cleaner and utilize space better than the tubs on the market. Tubs have to taper, so you always end up with a space between them.

Ideally I would love make a bunch of rectangular acrylic boxes with the dimensions that "Rakes" mentioned. Good floor space but not very deep.