Need opinions on this DIY build

[jenibo]

Hi everyone! I own one Leopard Gecko and want to start a small colony of Dubias for her. The issue is I live in a 700 sq ft apartment, so space is limited. I would like to build her a custom vivarium made of wood with a glass front. I had an idea that I could build a ventilated cabinet underneath to house my roach colony. This would save space and blend nicely in our small home.

The issue is, my husband pointed out that it might stress our Leo to be so close to her food source 24/7. Can anyone give any insight on this? He makes a good point, but if you look at the plans there is shelving in the middle, would that separate them enough or do I need to go back to the drawing board on this one?

FYI, the bottom cabinet is for a roach tub (that's the grey rectangle inside), the middle is a set of shelving, and the top would be the Leo's vivarium.

Thanks!

 

[katie_]

I doubt she'd even know they were there.

 

[ImNotYogi]

I wouldn't worry about it. It's like food has to be dangling right in front of mine for him to notice.

 

[lisa127]

If they were in her line of vision so that she could see them moving it might be a problem. Otherwise I don't think she would notice.

 

[LeoTyreal]

i agree with lisa127, i had that issue a while back, my display tank i made it plexi sides and bottoms with repti carpet. right under it is a storage drawer for vitamins, calcium, feeding tongs, thins like that. a while back i had a clear top lid container i was breeding meal worms in, the pupae were in it and when they morphed to the beetles and were crawling around, i'd find one or both leos had gone under the carpet in an attempt to get them. so i use velcro tape to keep the carpet secure and now that they cant get under it to look through the bottom in to the drawer to see the beetles, they have no idea anything is even under them.

 

[jenibo]

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like the consensus is it will be just fine!