Screen cages?

[Mantislover]

Does anyone house thier leopard geckos in wire or screen cages?
I would think they are easier to build than deal with glueing glass or clear plastic together.Plus it would cost alot less!

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Personally I wouldn't. The potential for a leo to climb the screen and fall and hurt itself is one reason. Also the UTH would be scary to use on one and it would be hard to maintain proper humidity in them.

 

[PoeticPlural]

From what I've read, they don't maintain heat or temperature in a satisfactory manner.

 

[Olympus]

Well, people keep tropical geckos and chameleons in screen cages, which have high humidity requirements, so I don't think maintaining humidity for a low need reptile like a leo would be a problem. Especially when we give them the humidity they need via a closed humid hide. But the heat is what could be a problem, I don't know how well/safely an UTH would work through the acrylic flooring that these cages use as a bottom. At the temps we use them at I doubt they'd melt through, especially with a thermostat, but I don't know for sure what effect chronic heat would have. I'm not sure who could answer that for you - a manufacturer?

 

[Mantislover]

Thank you everyone fior your answers. I thought6 about the gecko climbing up and falling. I could make it any size I want,10 inches high.
I also like what Olympus said, small four watt uth are used for kritter keepers and they dont melt, why not 2 side by side on a plexiglass floor? I keep my apartment at 80 or so.
And yes, humidity comes from thier humid hide. I want a cage that is bigger than any cage I can buy but cheaper, and glass is so heavy. I have a tewnty long and its very hard for me to move around. I can buy the materials for much less than the cost of a glass tank.

 

[Herbiebug]

You might consider seeing if you have a local business or individual who makes custom tanks. Often they will make a large enclosure made of melamine or PVC, or even wood, for less than a pet store charges for equivalent sized glass tank. Of course to save tons of money you could take on the project yourself if you are handy.