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I am ... very happy with your plans, the organization that you have put into it and I am extremely happy with the response I have gotten from you when I have encountered a problem.
It sure does save money. At the same time it allows me and others like me to experience making the cage for our animal (animals) that we care so much about. I think that when someone takes the time to sit down and make something like this for their animal it really shows how much they care for them and respect them.

With your plans you can also alter the cage to each and everyone's specifications, or needs. I think what you are doing is wonderful and I want to thank you again.

Sincerely
Robert Hansford

 


"This is going to make an 11 year old and his lizard Rex very happy".

 

Spent $108.00 at Lowes, another $65.00 at Home Depot buying things that Lowes didn't have..... Spending time with my son in a hardware store.... PRICELESS!"

 


"Overall, the best thing I have found from the cage designs... is that:
They work!!!!

They allow you to view and touch your Iguana from all sides, This is a must!

Once you have the material list you don't go back to the hardware store.

Just follow the instructions and it comes out perfect.

Your maintenance will be much easier.

Your iguana will thank you

Once again, you will have built something cool. "

Regards and best to all our Green Iguana friends, Lance and Joey Portwood Glidden, Texas ".

 


"Very well thought-out designs"

 

 

Painting a cage and drying times

Question

We recently purchased a copy of your book in order to build a new enclosure for our burm. The book was really helpful. I'm wondering now how long you usually wait for paint fumes to off-gas. We used a plastic enamel so that it would be more water resistant, however, the fumes are still present after a week of ventilation with a fan. As well, with the heat and humidity of the substrate, the smell seems worse. The problem is, I have used such paints before and know that it could take months for the smell to go away completely. Is it safe to use even if I can still smell the paint? Thanks so much for your help.
Steph

Answer

Hi Steph,

The heat will make it worse as it will increase the rate of release of the fumes. This should dissipate more quickly I would think. It probably is OK but herps seem to be a bit more sensitive to fumes so I would think a week more would be OK as this is the when it dries the fastest.

Even if you can still smell it, it should be fine as it would be the residual drying off and should decrease continuously from then. It's just the first two weeks or so when it is stongest and therefore potentially more dangerous. I say potentially as it may be that there are no harmful effects but I like to make sure. I know I live in rooms that are freshly painted with no visible or noticeable side effects but some people do react and I like to be safer by allowing a bit more time with the herps.

 

 

 

Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build enclosures for reptiles"
Find out how to build these terrestrial and arboreal cages for snakes and lizards. Full color pictures, detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com

 

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