How to Build Snake Enclosures (Cheap & Easy) DIY

[@insomniahobbies]

I haven't checked my locals laws yet, however I'm almost certain its illegal for someone with a beard like that to say "I'm not a carpenter".

[@RichardBronosky]

In most jurisdictions there is an exception for lumberjacks and motorcycle riders. Here in Illinois you don't have to wear a helmet if your beard looks awesome in the wind.

[@alexcolon8153]

This video is the first one that not only makes sense, but makes me believe I can pull this off. New subscriber bro. Magnificent facial foliage btw.

[@Chris_Graham]

Welcome aboard!

[@heydesiree]

Okay I haven’t watched this yet but this was the top comment and sounds pretty promising 😍

[@percythecryptid]

@@heydesiree i'm just about to watch the video anf this also gives me hope.

[@WatchingYou2ube]

QUESTION. How do you heat the enclosure? Aside from heat mats/rocks don’t they need heat lamps/UVB lights??????

[@xsleepysoundsx8981]

You can drill holes in the top enough room for the lamps​@@WatchingYou2ube

[@bodiebreitbach141]

Love that you’re using a jigsaw for everything, most people will be like “super easy and cheap build” gotta use a table saw and make sure everything is 100% straight, you are like nah I’ll build a better one just need a jigsaw and kinda straight, if it’s not straight oh well it will still look just as good”

[@DreadlockedBusa]

Silicone is a powerful tool!

[@LG-jb9zs]

first diy "Cheap and Easy" I've found that actually looks completely doable. I'm searching for bigger vivariums for my snakes, but glass ones are far too heavy for me to safely move alone. Lighter construction material (that I can cut and screw together easily!) is key. So this looks like a great project. Thanks for posting!

[@JBDossie]

I've built all my enclosures it's the best way to go, easily modified, durable, and a no Brainer. Lasts forever if done right and materials can be reused if you want to modify or upgrade.

[@pewpewcat7679]

Thanks for sharing this. Your beard is magnificent I don't know if this exists but there should be a reptile ikea. Low prices, but you essentially get your enclosure in pieces and build it yourself. That would be amazing. I feel like that would be a very successful business idea and target a huuuuuge demographic!

[@Chris_Graham]

I completely agree!

[@heatherbenton4118]

There are some suppliers who send them in pieces...not as cheap as I would prefer though🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Sakura0754]

They have those in the UK ☹️ I don't know why they aren't available here.

[@embraceyourstrangexo]

I’d support this business haha

[@Edward..de..lanndo]

The best enclosure I've seen....brilliant.

[@chandlerstroh2616]

My wife and I are building this today - best video we’ve ever come across. Thx Beard. - Gemini Exotics

[@lanikasmith5197]

Video starts at 5:29

[@mayuzumiandme]

Thanks sis

[@gelo5861]

watching the whole thing

[@mikeb6418]

Thank you. This dude can talk!!

[@caseykreamier]

This was such a great help. My son and I will be making a 4x2x2 for our Dumerils Boa here soon. This definitely helped lay down the foundation on what we are going to do. Thank you.

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dwight4537]

Hi thank you so much for doing this tutorial, I have a snake named Tofu he's getting really big so I needed a bigger enclosure for him.

[@Chris_Graham]

You're very welcome!

[@bigsam8597]

When I first read your comment, I thought you said that YOUR NAME was Tofu😂

[@prestonscott4285]

Tell tofu that he is the best snake

[@dwight4537]

@@prestonscott4285 Aww, thanks will do!

[@ljl9552]

What snek is tofu?

[@itheARSONIST]

My red tail boa outgrew her enclosure and this gave me hope to make a cost effective enclosure. Very simple and no BS. thanks for making this video!

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad it helped!

[@payjenreptilesandeducation13]

I just wanted to comment and say thank you so much for this video. I used this when building my custom enclosure for my Dwarf Retic. I travel in my RV and built her enclosure to fit my slide. (6ftx2ftx19in) It has lasted for the last 2yrs. She was 8ft when I first built it. Now, however, she is full grown and bigger at 14ft. So, I'm about to use your video again to make her a larger enclosure.

[@EYC420]

Too bad you aren't the one who actually built it.

[@slippedknot2001]

@@EYC420 What does that even mean? Snake cage is a snake cage. Only so many ways to build a box and not everyone can or wants to wing it

[@Kira-kg4kl]

You don't have to be a carpenter to learn how to make a decent enclosure, you did really well with this and I love how beginner friendly it is It's all in the planning, measure twice cut once ❤

[@michaelray2351]

Will be building this enclosure (maybe a 6’x24” size) but I believe the brand name for the pvc sheets are called starboard. We used this material on our sailboat gallery countertops, it is very durable and will last forever! You can (plastic) weld the seems to add a stronger joint but adding the screws won’t hurt either, maybe using 1.25” or 1.5” for the main joints would have been stronger but if you don’t move the units a lot, the 1” screws should do the trick. Definitely have to predrill holes!

[@Chris_Graham]

Thanks a lot, i keep learning as I go

[@Biscuitslayer]

Excellent video, my friend! Than you for sharing this! I do have some things, albeit small that could save a few steps here and there. Functionality wise they are small and not necessary to the overall functionality of your enclosure. Secondarily, you have a knack for making videos like this. You are concise, to the point, and clear. I wish more people were like you with their videos. I’m thoroughly impressed, my friend. 😉

[@dominicborrelli6625]

Great video! Ive been wanting to build an enclosure for my corn snake. Shes well outgrown her 40gallon but a 55gallon doesnt have the depth i want for her. Looks like she will be getting a big upgrade!

[@travisholland1021]

I've got a corn snake that has outgrown a few enclosures as well. I want to upgrade and replace the heavy wooden one I have her in now with pvc but none of the lowes or home depots within 100 miles of me carry any of it. Shipping is pretty prohibitive for it from online suppliers.

[@alexiscummings5256]

You can go to Home Depot or lowes and request an order of these materials. And that way you can get the materials without having to pay for shipping. Once they received your supplies they will contact you to have you come pick them up.

[@joshuaglaude1549]

I just found your channel because of this video. I'm subscribing because of your beard. This is one of the better diy enclosures I've seen as well.

[@Chris_Graham]

Thank you and welcome to the channel!

[@Steve-ps2tw]

This is so far one of the best designs I have come across. All built with tools I know I already have. Will be a while before i replicate it but this looks like the one I will probably base mine off of .

[@Chris_Graham]

Thats awesome, i hope it helps

[@user-vg7su6jt6e]

I am getting my daughter a Ball soon and would like to build this in the 6 ft size. I used to have 138 snakes and had to get out years ago. Want to get back in now. I took my wife and daughter to their 1st Repticon last weekend, and she is excited to get started. This is a great build! Thank you for sharing this!

[@kylieroginski700]

Cool idea for the sword. Using it as a looking mechanism on a front door for the enclosure. It can slide right in and out easily and give the enclosure a really special look to it

[@nicholascampbell4575]

Was about to order from animal plastics and just deal with the wait but now Ik how cheap it is just to build my own thanks for this video 🙏

[@Chris_Graham]

Thats the same boat I was in. I figured it was worth the chance to try to build it instead of waiting months for it to come in. Good luck

[@nicholascampbell4575]

Thanks I’ll let you know how it goes

[@meltedgrumby6094]

Dude I appreciate this. I got a false water cobra that won't stop growing and even though I prepped, it will outgrow its current enclosure. And I can't afford another custom made one. I appreciate you giving me these skills!

[@cincityserpents]

This is so helpful, will be trying this out for my ball Python's and my corn. Buying multiple enclosures would coat me an arm and a leg and I will only need at most a 5’ so this is awesome!

[@eisleywatson344]

Beautiful job! You explained everything so well, I actually think I can do this. I cant wait to start on it! My retic has outgrown the enclosure she's in now.

[@Chris_Graham]

just go slow and measure it out a few times before you make your cuts and i'm sure you will be fine. I am not a builder, just a person who thought like you did, "i think i can do this..." Good luck!

[@dono6556]

The man, the myth, Chris. Thanks man

[@gavinlenuzza748]

Thanks i have been researching for my first tank and found thos video extremely helpful regardless of difference in size of what i am planning. Love the video and omfg that sword was amazing!!!!

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad it helped and good luck with your build

[@wendymathies4971]

Awesome job Chris, The best DIY video I have seen yet.

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad you liked it!

[@goinsolo7713]

Nice job Chris, little tip, use the edge of another piece for a straight edge to run the jigsaw down giving a perfect cuts Am starting my builds this weekend, 2 weeks to go🥳

[@kittykatsnitsnat]

Thank you! I'm going to provide my royal python a 6x3x3 PVC enclosure and you made me believe I could build it myself!

[@Chris_Graham]

Go for it!

[@mpalmer1854]

I am a complete beginner in carpentry and I was able to successfully finish this enclosure! I adapted it to be 6x2x2 and it looks incredible. Instead of multiple little feet at the bottom, I used three 2x1 ft pieces of wood (ensures they are the same height). I also will say if you are complete beginner, don’t really have the space to be sawing in your house/outside, or are short on time, I would recommend spending the extra money to buy a pre-made one instead. This is more time consuming than it seems and I definitely ran into my share of frustrations. For example, the saw blade kept getting so hot that the PVC would melt and re-fuse to itself; solved this by dipping blade into ice water every 15-20 seconds as I was sawing. Got a lot of help from my way-more-knowledgeable-than-me parents too. Overall, great tutorial! Looks great and totally worth it if you have the means to make it :) Thanks Chis!

[@purplepashmina303]

For those in the comments. Blackstone Labs is the best period nutrition superstore! Would recommend DMZ but that’s oldschool lol. You need to try brutal force and chosen 1 stack Their dust pre-workout is really legit too! Deployed for 6 months and went from 185-205 in 10 weeks and kept mass but lost a little strength post cycle. This cycle was a one time go... If you have ever had a hard time gaining weight or muscle these guys have what you need!

[@Chris_Graham]

Hell yes! About to try Apex Male for the first time, never got the chance to try DMZ

[@purplepashmina303]

Chris Graham I would also just got to a test center like Low-T center and just get on a treatment with them. Take home weekly shots 140$. I had low t like 5.7 free and 202-225. I got it up to 16 free and like 600. I was lean af and it didnt take very much to maintain.

[@snakeeyez3411]

I built two using your plans Chris and, speaking as a fellow non-carpenter, they came out great. My only issue is the silicone caulking is not as strong as my male burm. While roaming around the cage and pushing all of his newspaper into a ball on one side, he keeps lifting up tiny pieces of the silicone. This afternoon, he was covered in it (LOL).

[@Chris_Graham]

Hmm thats weird. Maybe they have some kind of heavy duty stuff. Im not sure. Havnt had an issue yet

[@snakeeyez3411]

@@Chris_Graham When I'm bored, I play solitaire; apparently, my burm peels silicone. 😄

[@nowherenewsman7542]

Thank you for this video. It’s the most comprehensive I’ve seen so far and I’d like to increase my snake rack for as cheap and reptile friendly as possible

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donaldstaudt3197]

I think you did one hell of a job , looks great Chris , love the videos

[@Chris_Graham]

Thanks 👍

[@barrykoser8215]

do you have a link to the light you bought on amazon? I could not find it.

[@justrandomstuff7910]

I'm actually getting ready to build 3 of these, this video is definitely gonna help, thank you! There's only 1 or two things I might change but all in all, I like!

[@Chris_Graham]

Yea theres definately a few tweeks that can be made. But like i said im kind of clueless to building things, so i feel like, if i can do it, most people can

[@uvv2220]

Thank you man. I want to build small ones 4Ft for my corn snakes. I didn't quite understand tell I saw this video

[@puppupgirl56]

Damn dude your tall asf. Thanks for sharing this diy.

[@caughtafaygo]

Throw some casters on the bottom and rock n roll. Awesome vid THANK YOU

[@devinking6677]

Doing this bud. Great work. I will caulk it all and fill holes with spackle. Looks great and I will provide pictures and total cost as I build.

[@Bobcatlazerwitch]

Amazing! Planning on building my Bullsnakes some big enclosures and this gave me a ton of ideas on how to actually build them!!!! Thank you!

[@Chris_Graham]

Glad I could help!

[@Hekksksks]

I know I'm very late but you got a new sub man

[@Chris_Graham]

I appreciate it!

[@Laura-bn4nw]

Thank you for this great DIY explanation! We're using it to create a 4', 5', and 6' enclosure for our various reptiles. Did you find a lock that works to keep the sliding doors closed? Also, we added a 24'x1/2"x3 1/2" support beam to the very middle of each enclosure that prevents them from sagging when stacked. It was a scrap piece, so it was free

[@dother2545]

Did you buy exactly what he bought because I’m looking into making a 4-5’ enclosure for a ball python

[@Divined737]

[@BrianGundy]

Great video Chris, I'm sure this will help a lot of people. Thanks Man. Brian

[@Dustii91]

Only just came across you bro, but without a doubt the best and most informative video I've seen on a custom build.. very thankful as I'm hoping to make my own (various sizes), but the fact that I know what build quality will be would pay for itself. Very much looking forward to trying and thank you for the measurements 🙏 Shame perspex isn't the cheapest but will keep shopping about!

[@ljl9552]

Thx I needed this for my bci and wood molds in high humidity

[@CalumCaleem]

Great video brother, will be making my own in the next couple of months just on a smaller scale maybe a 4ft Viv anyways loved it you had me focused all the way through, new subscriber here

[@Chris_Graham]

Thank you and welcome to the channel

[@CalumCaleem]

@@Chris_Graham much appreciated, you seam like a great down to earth guy would be great to keep in contact, always good to have connections from different places are you on Instagram or Facebook if you don't mind me asking

[@Chris_Graham]

@@CalumCaleem yes instagram @chris_graham94

[@CalumCaleem]

@@Chris_Graham cheers man

[@BallPythonPassion]

Best build video that I've seen hands down! I have a Ball Python and I'm wanting to get a mate for her. I'm actually wanting to build a bigger enclosure for her and her mate when I get him. I'm thinking I may do 6 feet for each one. Could you reply with the link on the heat tape with the size I would need for the enclosure please? 6x2x2 is what I'm going to do. Oh also a link to the thermostat that you use for it. Thanks!

[@easykimpin8461]

This was very nice of you! Ive been looking for something like this. Thanks alot!

[@Chris_Graham]

No problem!

[@josephwinebrinner2296]

Man i want to build a few of these at a smaller scale for ball pythons. Quality work! If i end up doing it, i’ll definitely let you know!

[@Chris_Graham]

yea for sure, i'd love to see how it comes out. And welcome to the channel!

[@darylbrooks9490]

Thank you Chris

[@KatieSanvick]

Thank you for this!!!! i was thinking of upgrading my animal plastics enclosure but didnt want to deal with the 6mo wait.. i will definitely be following this and trying to build one myself or a little cheaper! oh and that medusa sword is AWESOME!!

[@patriotssbchamps6385]

I’m not going to build an 8’ enclosure but I’m thinking of a 6’ one for an Ackie monitor and this was an awesome video that gave me great ideas to do it. I’m just trying to decide how deep I should make it.

[@ryanoneil89]

Just subscribed! Great work man, I’m going to build 2 smaller ones for my ball pythons. Thanks for the great video!!!

[@JP3_C6Z]

Awesome video! Thanks so much for making this! I just got a baby tiger retic. I have my 6x3x2 pvc enclosure from my last one, but I definitely want to go bigger when this guy approaches 8+ feet.

[@wabashriverreptilesandaquatics]

I would like to see a video where your getting your temps with flex watt going through 1/2 inch PVC. I'm not seeing where the heat would effectively transfer. Since Flex watt is made for under floor heating application I have been told by several breeders that you can put it under tile and grout it in. Great video!

[@Chris_Graham]

Its been 2 years, my female burms are still in these enclosures and both girls are about 11’ and 35lbs each. Temps have never been an issue with the flex watt heat tape since i made the video.

[@wabashriverreptilesandaquatics]

@@Chris_Graham wasn't saying your temps are bad. I've tried and can't seem to get them right. the heat tape has to be set super high and it takes several days to get the hot spot to 70 degrees. I didn't see where you had a follow up video showing what your temps were running. only way I can get it to temp is putting it under floor tiles so the natural stone heats up. just suggesting maybe you do one and focus on how you have the heating setup and what you have to set the thermostat at to achieve correct hot spot.

[@Officialjessieg]

I want to do this but i have such a hard time finding the PVC boards at my local lowes or home depot. any suggestions ?

[@craignicholson8831]

Brilliant build. The end product is on point. Im thinking of making my own and this has really helped 👍

[@robertdurham3594]

Mornin Chris great info.

[@Chris_Graham]

Thank you

[@TroubledEmpath]

Awesome video. Super simple. I feel like I could follow. Finger crossed 🤞 I pull it off

[@daniellepurv9094]

Amazeballs! What you doin for ventilation?

[@Chris_Graham]

I have holes drilled in the back and sides to allow for air ventilation

[@daniellepurv9094]

@@Chris_Graham Thanks for responding so quick! How big? How high? Covered, with what?

[@Chris_Graham]

@@daniellepurv9094 i used like a 1/4” hole bit and just put a bunch in. That way its too tiny for a large snake to fit its head through

[@ravenfrancis1714]

I just felt confident in building my own!!!

[@jpav01237]

Would building this with a divider be big enough for two ball pythons ?

[@natking1u1z99]

How the fluck did I not know about this channel and subbed to your wife’s channel. And you have a Python!!

[@Chris_Graham]

Haha we have 100 pythons 🤣

[@natking1u1z99]

@@Chris_Graham2 years later I’m only subbed to your channel now(bro code), and Im using this video to make an enclosure.

[@carlosdiaz9403]

Super helpful new subscriber gunna build one for my blood and a few that are a bit taller for my bp’s

[@gregms7661]

Chris I know you built this a few years ago so and I think you might be able to provide some updates on how this is working. My main questions are: how well is it stacking and holding up? How did the heat tape idea work out was it hot enough to go through the PVC. Trying to see if I 1/2 inch PVC is enough. Thank you

[@Chris_Graham]

i have three of them stacked still since this video, and all three have been transported from NJ to SC without issue. Still using the heat tape and it does create enough belly heat and the female burms are about 12' long now and feeding on large rabbits and digesting great and doing well.

[@gregms7661]

@@Chris_Graham thanks so much for the update and that is great to hear!

[@StephenMorte]

Thanks for this. I am planning to do a 5' version for my BP using your instructions.

[@loggerbomb]

Came across your vid looking for inspiration on a custom build for my ball and great vid but just had to point out those vinyl panels are now 158 bucks CAD!

[@Outta_Regs]

Nice build brother!! New to the channel but this is the best tutorial I’ve seen on these yet!! Any chance of adding a supply list in the description or a comment!! Thanks man!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Chris_Graham]

I'll see if I can work on something

[@seanbarnum7876]

Damn good video. Gonna save this, as I have 7-8 of these I'm gonna need to build... Thanks

[@Wolfenstein007]

Awesome stuff dude, can’t wait to do this for my snakes in the near future-burms as well! Thank you for the quality content👍🏻

[@chief2405]

Thanks for this video man! Much appreciated!

[@addi1girrl]

Absolutely love this. Gives me great ideas! Thank you!

[@PaperbackTherian]

Tysm! I’m hoping to get a Retic but can’t find a big enough viv. I’ll probs make a 10 ft viv :)

[@Chuckpatton]

Hey do you have links to heat tape or panels you are using and the light strip off amazon?

[@lissavmiller]

Building one like this but with plywood, sanding and painting white afterwards. Sadly neither my Home Depot or Lowe’s knew what pvc trim was. Or even pvc.

[@mastercommanderdragonsir679]

Clicked for the enclosure , stayed for the beard.

[@isabeljrgensen1197]

Love this! How much weight do you think a build like this would be able to hold? I need to build a terrarium that I can also put another terrarium on top of.

[@Avocetexotics]

Wow! This looks amazing! I would love to build some of these but on a smaller scale for ball pythons and corn snakes. I absolutely love them! Do you think you cam stack them?

[@Chris_Graham]

yes i have 3 stacked on top of each other

[@ninalove1480]

How you stack them can you show a video on that please😊

[@blueboltshrimp]

oo very cool, thanks for making this video

[@adrianayala752]

Awesome Build!!!!

[@dylangraveline3354]

I’m definitely going to be using this video! Thank you so much. I have three snakes so I’m gunna build three of these and stack them. Mine will probably be 6 feet though. I’m also hoping to build some sort of cabinet on the bottom for supplies. Would I be able to stack these 4 high or should I add extra support?

[@Chris_Graham]

yea you can always add a verticle support in them to make them even more sturdy if you wish

[@Pr0b3U]

Looks awesome, how did it hold up? Is the top bowing or not?

[@Chris_Graham]

Still doing great. Slight bowing but not bad

[@jaredpena1068]

I almost bibnt keep watching because of that beard but I stayed to know how to make my baby a new home but Damm that beard is fine

[@michaelmonast6440]

Nice video dude. I’ve been wanting to build an 8’ x 3’ (or 4’) x 6’ pvc enclosure for my Tiger Ratsnakes. If your putting Burmese pythons in there I would only be concerned with bottom panel and the weight of the snake. To me it just seems like there should be more support underneath. Otherwise I really like the set up. Thanks for sharing.

[@lannagermer]

thank you so much this is so helpful and not many other people have made this video I think you are only the second person so thank you so so much!!! I may actually build this exact replica and then send you all the deets

[@highwaylover389]

Thanks for the info gonna have to build some at 4 ft for my rainbows...

[@mahatma_gandalf]

Super job, Chris. I was just wondering how you would facilitate UV light fixtures, and do you think overheating/melting the pvc could be an issue. I mostly collect colubrids, so UB-A and B can both come into play. Thanks.

[@Chris_Graham]

I only used heat tape and this right now, and a LED lighting system (which doesn't give off any heat). If you are looking to do dome heat lights im sure you can cut a whole in the top and put a screen mesh on it and set the light on that spot to avoid the light from touching or being too close to the pvc.

[@randywatchingbush]

excellent DIY Video.. thanks from myself and my 2 year old Hypo Burm who has out grown her 1st enclosure

[@MidX.2]

What is the thickness of the glass?

[@chriscooper1978]

0.22” works well in this track. However, I’m not sure you could use a ratchet lock... I’m thinking of using sliding glass track from Rockler instead. Otherwise this build looks great-bought my PVC last night. My daughter’s blue-tongue skink will be very happy. Note I’m going for 4x2x2. www.rockler.com/4-foot-plastic-sliding-door-track

[@stanthafishman1057]

Quick question. Do I just cut the 2x4 pieces in half?

[@ravenfrancis1714]

2 months later and I’m about to pick up the supplies and start this project

[@Chris_Graham]

Good luck!

[@phoenixconstrictors3307]

Awsome enclosure, great build and awsome job, Chris!👍👍

[@Chris_Graham]

Thank you :)

[@dukemaui91]

Black stone labs!!! 🏋️‍♂️

[@joshsmith7170]

Nice video my friend. I'll be building an 8 footer myself in the next few months. I was thinking of using pvc or birch wood... not sure yet. I'm going to take notes when I watch this again to get my measurements right. 5🌟's

[@Chris_Graham]

Josh Smith i just love how light pvc is. Wood is a great option but the weight difference is the big factor for me

[@joshsmith7170]

@@Chris_Graham Maybe I was looking at the build wrong but was there a lip or overhang on the top piece? Also, what size did you cut the bottom?

[@jamesperry459]

Another nice thing pvc will hold longer due to humidity not effecting more

[@joshsmith7170]

@@Chris_Graham I'm looking up your beard products, what products work best together? I have a full beard with the exception of one spot that grows slowly... what would you suggest?

[@Chris_Graham]

Josh Smith oil is great on the daily basis for keep the hair soft, smelling great, and the skin moisitrized. Beard balm, put some in the balm of your hand, rub your hnds together and it will liquify in your hands and then apply it like hair gell for your beard. The balm also has wax in it to help style and hold your beards shape.

[@mariannasimon9366]

Great Video! Great Job!

[@alexhollenbach4904]

That looks incredible. Want to build an extra one and I can pick it up haha

[@HKSlapActual]

Guess I know what I’m doing this weekend for my Retic 😬

[@BAcHIGU_]

will this enclosure stand up to a heat lamp, say for a nile monitor lizard? I like the design