How to Build an Iguana Cage, Continued

While the boys finished stapling, Ron followed behind with a hammer driving the staples all the way in.

• Patrick used metal cutting snips to remove the screen that was overhanging the edge of the frame.

6. Cage assembly:

• After they had installed screen in each of the frames, they were ready to begin assembling the panels together to construct a cage.

• Beginning with the front and the bottom panels, Ron carefully aligned the two frames and then held them in position temporarily with a clamp.

• They attached the sides, top and bottom together with screws.

• With a team this size, the assembly process went very quickly and soon they were ready to hang the door.

7. Attach door:

• They once again used clamps to hold the door in position while they attached the hinges.

• They carefully placed the hinge so that half of it was on the frame and half of it was on the door.

• Ron used a special bit called a self-centering drill bit used just for attaching hinges. Using this bit, Ron drilled a hole right in the center of each hinge hole.

• With hinges and latch in place, the first iguana cage was complete.

• After they had assembled the second cage they put one of the iguanas in its new home to give it the "live-in" test. They hoped that the new occupants would be as proud of their home as the builders were.

• The final touch Ron added was an oil drip pan that he had purchased from an automotive supply store. He had trimmed it down to fit perfectly in the bottom of the cage, which he hoped would make it a lot easier to keep the cage clean.

• Ron suggested that the Hoskins consider applying a coat of polyurethane to the wood to make it last longer. It is important, however, that if they do take this final step, that they wait at least 48 hours before they put the animals back in.