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Question:

Where can I buy cheap plastic sheets online?

I am looking into building a double enclosure for my corn snake and ball python (two different enclosures that stack on top of each other to be clear). I have been watching craigslist for anything wooden that I can convert, but I recently discovered I really like the look of the boaphile cages. I seen someone on a forum who created their own version of a boaphile and it looks amazing, so now I am thinking about doing that. The problem is that I am on a budget and not looking to spend a ton of money on the supplies. So is there anywhere online that sells sheets of plastic for pretty cheap? Don't say anything about me not being able to care for my animals. Right now they are both in cages that are the right size for the species that they are, I am just looking into giving them something that is more visually appealing and maybe even bigger than what they have now just so they have more room. Thanks to all who help!

Answer:

You can buy a huge amount of plastic sheeting for very little money at any building supply place there is. Sometimes they sell it in precut rolls, sometimes you can buy it by the foot, especially in the heavier grades which will be more suitable for building something out of. That kind of plastic isn't clear, though, it's kind of cloudy to look through. You might want to check out clear vinyl at a fabric store. They sell that for using as tablecloths, and you can buy as little as half a yard. If you want to see the snakes easily, that might be a good choice for the front. It's pretty tough. If you want or need tape that will stick nicely to plastic, look for the red plastic tape used for vapour barrier in a house. It's not cheap and it's not pretty, but it's about the only tape that will really really stick to plastic. Pretty much all the others will eventually let go. Another possibility for something easy to see through is the stuff they sell for putting on windows to insulate them. It goes on with sticky stuff along the edges, the plastic gets stuck to it, then you shrink it tight with a hairdryer. It's extremely clear, tougher than it looks, you can stab it with a finger and it should be fine, but it will puncture with anything sharp. Cat's claws, for instance, did mine in when the cat swiped at a moth. You also have to be sure that you have a good clean smooth surface for the sticky stuff, or it will pull away as the plastic shrinks with the heat.
There may, probably is, an online source, I don't know where. But you can get sheets of plastic for just a little more at most hardware or building supple stores. (May want to call first to verify.) Advantage to going to a store would be quicker delivery and they should have sheets in different thicknesses and sizes that you can touch and make a selection. They would also have ideas and supplies to cut and fasten the sheets together. They may be able to do it all except put it together for you. If the size of the containment is to large you may have to run ribs of plastic ( T shaped) under the support sheets to keep them from deflecting.

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