DIY: Make Your Own Reptile and Amphibian Tank and Carrier

My 11 year old son loves the outdoors! With his love comes studying every little and many gross creatures. Last week he brought home a wild snake. After a call to Petsmart and sending them pictures, we determined the snake was non-venomous. This was what sparked me to make some changes and set rules for making sure his explorations were safe as he learned.

Exploring nature is such a wonderful thing for a child! And I love that my son wants to spend his time learning about all the little creatures that exist there. But over the past couple of years, I've found his hobby is starting to become a little costly. I've also found that my time is becoming less and less because I'm always helping him take care of his little creatures.

So two weeks ago I came up with a solution!

The following is what my 11 year old son agreed to:

• No living reptile, amphibian, insect etc that he brings home will become a pet
• He is only allowed one reptile, amphibian, insect to study at a time
• He has to wear rubber gloves before he touches any creature.
• He is not allowed to physically touch a creature until we have determined it is not dangerous or venomous. We live in Copperhead snake territory and also spiders that are venomous. 
• And lastly, we start using the resources within our house to do everything he needs to do, saving money

First thing we did was build a carrier (part-time study tank) for the reptiles, frogs, etc that he finds. The following is how to build your own tank for your child.

What You Will Need for Your DIY Reptile and Amphibian Tank and Carrier:

1. Medium sized plastic container with a lid. If you don't have one, you can purchase one at the Dollar Store or even Target very inexpensively.
   
2. Mesh. We have mesh from redoing our window screens. You can get mesh at Home Depot and Lowes.
   
3. Duct Tape. We used our daughters duct tape that she uses for arts and crafts. 
   

How to Build Your DIY Reptile and Amphibian Tank and Carrier:

1. Cut the inner part of the top of the container out.  
2. Measure the mesh where it not only covers the inner hole you cut out, but also overlaps the edge about 3 / 4 of an inch.
3. Using the duct tape, rip off strips of it and adhere the edge of the mesh to the outer area of the container's top. 

Now your child has a carrier and home for tiny little creatures they want to study at home. It's light and easy for your child to tote around outside as they explore nature.