1. Tell us what animal lives in the enclosure.
Start with the species and, if useful, the animal's approximate size or age. A backdrop for a bearded dragon should not be planned the same way as one for a carpet python, blue-tongue or frog.
You can also tell us what you want the enclosure to do better — for example:
- “There is heaps of unused height.”
- “I want a proper basking ledge.”
- “I want a hide that looks like part of the rockwork.”
- “I want it to look more natural but still be easy to clean.”
2. Send us a few photos of the enclosure.
A phone photo is completely fine. The most useful starting set is:
- One straight-on photo of the whole enclosure.
- One photo from each side.
- One photo showing the doors or opening.
- Close-ups of vents, braces, cable holes, lights or anything that may get in the way.
If you are trying to explain an idea, draw an arrow on the photo or scribble a note such as “ledge here” or “hide under here”. That is often clearer than a long description.
3. Give us the basic inside measurements.
To start, we usually want the inside width, inside height and inside depth of the usable enclosure space.
If you want us to make the backdrop for you to install yourself, we also need to know the size of the opening the finished pieces must fit through. That can be different from the overall enclosure size.
4. Show us where the heat, UVB and other equipment goes.
Existing equipment can change where ledges, branches and caves should sit. Let us know about heat lamps, UVB tubes, vents, probes, misting nozzles, cables and anything else that needs room or access.
We are designing the backdrop around the real enclosure, not just drawing a pretty rock wall and hoping the equipment fits later.
5. Send inspiration if you have it — but you do not need it.
If you like a certain rock style, colour, habitat or photo, send it through. We can use inspiration to understand the look you are after without copying somebody else's build exactly.
If you have no idea what style you want, that is also fine. Tell us the animal, the enclosure and what you want to improve and we can suggest directions.
What happens after you send that?
We review the enclosure, ask any important follow-up questions and work out what kind of custom piece makes sense. That may be a full backdrop, a smaller hide or ledge, a modular piece, or something simpler than you originally expected.
You do not need to solve the design before contacting us. That is part of what you are asking Oddball to help with.