Cages

nachoman · Post by **nachoman** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:24 am

Planning on getting started in this whole finch caper. I'm going to build my own cages and i was initially just planning on making a wooden box with one side done in wire. Upon reading the FIC it says would can't be disinfected so this would cause problems with trying to clean the cage once a month. Does anyone use wooden cages??

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:55 am

nachoman,

I use wooden breeding cages with wire fronts, the sides are lined with laminated hardboard which can be cleaned and disinfected quite easily. The important thing is the bottom of the cage, I use pull-out ABS sheeting which can be washed and disinfected, but newspaper on the bottom which you can replace easily would work just as well.

I don't disinfect perches, I just throw them away after a month or so as I use natural local non-toxic trees for perches. So all that is left to do is to wipe the sides of the cages with disinfectant.

I used a non-toxic spray on varnish to seal the frame.

Here is a pic of my breeding room, it's changed a bit since (painted the wire and tidied up a bit around it but you get the idea)

nachoman · Post by **nachoman** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:58 am

Nice set up. Looks easy enough to make. I'm about to make new cupboards for the wife and i's bedroom and the old ones are made of a laminated chipboard so i was thinking i might be able to re-use that. That way all surfaces would be able to be wiped down clean.

Looks like your setup in your garage or shed there. I will be house mine in my shed so i will be having to look into lighting too.

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:22 am

Yes, it's in a garden shed.

For lighting I use full spectrum florescent tubes (the kind they use for marine fish tanks) I recently added two more "spot lights" for the lower cages. I keep the door and window open during the day, except when it's really cold, this allow natural light to shine in.

Here is a pic from outside.

jamezyboo21 · Post by **jamezyboo21** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:49 pm

Very nice setup. I have said this many times but i want aviary and i am going to build one. Eventualy I will have a big one outside and will have one inside.

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:51 am

These are some commercially available cages in the UK Not I don't think available in the States.But not hard to make yourself if you're handy.They should be painted white inside to make them easier to clean.
I've put these on to show you the advantage of having dividers in a cage makes cleaning a doddle where the birds can be contained one side while you clean the other...Well worthwhile TRUST ME.
The cage fronts are available in different sizes in the States ....or you could use wire.Proper fronts are best as feeders are available to fit the bars and you have a ready made door.Apart from the fact they look better.

Note the second door on the top half of the front ...this enables you to put nestboxes on the outside which gives the birds more room and enables you to check the eggs and chicks without much disturbance.

Just noticed you're Aussie...don't know what's available over there.
Paul.

williep · Post by **williep** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:37 am

poohbear, those really look like nice breeding cages. Any chance you know their measurements. I'm keen to try and build some.

Thanks

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:49 am

About 48x15x15 inches But if I was making them I'd make the height and width more.If you are thinking of having a go check on what size cage fronts are available and work from that. A higher cage can be achieved by increasing the amount of ply above and below the cage front.
If you can't get the fronts and you want to check on carriage costs I will arrange to send you some.They are surprisingly cheap here,and last for years.

This outfit's just up the road from me.
http://www.wadescagefronts.co.uk/index.htm
Paul.

williep · Post by **williep** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:04 am

Yes, I agree, I'll definitely go wider at least and higher if possible, and have at least 4 joined together.

Cage wire fronts sold separately? In South Africa? I don't think so, but then again I complained about not being able to find powdered kelp either until you helped me, so I'll check it out first. If I can't find any we'll have to arrange something with your supplier.

nachoman · Post by **nachoman** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 2:42 am

Well here is what i came up with. I used a old set of drawers to make it up. I'm pretty happy with it. I think i was a bit too generous on the length because it's pretty hard for me to reach the floor under the nest boxes to clean but oh well i will remember that for next time.

Planning on building a complete wall of cages in a month or two so that should be fun.