Flight Cage idea, Need input!

[Travillion]

Hey y'all.
So even though I have only owned my java sparrow pair for less than a week, I already want to set them up in something larger. Right now they are in a 36" long enclosure, but more space means more fun and more birds right?! So I wanted to take the panel-form aviary idea that crystal designed and down-scale it a bit. Instead of having the T-bar wood door frames vertical, what if I put one horizontal? The door frame would be convenient because the integration of latch doors at the front would be easier. Then I could just use 2x2's to build the rest of the frame, which would be more cost effective. Overall the flight space would then be 82" long and 32" high with a depth of 24", so in total the cage would be 82"Lx24"Dx32"H. Given these diameters, how many finches might this permit? I already have two Javas, and I wouldn't mind adding an additional pair. Other finches under consideration are owls, gouldians and zebras, though I really only have zebras available in my geographical location.

Thank you for any input, cheers!

Trav

[cindy]

I personally would not house javas with owls or gouldians, javas get pushy with passive species...you can house about 4 pairs of java, possibly 5 pairs. They tend to mob together, they like being in flocks. You still need to watch for aggression though.

Add silks, separate places to roost in different areas....they will love the space you are planning for them!!! Don't forget swings!!

[MiaCarter]

cindy has great advice on the species.
Javas can be a bit imposing/intimidating as they're a bit larger.

I think the 4-5 pair recommendation sounds just about perfect.

I'm terrible at math, but the formula is 1 cubic foot per bird for small species like finches and canaries.
That's the general starting point. A tad bit more for more dominant/aggressive species and a bit less for the more passive and social species.

[Travillion]

Thank you both for your feedback!
I had read that javas were gentle and would go well with most finches, but maybe this is in giant aviaries only? That's too bad, but oh well! A colony of javas wouldn't be so bad, as they are magnificent to listen in on. Now seeing as the room would permit me to add an additional few pairs, would the sex really matter or could I get away with more males then females or vice versa? I don't really have much choice in selection here, so it's chance if I actually get a 1.1 pair.

[Finnie]

I really like your idea of putting the screen door panel sideways!

What are you going to use for a floor? Have you though about maybe making slide out trays? If you cut your 2x2 side framing pieces a tad longer that the door panel, you could make a gap at the bottom front.

Now I wish I could do this, but I'm already in the middle of three other home made cage building projects. I hope you will post photos for us to see it!

[finchmix22]

If you decide to colony breed, make sure you don't have more hens than cocks or you will have fighting. If there is not much selection, just watch them to make sure they don't fight over hens etc. Again, if you have multiple perches, swings, and lots of greenery to hide and multiple food and water dishes/bottles, they should go great in that set up.

[Travillion]

Finnie I was planning on using 2x4s for the bottom frame and having the two sides (24" depth) laid flat and flush underneath the door frame. This would lift the frame off of the ground by about 2" in which case a tray could slide in and out with ease. That being said, I have no clue what I would use for a tray, so still trying to figure that one out before I begin. Any suggestions?

[Travillion]

I have to revamp my original plans, bummer! I got home from work and measured the wall space available and it turns out I only have 60" max, unless I want to get rid of a couch and my bearded dragon (not happening). I guess you don't really realize how long 82" actually is until you measure it out. So new cage dimension will be 60"Lx24"Dx36"H. I believe this will permit three pairs, but please correct me if I am mistaken! On a side note, a friend of mine has a white pied zebra finch that she wants to adopt to a good home. Originally she had a pair but the female passed away last week. Do you think there would be a chance that if I adopted it and put it in with my Javas they would get along, or should she continue trying to find a new home for the zebra? I am fully aware and understand all the suggestions about keeping Java's separate, but I thought I would ask anyways. She is just worried that the zebra will get depressed.

[finchmix22]

Three pair can fit that size, but with that depth, I'd probably put two pairs so they have lots of room to fly and not compete with each other for space, nests and perching. Especially, since you wanted to give them more room.

[Finnie]

You can order plastic replacement trays, if the dimensions will work. And now that you are making it only 60" wide, if you plan right, you should be able to fit two of the trays that normally go in the 30" breeder cages. Those actually come in at just under 29" each, I believe.

Failing that, for one of the cages I am making, I am just having the floor be a piece of plywood that sits on ledges, and the whole floor slides in and out. Not quite as good as a tray, but at least it will be a little easier to clean than if it were fixed in place.

Are you still planning to use a screen door, or have you thought of a plan B, in order to get it at the 60" width?

[Sally]

Another source for trays might be places that sell/make kennels for dogs/cats/rabbits. They may give you the sizes you need, as your 24" depth will make it hard to find bird cage trays of the right size. I have seen them at my local Tractor Supply store, and my first thought was that they could work as bird cage trays.

[Travillion]

Finnie I had to scratch the screen door. I started building it last night, using 2x2s. It will consist of 5 separate frames (front, back, left, right and top) and then will all join together. The side frames are elevated on a 2x2 that runs an inch and a half longer on either side to put the front and back panels on top of. This will give an inch and a half of elevation so a tray or piece of plywood can slide in and out. I'm now trying to figure out if I want to stain the wood or paint it. Is there any paint I should watch out for (non-safe)?