Hexagon Aviary - Comments... UPDATE!

[WhiteMagicWoman]

Hi Natalie,

I read everything I could in here, did a lot of research of other cages online, and watched a lot of Youtube vids on other peoples' aviaries and cages. Here are some decisions I made:

I decided to use plastic hardware cloth (mesh) instead of wire or other screening. I kept reading that galvanized anything was toxic, and I didn't want to take any chances.

I decided to use plastic greenery because it's easy to take down and wash, and I don't have to worry about light, watering, pruning, toxicity, and so on. I can always replace for cheap and keep things fresh.

I decided to hang one big seed feeder and one big water feeder so that no matter how messy or tipped over the fresh food dishes and baths on the bottom of the cage gets, I can be sure that they will always have a clean food and water source above.

I decided to make 2 mesh floors so that I can take out the messy one, immediately replace it with a clean one, and then clean the other at my leisure.

I decided to make 2 clear plastic "bottom sheets" for the drawer so that I can just remove the plastic and soiled newspaper on top and replace with another clear plastic bottom with more newspaper on top. I can then clean the clear plastic bottom at the same time with the other dirty top mesh.

I figured with 2 sets, I can replace quite quickly without too much disruption to the birdies.

I also decided to stain and poly on the cramped balcony (and yes, I could have done a better job inside) to avoid fumes in the house. I didn't want to take any chances.

I decided to include a shelf where they can rest without having to perch because there will be NO nests in here. One set of babies for now. If I decide to breed more, the pair will be secluded in the white wire flight they are in now.

I decided to make 2 horizontal doors on one side and a long vertical door on the other side for ease of getting things in and out of the big space.

I thumbtacked a piece of cloth behind the back mesh to save the wall from the bathings. My birdies like to splash! I can easily remove the cloth to wash or change colors to keep things interesting.

I decided that I'm totally nuts and although this has been a learning process and labor of love, I don't think there will be a version 2...

[Natalie]

Wow, Susan. I really appreciate your comments on your thought processes. I'm thinking most of the time, but I often don't know what to think about.

You have been such a big help. Please keep us posted on what works and what you might change IF you decided to do this project again.

I'm definitely a fan of do-it-yourself if you can't find it on CraigsList. The prices for new items are SO high.

I currently have three Societies since last Monday: Tiny Tim (micro-wings) and his two buddies. They are doing very well, and I have tried to make the branches gently sloping so TT can get around. Eventually I hope to add two zebras, also from my daughter's lab.

Natalie

[annague]

Really wonderful! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I wish I had your mechanical ability. Unfortunately, I can't hit a nail straight and my husband usually ends up taking any such project over just out of disgust for my ineptitude. (It's okay -- I'm an arty sort of person so when he takes over I'm usually greatly relieved.)

Anyway...l beautiful aviary cage!

[can]

Hey - very cool. I'm impressed by your ability to build the entire cage in your living room and stain it on your balcony! As an apartment-living girl myself, I've kinda put aside a lot of my big DIY projects, but your flight cage is inspiring.

[FeatherHarp]

Wow...that is just great! It is always so helpful to see the project as it progresses. You did a great job and didn't waste any time getting it done! Wish my Hubby could do that....lol. You sure know how to spoil your finches.

Also loved your blog.

[franny]

...
I decided that I'm totally nuts and although this has been a learning process and labor of love, I don't think there will be a version 2...

This made me laugh! I said that, way back when... and I think this last one I made was my 4th cage!

FYI - the hardware cloth is safe, especially when dealing with finches, since they don't tend to chew on the wires. Many folks on here have kept finches for many years in this type of cage, and their birds have lived long lives. It is more practical when dealing with outdoor aviaries, or even indoor cages when there are cats to worry about! My cats would have chewed through the vinyl wire in no time! Now that I am catless it isn't a concern.... but I also find that the vinyl is thicker and might not be as good for viewing. What I really liked about your design was that it was stapled on so was easily removable. I would definitely do that with my next cage... if there is one!

Also wish I'd thought of making mine a divided cage.

Your best idea... the two trays/covers for the bottom! Wish I'd thought of that! I probably would have had enough plywood to do that at the time I made the cage... but being an apartment dweller myself, I didn't keep any scraps... not enough storage. I like your idea of plastic cover for the bottom, too. Good thinking!