FINCHforum

I built this cage over the weekend.
30" x 15" x 15"
Took about six hours, but it was my first attempt, next one will
take less time.

Jerry

I like this cage!! Quite crafty to have built it yourself!!

I did something similar.
But you did good with the plywood bottom. That makes it a lot stiffer than w/o a solid base. I did my first one w/o a solid base...and it was a total flop. The galvanized 1/2x1/2 wire mesh was not stiff enough to hold up by itself. I switched to plastic coated 1/2x1/2 wire mesh from Home Depot and Orchard Supply Hardware. The plastic coated mesh is stiffer than the galvanized.

If you plan to use an outside hanging bird bath, the 1/2x1/2 mesh is not stiff enough to hold the bath. I had to reinforce mine with coathanger wire. Similarly where will you put the nest, it will put a similar tug on the mesh.

If you can figure out how to do it. Make a provision to be able to slide in a divider. It makes working on the nest and cage a lot easier. When I slide in a SOLID divider, the birds cannot see what I am doing to their nest. A divider makes the cage smaller, so it is easier to catch the birds.

What will you be breeding?
Zebras tend to shoot their poop to the back and side, shooting outside the cage. I had to cover the sides of my cages w plastic sheeting, to keep the poop from being shot onto the wall and furniture.

Really clever!! I wish I had some mechanical skill to do my own cages like that!

If you plan to use an outside hanging bird bath, the 1/2x1/2 mesh is not stiff enough to hold the bath. I had to reinforce mine with coathanger wire. Similarly where will you put the nest, it will put a similar tug on the mesh.

The nest is in the top left corner of picture three, behind the plastic leaves.
All I did was cut two 1/2 inch squares away and hung the nest there.
It seems to be holding nicely, as the wire is very stiff.
I was worried that it would be loose.
I will take some pics.
Also I found a tray for the cage at the doller store, it's for shoes and boots,
it was $4. The tray is 28" x 14" and the cage is 30" x 15" x 15".
It work out great!

Looks very well thought out
thanks for sharing

If I might suggest - toss out those dowel perches and cut a couple of branches from a tree outside - you only need two at most. Natural is best for any bird's feet. It's looking good though Gary has a point about finches aiming their poops out all sides. You could hang heavy duty plastic on the sides and back of the cage. Well done so far!

Small suggestion for anyone looking for something to put around the outside of their cages plastic wise that looks good at the same time I buy those colourful (flowers) tablecloths at the dollar store. Easily wiped down when its time, and when I look in the cages....well it just looks pretty

lovemyfinch wrote:Small suggestion for anyone looking for something to put around the outside of their cages plastic wise that looks good at the same time I buy those colourful (flowers) tablecloths at the dollar store. Easily wiped down when its time, and when I look in the cages....well it just looks pretty

Please post some pic!
I would love to see what it looks like.

Jerry

Nice birdroom, Jerry!

Here's a pic of one of my pairs checking out their new home.

CUTE!