FINCHforum

Well, I have officially started my cage project! Thanks to the many members who have answered questions and provided input already during the planning phase.
I would like to document it somewhat here, and will try to post some pictures as I go along. I am sure I will also be asking for more suggestions, as some parts of the plans are not finalized.
My project is this:
It will be 80" long x 30" deep x 60" tall and will contain 4 separate cages, each 40x30x30. There will be removable dividers allowing me different configurations. I will be able to make two cages, each 80x30x30, or one 80x30x30 and two 40x30x30, depending on what I need. The bottom of the top cages will also be removable, to create one very large flight (80x30x60).
I purchased the first batch of lumber today, and got it sanded and sprayed. I decided to go with a natural wood look, and used a matte clear spray paint (rustoleum painter's touch ultra cover). It is a sealer and protector all in one. It has a pretty fast dry time but will be waiting until the smell is gone before I bring it in to start assembling.
I found a good price on pvc-coated 1/2" mesh online. After paying shipping, it was only slighly more than getting multiple small rolls of the galvanized stuff at a local place. For those interested - http://www.elawngarden.com/index.php
It is the online store for a garden center in Naples, FL and so far their customer service has been great.

Looking forward to seeing pics as it progresses.

Can't wait to see pictures as you go along.
good luck

This sounds wonderful...the idea of having one structure with interchangable part to create multiple cages is wonderful. Take pictures as you go, we would love to see the stages of the cage as you build it!!! Very creative

Lucky birds!!!!

Neat idea! Can't wait to see pictures...

cindy wrote:This sounds wonderful...the idea of having one structure with interchangable part to create multiple cages is wonderful. Take pictures as you go, we would love to see the stages of the cage as you build it!!! Very creative

Lucky birds!!!!

Thanks! I was getting very frustrated because of space limitations (small apartment). Not enough space for many cages, and only 2-4 birds together. Plus not really being able to branch out to other species besides zebras. That's what prompted me to figure out a way to fit more birds in the spaces I have. Hopefully this will solve some of those problems. Plus I will still have my 30x18s that I could potentially stack right on top of this set-up for breeding, etc.

I am very excited and hope it turns out as I envision it. I just wish I had more time to work on it so I can finish it faster!!

We can't wait to see the finished project....you'll have to set it up in a couple of the different cage combinations for us!!!!! Good luck...hope time is on your side and you finish quickly.

Well the spray sealer doesn't seem to have given as much protection as I was hoping for, so I am only using that for the wood that the birds will not actually be able to touch and won't get wet - under the cage floor and the base. For the actual frame, I am going to use a polyurethane/stain combo. It will take more time, but I think I will be happier with the results.

Does anyone have suggestions for light fixtures that can attach to the outside of the cage? If they shine in through the side (as opposed to from directly above), will it hurt their eyes?
Or is it possible to mount a fixture inside the cage? If so, what do I need to do to protect them from it?
Links to suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Nelissa, I've attached Flourescent lights to the inside of cages without a problem -- the bulbs stay cool. In addition, they are cheap to use because they don't pull many amps (lower electric bill).

You may want to get a timer to turn them off and on at the times you want...

Others may have better suggestions for you (I'm not super technical about stuff like that).

annague wrote:Nelissa, I've attached Flourescent lights to the inside of cages without a problem -- the bulbs stay cool. In addition, they are cheap to use because they don't pull many amps (lower electric bill).

You may want to get a timer to turn them off and on at the times you want...

Others may have better suggestions for you (I'm not super technical about stuff like that).

Anna, thanks for that info. I wanted to put them inside, but wasn't sure if that would be safe. Have a power strip with a timer that I have their lights on now, so I will be able to keep using that. Thanks a bunch!

I am thinking of these lights:
http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans- ... ogId=10053
They are slim enough that I can attach them either to the frame itself or to the pegboard that I will be using for the back.

Been working a lot this week, so I haven't gotten much done. Hoping to get outside and do some sanding/cutting/paingpting today, if it's not too hot...

Just thinking ahead ... be sure you can get the bulbs you want in that size. A lot of people like the daylight bulbs and others try to get bulbs that may help the birds get Vitamin D. Under the counter bulbs sounds like it will be a soft glow type bulb.
Just something to check

Thanks for that thought, Debbie. I've only looked at them online, not actually in the store yet. I currently use bulbs with full-spec+UVB, so I will definitely have to make sure I can get those in the right size for whatever fixture I decide to go with.

Minor (hopefully) setback. The place I ordered coated hardware cloth from contacted me today to inform me that the pvc coating is green, not black, as they had told me previously. So now I have to figure out where to go from there...
I posted a new topic looking for advice on galvanized mesh, if anyone has experience they would share:
http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14983

Over the weekend, I was able to finish painting the wood for the frame. I ended up using Minwax Polycrylic in clear satin. It can be used on bare wood, or over many other types of finishes to protect it from damage, moisture etc. I used two coats and am happy with the way it turned out. It is pretty low VOC (max 275) and smells only slightly stronger than elmer's glue. It has a very fast dry time (only two hours between coats).
I will hopefully begin assembling the frame pieces tomorrow!