FINCHforum

We're SO CLOSE to being done with our large flight cage for our 2 zebras, but at this eleventh hour I'm having problems attaching the perches. We did plexiglass on the front and back, and wire mesh on the sides and portion of the front (I have another thread about it with a picture here). The problem is, the wire mesh isn't sturdy enough to support the perches I want. It bends and sags when I attach the heavy ones. Looking back, I probably should've researched more about wire gauge and gotten a stronger mesh, but it's kinda too late for that now. Is there any way to reinforce the area around the perch so it doesn't sag, or am I just stuck?

Here's a better picture. All we have left to do is attach the lid and doors. The wire is 1/4" x 1/4".

I use perches that go completely across the cage and are attached from the outside using a screw and large washer. There are also wire framed dowel perches that hook onto wire above the perch.

http://www.yourparrotcage.com/photos/Na ... zanita.jpg

My perch in wire mesh cages also go completely from front to back.

The other thing you could do is to secure THICK wire onto the wire mesh. That is what I do on both sides of the door where I mount the bath. The THICK wire runs top to bottom and prevents the wire from flexing outward. I use lengths of coat hanger wire.

You could hang a natural branch from the ceiling with an eye hook... or add a pice of wood and attach a small flagpole or sign holder and insert a branch...like this
hooks





small flag pole holder

If you haven't already finished your mesh cage, I suggest painting the mesh with a non-toxic flat black paint.

Less reflection in and out of the cage and you'll be able to see clearly inside to enjoy your birds.

-Steve

On my plexiglass walls, I used a small drill bit size to make a hole to use the perches that screw on. As long as you have a way to take them out for cleaning, like the doors. Just watch for escapes, as mine will get out sometimes when I am changing the perches for cleaning.