Wooden breeding cage

[skyjump100]

HI there,
Some time ago I bought a wooden breeding cage that I wanted to breed Gouldians in however, when I put my first pair in there I thought it really dark so I bought a huge flight cage and put them in there and never looked back.

The cage is just sitting in the garage so I was wondering if I could use it and thought I would ask you guys for inspiration. I'm not worried if the answer is to get rid of it because as least it gives me a solution.

The wooden cage is 43"w x 12"d x 16"h. the top back and sides are all wood with bars on the front. It is dividable in half with access doors on each side.

My questions are:
1) Is this cage suitable to house and breed one pair of finches?
2) If so, what would be a good species for this size cage?
3) How do I provide lighting for the birds? UV lights to me would be too bright in such a small area.

All help appreciated

[debbie276]

I would replace the wood top with wire to make it brighter so you don't have to worry about lights. I would think it would be big enough to be suitable for most any finch.

[PrettyBird]

Simon- would you be able to get a picture of the cage? Its hard for me to visualize it lol

[wellingtoncdm]

I vote societies or bengies as they are called there. Two males even. That way they won't breed but might be helpful with the raising of gouldians if needed.

[debbie276]

When I had a bird room in the basement I had breeding cages just like that, only they were 24 inches deep, all solid except for the top and front. I used them for the gouldians, it kept all the mess inside. Also it gives them more privacy because they can't see other pairs next door. So it's doable, I just enjoy the aviary setting much better now.
good luck and let us know what you decide.

[poohbear]

Have you painted it white inside?

[skyjump100]

Thanks for reminding me Poohbear
When I first got the cage quite a few months ago I did investigate bird friendly paints and then when I put the cage in the garage, totally forgot about painting it!!!!
As my Mum always says to me... I would forget my head if it wasn't screwed on lol!!!!

Just for reference here are a couple of pics of the cage

[Abigail]

I think they look good.

[poohbear]

Paint it white inside...makes heck of a difference.Use an emulsion paint for bathrooms...water based but with a sheen that is easy washable.
If those trays are a tight fit...sand the edges down a bit first.Seed gets down the sides and makes them jam.
Nice to see the nestbox doors...much better with boxes on the outside...more room inside and easy to check what's happening without disturbing the birds.

[skyjump100]

Thanks everyone for the advice!!

My plan of action is:
1) paint the cage white
2) find a suitable location for it (Im thinking of leaving it in the conservatory during the warmer months as my parents will be staying from NZ so will be handy assistants to caring for the birds)
3) select the two birds to move in I'm liking the idea of the societies to foster the young uns as Ive never done this before however Gouldians are my passion at the moment but perhaps Owls??? Has to be a sociable species so that I can put them in with the Gould sduring the cooler months (unless I find an indoor suitable location)
4) buy the birds and get started

[debbie276]

I have owls and goulds together without any problems at all in my aviary
Let us know what you eventually pick .

[Lisa]

Looks fine to me! I think white would lighten it up considerably. Good luck!

[PrettyBird]

my parents will be staying from NZ so will be handy assistants to caring for the birds

lets hope they are "bird people" ;)

[ac12]

You can only light it from the front. So you have to have lights positioned to illuminate the front of the cage. Sort of like making breeder cages out of a book case. White interior will help make the most of the light that gets into the cage.
I wish I had a cage as nice as that.
And as has been mentioned the wood keeps the "stuff" inside. I have to wrap my cages with sheet plastic to keep the seeds, feather, poop, etc. inside the cage.

[poohbear]

And as has been mentioned the wood keeps the "stuff" inside. I have to wrap my cages with sheet plastic to keep the seeds, feather, poop, etc. inside the cage.

Come on you lot...get yourself some wooden cages made...
Much better for the birds and less mess.

And they have dividers

I'll convert you American all wire cage brigade over to wood if it kills me...