China Cabinet - Breeding Cabinet - Flight Cabinet

[mayble]

Finally finished!

I call it "The Bengalese Palace"(aka The Society House).
As soon as I can catch my fawns in between clutches, the male will move into one half of the upper level. So my two boys will each have an apartment in the upper level for breeding.
The bottom level is "The Harem Room", for unpaired hens and juveniles.
Both the top and bottom can be divided, and the middle, horizontal divider is removable. So at the end of breeding season it can be turned into one large (48" x 48") flight.
The birds seem to be loving all the space.
I could sit and watch these guys for hours. I think it's much better than TV. I only wish it had smaller wire spacing - I'd love to put waxbills in there (I guess that's my next project).

[debbie276]

wow, thats very nice!
best of luck with it

[Nerien]

Wow! Absolutely beautiful! I am very impressed. Make me one?

[yaut]

very cool! and comes with the storage place underneath well done!

[Sunbay]

Just GORGEOUS! I am going to start looking for a cabinet to do this with! (Well, not *me*, but my friend's hubby!)
Love the white - the birds will be in a castle!

[Ginene]

mayble
GORGEOUS!!! I am green with envy ...

[mayble]

Thanks, all!
I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and I learned a few tricks for my next project.
The trays, for example, are made from Coroplast and some plastic molding I found in the ceiling department of the home improvement store. Super simple.

[Musetta]

Fabulous! Love the name!

[chirpy]

LOVELY!!! is it harder to build a flight, or make one like this Its soooo beautiful!!!!

[monotwine]

Lovely and a great addition to your home!

[mayble]

LOVELY!!! is it harder to build a flight, or make one like this Its soooo beautiful!!!!

I haven't tried to build one from scratch (yet), so I couldn't say for sure, but there certainly were some challenges in working with this piece. Finding a way to make the trays fit through the front opening, yet be long enough to cover the whole bottom, was an issue. I still haven't found the perfect way to latch the end panels, which I attached so they swing open completely for easier access. Some things would definitely be easier with a purpose-built cabinet. But as soon as I saw this on craigslist, I knew it was the one!
Years ago I made an aquarium out of an old TV - I think I need to pull it out of storage and set it up next to this. I could do a whole room with re-purposed furniture.

[chirpy]

mayble thanks! I always wondered because they look so amazing! I know I can't construct anything that was structural so i thought MAYBE i can get away with it however I keep throwing the idea out cause I wouldn't know how to install the poopy tray even if I can somehow figure out the whole netting... but then how would I instead a mini door so my arm cant fit through!
its so pretty! congratulations! I hope to make one some day!!

[FinchLady]

Mayble
Wow, I love your 'Palace'! Have longingly looked at commercial built 'furniture quality' aviaries.....too expensive to ever become a reality. When I showed my husband your repurposed chinacabinet, he was very interested (loves projects). Did you use parts of a flight cage for fronts and dividers? Would appreciate any pointers on DYI for someone reasonably good with home projects (my husband; not me LOL)
Any practical advicve about cabinet choice or other sticking points?

[mayble]

Hi FinchLady,
I'm glad you like it!
I just bought some inexpensive divided breeder cages on ebay and cut them up for the front and sides (the cabinet had glass inserts on the sides as well as the front). As far as cabinet choice, I'd say look for depth - this one is only fourteen inches deep, so it's about the same as a small breeding cage, but it could be roomier. A lot of cabinets have even less depth.
An entertainment center is another good option. They have more depth, and can usually be had pretty inexpensively at any flea market or yard sale (or your own basement).
Message me if you'd like to see some more pictures or have questions.
Have fun!

[cindy]

Absolutely beautiful!!! Lucky birds to have such an elegant palace to live in!!