Possible alternate housing materials?

[redcomrade3]

Hello fellow bird lovers,

I recently purchased two zebra finches as a way to begin my life-long hobby for bird-keeping. Right now they are settled in a temporary 13inch long by 18 inch high bird cage (I hope that is ok for them for at least a week), while I figure out the best and cheapest way to build a bigger aviary (I didn't want to spend more money on a bigger temporary cage).

I've heard stainless steal mesh is the best but I simply can't afford that. Galvanized mesh I've heard is fine for finches but still that is quite expensive. I looked into it and saw that it may be safe to use plastic mesh since finches don't chew on it- but as for the kind of plastic mesh, or at least the cheapest kind of mesh that's bird-safe, I'm still unsure and haven't found any satisfying possibilities.

That is why I came here to ask for advice: Please help me to figure this out so I can get them into a bigger and more comfortable environment sooner. I am quite good at re-inventing their natural habitat inside the cage, so this is only a question about the cheapest possible materials I can use regarding mesh and wood.

Thanks,
Austin

[Sally]

Hi Austin. As long as your aviary is indoors, safe from mice and snakes, the plastic mesh measuring 1/2" x 1/2" is perfectly fine. You can get it at any Home Depot or Lowes. I have an indoor aviary that has that mesh in the top half, and it is great. Use black, it lets you see the birds better. Just try to stretch it tight when you install it, working from one side to the other, as it can be a bit saggy otherwise.

[lovemyfinch]

I also used the plastic mesh.

[redcomrade3]

Now as for wood, I'd guess that most wood should be bird-safe (I also know that some wood can be toxic), but I'm also unsure about treated vs untreated. Basically, what's the safest/cheapest wood to use for a finch aviary? Some people say fir but that's $9 a piece for those narrow 8 ft flooring boards, which was the only option as for fir. And I'm not sure flooring boards are what I want to use. Any advice?

Also could anyone direct me to an online supplier of 1/2 in by 1/2 in plastic mesh rolls? I've searched everywhere and nobody seems to sell them.

Thanks,
Austin

[Sally]

As far as wood, I think it depends on how much you want to spend, and what you want the finished cage to look like. If you are looking for furniture quality, then you would want the more expensive woods. But I would think plain old pine would work just fine. Finches don't chew on the wood, so you don't have to worry so much about wood being toxic. And indoors, you don't need treated wood anyway.

If you search this Housing forum, there are a number of threads where people built their own cages and aviaries, with lots of helpful hints.