My New Flight Cage

For questions about finch enclosures (cages & aviaries).
Post Reply
flrancho
Novice Nester
Novice Nester
Posts: 438
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:12 pm
Location: Central Florida

My New Flight Cage

Post by flrancho » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:04 am

As a few of you know, several months I was undergoing the task of helping build a flight cage for my birds. I've had it for about a month now, and have just procrastinated about posing any pictures of it.

It is a 6x2 flight cage made out of pine (I think) and plastic hardware mesh. It has five perches, including two tree branch style perches, one of which is natural wood. I've also placed in some fake plants for visual barriers. There are three seed cups, two on-ground waterers and a bath dish.

I'd like your opinions on the flight and if you think it needs anything else... more plants, food dishes, waterers, ect.


Image

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Image

User avatar
G8love4finches
Weaning
Weaning
Posts: 1452
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:25 pm
Location: Airdrie AB Canada

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by G8love4finches » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:14 am

Depending on what types of finch you have and plan on getting will determine if you need more plants....Some types like places to hide and play, and others need greenery to build and hide their nests....My waxbills, twinspots and strawberries love the extra greenery in their flights....You must remember though, you will have to clean poop off of what ever you put in, so keep that in mind when you make your decision....The flight looks great and I am sure your birds love it!....With more or less plants either way you did a great job! =D>
...DeBBie...
www.fuzzyfeatherz.webs.com

Image

An African Grey, an Indian Ringneck, a BC Conure, 15 Lovebirds, 16 Linnies, 2 Turquoisines, 10 Budgies, 4 Parrotlets, 3 Cockatiels, 2 Canaries & many varieties of finch

User avatar
managermania
2 Eggs Laid
2 Eggs Laid
Posts: 744
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:50 am
Location: Woodstock, GA

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by managermania » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:14 am

Wow...very cool. Looks great!
Chase

Normal & Fawn Owls, RT Parrots, Cherries, RF & YF Stars, BC Cordon Bleus, Cuban Melodious, Orange Cheeks, Gouldians, Shaftails, Senegal Fires, Normal & Fawn Diamond Fire Tails, White-headed Nuns , Goldbreasts, Societies, and Diamond Doves.

User avatar
B CAMP
Molting
Molting
Posts: 3012
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:11 pm
Location: CLEARWATER,FL

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by B CAMP » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:22 am

=D> =D>
Bill

User avatar
lovemyfinch
Mod Extraordinaire
Mod Extraordinaire
Posts: 10036
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:12 am
Location: St-Hippolyte, Qc

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by lovemyfinch » Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:52 pm

Well done =D> =D>
Janine

shaftails,gouldians,societies,green singers,owls,cubans, and 1 parrotlet
Image

User avatar
6finchfriends
Proven
Proven
Posts: 2346
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 12:21 am
Location: Southworth Washington

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by 6finchfriends » Sat Apr 16, 2011 1:42 pm

Love it! =D> We're trying to figure out what we want to build here so thanks for posting the photo! We've been wondering about wire v.s. plastic mesh.
Trish
8 adorable Society finch ~ 4 beautiful Gouldian finch
~1 Cockatoo~1 Sun Conure~1 Green Cheek Conure~1 Parotlet~1 dog~ many pond fish & a 7ft Red Tailed Boa, Little Niki

flrancho
Novice Nester
Novice Nester
Posts: 438
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:12 pm
Location: Central Florida

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by flrancho » Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:08 pm

Wire mesh is much more sturdy than plastic. It can be used indoors and outdoors. However, it is more costly than the plastic mesh and is also glavanized, which is a toxin to birds. Before the mesh can be used it has to be washed with vinegar and scrubbed.

Plastic mesh isn't as sturdy, but its strong enough for finches. I wouldn't use plastic if stronger birds are going to be contained as well, or if something my try to go through the mesh to get the birds (like a dog, cat or ferret). Consequently, plastic mesh is really for indoor flight use only. It is generally cheaper and is completely non-toxic so nothing special has to be done before attaching it to the frame.
Image

User avatar
trljr14
Callow Courter
Callow Courter
Posts: 189
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:31 pm
Location: budd lake nj

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by trljr14 » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:30 pm

The wire mesh that is galvanized,would of been ok to use.Finches would not chew on the wire,tom.
6 gouldians,12 juvie goulds,2 stars,2 juvie stars,2 societies

User avatar
Sally
Mod Extraordinaire
Mod Extraordinaire
Posts: 17929
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:55 pm
Location: DFW, Texas

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by Sally » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:34 pm

Great job! =D> I agree with Liz, it depends on the species you will house. Going by your signature, you are probably fine with less plants than you would need for some of the waxbills. I would add a swing or two, as finches love swings. You can get the small size grapevine wreaths (like 6") at any craft store and hang those up.
3 Purple Grenadiers, 1 Goldbreast + 1 cat.

National Finch & Softbill Society - http://www.nfss.org

User avatar
nelloyello11
Weaning
Weaning
Posts: 1901
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:50 pm
Location: Buffalo, NY

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by nelloyello11 » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:37 pm

It looks great! I agree with Sally's swing suggestion. My zebras LOVE their swings!
Great job!
Nelissa
Image
1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)

beephonkbeep
Pip
Pip
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:37 am
Location: los angeles

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by beephonkbeep » Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:26 am

Wow, I love it!! Ah, if only I were that handy... or had that much room!

Lucky birds!

User avatar
Flight of Fancy
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:48 am
Location: Tyler, Tx

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by Flight of Fancy » Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:52 am

I think the flight looks very nice. I wish I had room for something that long anywhere in my apartment but I just don't. Or at least not right now... And of course I wish I had someone super crafty to build it for me. :wink:

debbie276
Bird Brain
Bird Brain
Posts: 14789
Joined: Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:30 am
Location: WV

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by debbie276 » Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:10 am

WOW!! You did a great job, love it!
Best of luck
Debbie
long time breeder of lady gouldians:
Green
SF Pastel (SF Yellow)
Pastel (Yellow)
Blue
SF Pastel Blue (SF Yellow Blue)
Pastel Blue (Yellow Blue)

GREAT articles on avian lighting:
https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf
http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56

flrancho
Novice Nester
Novice Nester
Posts: 438
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:12 pm
Location: Central Florida

Re: My New Flight Cage

Post by flrancho » Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:46 am

Thanks everyone for the thoughts.

I can't believe I forgot to mention that there is a swing in there. :) You can actually see it in the picture, right above the left-side door. Yes, my birds do like it. I find my Silverbills and Whydahs love it. The male and female Silverbill will sit together in the swing sometimes, its so cute.
Image

Post Reply