Impossible to find wire for DIY cage

[jdc]

Perhaps galvanized wire is not safe for hookbills, I don't know, but Quality Cage Company out of Portland makes their cages out of galvanized wire, KW Cages out of CA sells galvanized wire specifically made for cages/aviaries. Corners Limited, which makes the cadillac of cages, uses galvanized wire in their cages. If you can afford it, the PVC-coated wire is the best, but it is not cheap. If you are the least bit worried about it, wash the wire down with vinegar, then rinse--this is supposed to remove the zinc that is the problem. Again, I think it is because hookbills grasp the wire with their beak and chew, while finches don't--their beaks aren't designed for grasping.

extremely interesting to see that at least some 'pro' outfits actually use/recommend galvanized material for their own cages. and yes, my thoughts exactly on the chewing hookbill type birds...........
home dep. nearby has pvc-coated hardware cloth, but half inch mesh all in green would be really gross to look at/or look through!!
the 6' and 12' long shelving material is interesting, but pricey again, and not nearly as workable as welded wire or hardware cloth....

You folks are super. thanks.

[cindy]

We always used galvanized steel wire for our hookbill cages. We soaked and scrubbed it well in a vinegar and water solution, rinsing well and sun drying it before using it on cages. We precut the pieces soaked and used a scrub brush to wash well. If the pieces are to big roll them to soak.

I to got my hardware cloth from Lowe's, Home Depot and feed stores. Never had an issue at all. I will be buying rolls of it for our 8 ftL x 7 ft h x 4 ft w aviary we have planned.

[jdc]

We always used galvanized steel wire for our hookbill cages. We soaked and scrubbed it well in a vinegar and water solution, rinsing well and sun drying it before using it on cages. We precut the pieces soaked and used a scrub brush to wash well. If the pieces are to big roll them to soak.

I to got my hardware cloth from Lowe's, Home Depot and feed stores. Never had an issue at all. I will be buying rolls of it for our 8 ftL x 7 ft h x 4 ft w aviary we have planned.

Excellent!

bless you

[cindy]

By the way, we recently priced it out, between home depot and lowe's...lowe's had the best price per footage.

[jdc]

cindy, thanks for the new info.

[Finnie]

Again, I think it is because hookbills grasp the wire with their beak and chew, while finches don't--their beaks aren't designed for grasping.

That's what I thought might be the difference, too.

[ac12]

I use the plastic coated 1/2" wire mesh from either HD or OSH.

I have a few cages that I made, and my experience is that you will not save much $. There are additional costs for such things as frame material, door hardware (hinge and lock), poop tray, etc. The time and effort you spend in making the cage yourself is more than the $ you may save. You can get bulk packages (3 or 4 per box) of 18x18x30 or 16x16x24 at a reasonable price. After making 3 cages, I bought the rest of the cages that I use.

Where it makes sense to DIY a cage is if you have a non-standard size cage that you want to make or are building an aviary.