Indoor "Aviary" 2.0: Welcome to the Finch Theater!

[Grant]

Some of you were a fan of my last indoor "aviary" (aka flight cage). I've done it again, and very much improved on my existing design (http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=24997).

This time, my creativity took flight when thinking about a new cage. Half of my birds will be moving to this new home...or...well...theater, that is! What do you think of the new digs?

This cage has inside space of 38"W x 38.5"H x 16"D; the height can increase without the cage floor, which is removable. Some of you may say the depth is too shallow, but I can assure you it doesn't make much difference to the birds--many commercially available "flight" or breeding cages have a depth that only exceeds this depth by ca. 1". I find that it is important to remove any obstacles to flight in the center of the cage; my birds can fly diagonally as well as horizontally--and they love to do so!

So that's that! Enjoy the Finch Theater!!! I hope it inspires.

[dayhiker]

That's amazing, Grant!! Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking of modifying one of he ikea shelves into a fight cage!

[mayble]

Beautiful!

[cronista26]

this is way too cool to be truth !! congrats!!

[Ginene]

Grant
Ok Grant...these are my DREAM AVIARIES!!!! I am all about home decor!!!! You are truly an artist and craftsman. I am so jealous . If you lived closer I would have you make me a French Country one and a Shaker Style one. Too bad they are too big to ship...You could make a lot of money making these for people. Seriously....you have a gift.

[Grant]

Thanks

Ginene

! That's very kind of you! I'm very excited about how this aviary turned out. During the process of building it, I decided it really reminded me of a French puppet theater and so I went with it! The shade (curtain) turned out to be a useful feature, since cleaning the plexiglass on my other aviary really isn't an easy task. It freaks the finches out and I've had a few escapes!

These custom cabinets really are whimsical. Maybe I could sell some on Etsy? In fact, I've been thinking of starting a new line of custom-built aviaries like this one, perhaps inspired by the French birdcages of the Edwardian era. These were magnificent works of art, but probably not so good for the birds. I think I can modify the designs to make something aesthetic and usable. If I stick to two-piece aviaries--like my green one--I think they could be shipped. In fact, I know they can because I thought about ordering an old china cabinet from Pennsylvania and it was only $300 to ship to FL--expensive, but not too bad considering the size of these objects.

Stay tuned for more. I have a local order, and I've also been studying various types of roof architecture (e.g., domes, spires, and mansard roofs). My next one...if I ever have time to build it...will look like a cathedral or a Victorian mansion. For now...my PhD is going to keep me very busy. Almost done!

[Grant]

And by the way, my mom will probably find this hilarious. She told me recently (before I started building these) that, when I was a kid, I used to design elaborate cages for various types of animals and then I would beg for them for months. I guess it makes sense that I'm still doing it; it's innate! haha

[Ginene]

Grant
You are killing me!!! Edwardian Era cages??? Put one of those on etsy and i will work extra hours to purchase one! If you can work a bit of Toile in there, i just may sell my soul for it! Like I said...definalely a gift!!! Cant wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. Best of luck with your PhD. Wish I had the guts to go for one. Swore I'd never go back after my MS.

[EyesofFreedom]

just had to say that is AWESOME!!!!

[Shelleypg1919]

A-MAZING!! LOVE IT! I would possibly be interested in one as well (not sure how expensive... but I am sure worth it).

What are you getting your PhD in? I just finished my masters and am thinking of going for the next degree.

[Casper]

just beautiful!

i love the blind concept, i might even steal the idea, my cage has removable curtains on both end and the front but they are pulling at the material and making little holes, with the blind you could set it small distance away and make it harder for them to pull at!!!

Love it!

[wilkifam]

WOW, Stunning, Beautiful, Well thought out! Not enough words to describe how cool that is.

[Perfex]

Love the new improved design! Especially love the roller blind feature, brilliant! I know what you mean about freaking out the finches cleaning the glass! Love it, thanks for sharing.

[Ginene]

Grant
Hey Grant...I was laying down in my son's room last night and found myself turning his armoire into a flight cage (in my mind, of coarse ). It has a great size upper half that would be AMAZING for birds. The bottom has drawers for storage rather than doors, but I think its do-able. You got my mind going and the possibilities are endless.

[finchandlovebird]