building a flight cage

sasdrum · Post by **sasdrum** » Wed May 29, 2013 3:30 pm

Hello!

So I'm planning to build a flight cage about the size of my 55 gallon fish tank (48x14x16) for a pair of zebras. I'm not breeding, just think they need the extra space. But I'm trying to work out materials after reading the entire section on housing on the finch info site. (That California Flight Cage is gorgeous!)

I was thinking of building a wood frame out of untreated 1x2" since they're only $0.97/each at Lowes and are easy to cut. For the bottom, I'm looking at plexi so I can sweep everything off it and won't have to keep buying these cage liners I'm currently using. I'm planning to cover the plexi with that plastic work light covers (also sold at Lowes near ceiling tiles) to give them some kind of traction on the bottom. Not exactly sure what they're called, but I use them to keep the cats out my tanks and I can hose them off. As for the sides, Tractor Supply has some 1/4" steel mesh not galvanized.

Is there anything I should pay extra attention to and any suggestions on building and placing doors?

Thanks!

pbax · Post by **pbax** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 11:12 am

Hi, sasdrum. Are you building to suit the size of the fish tank stand? In thinking about 1x2's and wire mesh (without exactly knowing your cage design) you could probably increase your width and height measurements at no additional cost just by using what you need to buy for 48x14x16--just a thought.

1x2's are plenty good enough to frame a very sturdy cage. 1/4" steel mesh worked really well for me. Save your hands by making sure you wear gloves and use a good pair of wire cutters. I found that zip ties work really well to affix the mesh to the frame. Plus, if you ever want to make the cage bigger it's much easier to cut off some zip ties than pull out staples or nails.

To save time and headache on cleaning try to avoid poop ledges. In addition to some small doors to place food and water, you'll want at least one large door for catching birds or placing larger items in the cage. I put small doors in the front and a large door centered in the back so as not to break up my view (but that relies on the fact that I have easy access to the back of the cage).

I know people who've taken the front off an old bird cage and affixed that to a large hole in the wire mesh and, voila, cage doors. If you're building your own doors you might consider a door that swings up instead of sideways so that it naturally closes on its own as an extra precaution.

Happy planning!

chirpy · Post by **chirpy** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:12 am

I am too interested in plotting to make a nice flight cage as the ones they sell arent too attractive. I really want to show case the pretty finches I got.

How does one clean those pretty DIY cages? do they move allt he finches? when they do do they use nets like they do in pet shops as finches are so swift I think i would lose grasp and fly somewhere wehre I can not reach (high ceilings).

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 6:53 am

When I clean I don't remove the birds. Mine fly up to the highest perches and watch waiting for me to leave. Others block off their cages with material or dividers to keep the birds on one side while cleaning the other, then reverse sides.

4zeebirds · Post by **4zeebirds** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 2:28 pm

I recently stopped removing birds to clean cages. Much easier on me and the birds. And the birds don't care-they just sit and watch me ... bird slave.

CGonzalez · Post by **CGonzalez** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 6:42 pm

I recently built a cage that is 5 feet in width by 4 feet deep with a removable divider down the middle. I have front and back doors, so I can close the entire cabinet at night to keep predators out. The cage also has full-spectrum lighting for my pair of Cubans and Diamond Firetails.

chirpy · Post by **chirpy** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 7:44 pm

I see! what about all the debris and poops at the bottom of the cage? what do you use to clean that..
a soft bristle brush, soapy water?
if its DIY in most cases it would be wood is that OK that its not dry before reintroducing birds?
I have read and been told to not put birds in twhen things are wet - like their perches..

CGonzalez · Post by **CGonzalez** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 7:53 pm

At the bottom of the cage I have two trays that I change the paper out every other day.

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 7:53 pm

As long as there are no chemicals left behind their is no reason why the birds can't get their feet wet. I have hosed down my outside aviary and the birds love it as much as they do the rain.

chirpy · Post by **chirpy** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 8:04 pm

Gotcha! I always wondered this.. like "bird touch wet twigs in the wild.. why would pets be so different!" .. ahhh what would I do without you all.. blow my perches with my hair dryer i bet

so i guess when i get my brother in law to make mine he will have to make little drawers for me for trays! hope thats not too hard to do!

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:38 pm

My husband made all my aviaries and cages, not one had a tray. I have used different products over the years like sand, oil DRI and cheap clay kitty litter for bedding. Rather then change all of the bedding I just sift the mess out with a reptile litter scoop.

chirpy · Post by **chirpy** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:45 pm

what a great idea! does the dust affect then at all? well i would think it doesnt since you use it

is this much much easier than having to change paper every day?

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:00 pm

is this much much easier than having to change paper every day?

For me it is

chirpy · Post by **chirpy** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 12:35 am

i will try the litter when i get this cage done.. hopefully this will be the first and last cage i will ask to be built ... BUT WHO KNOWS i see everyone on this forum with lots and lots of cages!

I might end up like this, I would NOT be suprised! I hope my daughter grows up to become a vet lol so I can get discounts with all these animals I am beginning to hoard..

sasdrum · Post by **sasdrum** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:02 pm

I stay busy for a few days and all sorts of awesome comments get left! Sweet! I'm not trying to match a stand. I'm actually planning to build a shelf so I can keep the cage on my wall over some short bookshelves. I just love the size of my 55, so I think that something close to that will fit comfortably. I can totally go a little wider though. Not sure I have room for 2 feet, but I could do 16". I almost bought a "flight" cage at Petsmart today, but realized it's only 22". My current cage is slightly longer than that and it seems too short. So instead I got a tiny cage for travel purposes. I'll be sketching out a design tonight, so I'll post that later today.

I have been thinking about a divider, but I want to stay away from drawers since I'm seriously thinking about getting a couple little pea fowl to go in the bottom later. I have a friend who could get me a few, but I have no clue what species they are, so I'm trying to keep them in mind.
Thanks!

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