Putting a shelf on top of cage?

[katlovesaandw]

Ok, as some of you know...I got that used Hoei flight cage that is ENORMOUS in my small house. We are working on where things can go.... but trying to find room for it, my vintage phonograph, seating and the chameleon plus DH's obsession with the best placement for TV......

As large and as open as this cage is, I am considering putting a board across the top so I can use it for extra storage. It has a frame and then the wire is inset, so it would support it and not worried about falling in or collapsing cage.

But would the birds be ok if the roof was solid? I know some of you have aviaries, etc. and have seen pics with a solid roof so would think it would be ok....?

Input?

PS: Still cleaning and trying to find perm. spot for it so birds havent been in it yet....we would put roof or board across top before we put them in so it wouldn't freak them later.

[debbie276]

Birds should be fine with a top on the flight, not so sure they will be ok with people reaching in and out putting things on the top though if you use it as a shelf.

[katlovesaandw]

I mean on the outside top.... and then storing a box with their extras, etc. in it.

[Nerien]

Could you put some sort of spacer under the shelf board so that the top of the cage isn't directly closed off? As in raise it up a couple inches, so that light still gets through the top, and any "clunk" or movement of stuff isn't directly on the cage.

Many people have stacked cages and multilevel cages, so the birds will learn to be comfortable and accepting of whatever is going on overhead.

[katlovesaandw]

See this is the cage and i would have hubby cut a plywood piece to cover/rest on the top on outside so it was solid and would hold those nice photo boxes, etc. with extra millet, dishes, etc. in it.

It has a frame so it can easily do it. I know there is a cabinet underneath as well. I am putting their food, rats food containers, etc. there. But in this small house....I try to use any available space for storage, just make it look nice!LOL

TV trays slide behind the couch between it and the wall. Boys have storage totes that fit under the side chair for their gaming equipment, etc.

As it is, the chameleon cage has been delegated to the sunroom/daycare area for now because it was the easiest to move and fit in the space I had there..... sometimes I love my house and other times.... I hate my love my pets and providing the best space for them because it means a struggle to make it all fit AND work for us.

[lovezebs]

I don't see a problem, other than maybe if there was too much weight placed on said shelf. I wish I could do that with mine, but it's shaped like a roof of a house on top. I would have used it for plants. Sigh...

So by the way, where is the open house, and when does the crew get to move in?

[katlovesaandw]

Nerien, I can try! I just thought of this today while I sitting here looking at it and my space.....

Haven't even talked it over with hubby!
Have to check with my FINCH people before I even present it to him!LOL

I just give him the idea and tell him what I want, and what you guys say....and then let him roll with it because he figures that stuff better than I!

As it is, we had it in 1 spot....well, it is right next to the sitting chair which is normally FINE but that is the cats FAV spot to sleep. I was like she would intimidate the birds by sitting there staring and licking her lips.... like TV in 3-D for her.....

So, today I switched it with the vintage phonograph which was in chameleon's spot..... I like it better. Away from doors and drafts, away from CAT'S CHAIR.....

Now to figure how to get the chameleon BACK into living room...

[katlovesaandw]

Lovezebs, they will move in on Friday. I am still scrubbing. We had rain and decided it was better to hand scrub vs. the pressure washer....esp. after someone mentioned paint might blow off since it is an older cage.

And yesterday WAS to be a big cleaning day but my online job had a HUGE issue and I ended up spending most of the day fixing it. We moved things around enough to get the monster cage out of middle of kitchen so I could have room for the daycare kiddos this morning!LOL

So, scrubbing and fixing it up a little every day at naptime SO that Friday when I am off.....we can transfer them.

We will be wiring both doors open(monster cage and current cage) and then wiring them TOGETHER and then nudging birds down thru opening.... at least that is the plan!!LOL
This pic is what it looks like now.... I will post one on Friday with the gang in it and it all bright and shiny!LOL

Still trying to deodorize the bottom cabinet. Smells like VERY old cigarette smoke and lots of it. Doesn't affect birds but will affect anything we put in it.... so trying to get it de-funked!

[katlovesaandw]

I would be careful about the weight! That is for sure. Don't want it to collapse on my babies!

[mayble]

You could always use that space for another cage

[katlovesaandw]

HAHA!
Don't tempt me!!LOL

Though if the chameleon cage was smaller, I would put it on top....LOL

[lovezebs]

Now there's a thought, seeing as you were jus wondering where to stick him. LOL. Also you have the smaller bird cage.... Maybe that could go on top with some new species of babies, maybe a lovely singing canary boy, or..... Am I playing devils advocate here? Shame on me. Chuckles.

Looking forward to hearing details of the big move and how the kids will enjoy their new home.

As to stinky cabinet, have you tried some water and vinigar?

[katlovesaandw]

Not yet....was thinking of using the Odoban which is a germ killer and smell killer..... might try the vinegar 1st as it is less toxic....will have to do that while hubby is at work as he HATES the smell of vinegar...oh what a PITA he is!LOL Thankfully I still love him.....

And YES, not like you have to twist MY arm to add on more!!!
I will just tell hubby that the gang made me do it!LOL

Cham's cage is HUGE but it is a screen cage and I think it is made using a bunch of screen kits basically....so we COULD cut it down some. We bought XXL version for him as he was from abused home and in a 10 gal. tank as a full grown veiled cham. He has permanent facial scarring from not being able to turn around without rubbing face. He moves a lot in his new cage but still doesn't use all the space so cutting it down a bit won't hurt him AND it would make it easier. Hate having my pets where I can't visit with them and right now he is in far from living room......

[katlovesaandw]

So HAHA! Hubby didn't even notice that I had switched the cage and the phonograph console!

Until I pointed it out and said I was testing it for 24 hours like we did the other way......

He agrees that it works better this way.

[katlovesaandw]

Oh and we will check cham cage to see about cutting it down OR move the cham into the birds current cage..... only issue is the crickets.....

But at least he is open to options!LOL