Question on my homemade cage :)

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:02 pm

Hi All,

I have a question regarding the cage my husband is building for me. It's going to be mostly wood. Wood on the back, bottom and sides, just the front will me wire with a large door and I was thinking of doing the top all wire so it wouldn't be all enclosed and dark. What do you guys think of a wire top? In the room where the cage will be I have high hats and also natural light from the windows.

Thanks,
Renee

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:22 pm

I plan to have the vinyl mesh on top of my aviary just above the lighting, but I will have plexiglass on the front. I will also have the mesh on the sides. I think you would get better 'air' flow if you have it on top also. Just my opinion, maybe others know better.

I will be putting the mesh on the inside of the wood structure. Hoping to keep down the inside cleaning of the wood frame.

I know Rayray has some really nice breeding cages.

franny · Post by **franny** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:47 pm

A wire top will be good, if you decide to place it anywhere where the light from outside is not sufficient. Then you'll be able to supply artificial light from the top.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:10 pm

Thanks Bill! Right now this is just a very easy and fast cage until we are able to do something better. I plan on putting a piece of lenolium on the bottom of the cage and then just putting the newspapers on top. Figured it would make for easy cleaning. He'll put some sought of primer on the wood I have to ask if there is something water proof.

Thanks Franny, that was my thoughts as well COOL!

I will only be using natural branches from my yard as well. I'd like to make it as natural and private as possible ;)

Renee

franny · Post by **franny** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:15 pm

GOULDYGIRL wrote: He'll put some sought of primer on the wood I have to ask if there is something water proof. ...Renee

No such thing as truly waterproof paint... but having said that... use a good high gloss waterbased paint, or you can use waterbased Verythane in Gloss - it comes in either clear, or in colors. It will be safe for the birds-it is totally non-toxic once dry. And is very water resistant. The high gloss will make it hard for poop to stick to it, too.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:34 pm

GOULDYGIRL wrote:Thanks Bill! Right now this is just a very easy and fast cage until we are able to do something better. I plan on putting a piece of lenolium on the bottom of the cage and then just putting the newspapers on top. Figured it would make for easy cleaning. He'll put some sought of primer on the wood I have to ask if there is something water proof.
Renee

Know how that is Renee.. I plan to do similar on the floor, but someone suggested wood shavings and I'm going to try that instead of newspaper. Just a thought.

Agree with Franny on the paint. Something that won't let the 'poop' stick and will be much easier to clean. You can paint the wood and then go over it with some other product to make it 'slick'.

Not sure what I'll be using, but that all makes sense to me..

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:17 am

You are talking about drawers to pull out to clean the bottom, right? That would make it a lot easier to clean.

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:17 am

Oh, and a divider!

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:16 am

atarasi wrote:Oh, and a divider!

If you're going to use wood shavings don't take the wire to the floor...leave a deep tray or you will have them blowing all round the room.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:11 pm

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I will post a pic when it's finished, hopefully soon

Renee

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:44 am

another option for the bottom of your cage would be to use an absorbent material, such as the gravel type stuff used for cat trays

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:01 am

Someone recommended making a separate bottom and adding whatever substrate, I was thinking of maybe Timothy Hay and I can just lift the cage dump the bottom whenver I need to change. I might still do the laminant on the bottom and newspaper. The bottom will be about 2 in around. Instead of building a draw, etc. I think it might be easier this way. The only problem now that I'm thinking of it is the size of the cage which is rather big and awkward. I will have to discuss with hubby where we will keep it and see.

Renee

BirdCrazy · Post by **BirdCrazy** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:39 am

My aviary has a lineoleum floor and I use hay for bedding. I just buy a regular bale of it at my local feed store. It is even cheaper from a farmer. Timothy hay is quite a bit more expensive. I have to buy that for my rabbits. The birds love the hay and love to nest with it and forage in it for seed heads. It lasts for quite awhile before it needs to be changed too.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:37 am

Yes, I think I'll definetly be using the lenolium, my husband has a whole role in the garage. I was thinking the Timothy Hay would get expensive so maybe I'll just use it occassionally. I think I would have to order regular hay online which could get expensive too with the shipping. I don't think I'll find in the city, although you never know, will have to do some research ;)

Renee

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:38 pm

Would polyurathan be toxic to the birds after it dries??

Thanks all,
Renee