The Rufous-Back's New Home

[JohnBoy]

Those little buggars don't deserve a nice home.

[cindy]

That is a really neat round cage. What did you use as the top and bottom?

[JohnBoy]

That is a really neat round cage. What did you use as the top and bottom?

Hot water heater pans. They look nicer when you use the aluminum pans but they are twice as expensive and when I made these cages I made a gang of them so I had to go cheap. I did a 72" tall one in aluminum. The aluminum pans are slightly over $20 ea., the plastic are only $10 ea.

[cindy]

I have a whole roll of wire and all my tools and clips from years ago...you have given me an idea. MORE CAGES!!!!!

[lovemyfinch]

I have a whole roll of wire and all my tools and clips from years ago...you have given me an idea. MORE CAGES!!!!!

Bitten by the finch bug

[CandoAviary]

Those were very popular type cages many years ago. There was a company that sold plastic tops and bottoms so that you could make different sizes. The metal galvanized would look nice.... it is best to have 2 so when it is time to clean you just lift cage and slide into clean pan. Take your time cleaning the soiled one.
Hubby called earlier from Lowe's and said that they had the screen doors reduced from $35. to $15. Asked if I wanted some....He, he.... does a bear scratch in the woods?
I plan on making a flight with them....he brought me 4 Now to design a flight

[cindy]

Those would be neat on the pool deck, three of them hanging from the covered overhan, staggered at different levels. Surrounded by ferns and orchids. Can you imagine what you could do with different size containers?

JohnBoy, that idea sparks the imagination!

[CandoAviary]

Yes, the imagination runs wild...........
I have used half whisky barrels, fountain/pond forms, decorative planters, drip pans for pots. Just about anything round and deep enough to slide the cage tube into.
Hanging could cause a problem unless you fastened the bottom with a support. I always just let the pressure of the tube attach the top and bottom.

[cindy]

Heavy duty zip ties could secure the bottom. or a hole can be drilled into the bottom container, stainless steel washers, nuts and bolts can be used, just the head of the screw is placed on the inside of the cage. You can use a short enough screw to make it secure and hold but not long enough to stick out to far around the edges of the bottom.

My husband has a metal shop at work, the guys there made me a really nice pan/tray for one of my cages. We bought the galvinized metal sheet from Home Depot.

The pan was made so it had all the edges rolled and corners pinned with no gaps. Bet they could make some square pans and I could make the rest of the sides and top.

I am getting ahead of my self...oh my! Look what you started JohnBoy!!!

[JohnBoy]

To fasten the top and bottom I use springs with hooks attached. You can get them at hardware stores. All you have to do is drill a hole in the plastic and slip hook into hole and place other end hook on the cage wire. See photo.

[cindy]

Do you remember the old tall, skinny cylinder finch cages, they used to use the same method you use JohnBoy.

If I start making more cages, can you image the trouble I can into? Serious finch buying! You got me thinking now.

[CandoAviary]

Looks like Cindy will be getting creative

[Pukasand]

Good luck with your new project, Cindy. I made one like that years ago for my Lovebirds. It was very tall. I used planter drip pans for the top and bottom and hung it with macrame. I got a lot of compliments on something that was easy to make and very attractive. You'll have to post a pic of yours when you've finished.