Planning to build and I am looking for suggestions :)

[nelloyello11]

While I was fighting my insomnia last night, I started making mental plans to build a newset of versatile cages. I currently live in a small apartment, so I am limited on space. But I hate having to be so restrained on letting my birds breed because of that. So the wheels have started turning. I am still in very early planning stages, but here is the rough idea of what I am thinking.

I would like to have a single unit that can be divided into smaller units, that could each house several finches. I am considering a 2 x 2 set-up (2 on top, 2 on bottom), wherein the neighboring cages on each level could be opened up to make one longer cage on each level. I have not yet decided if I want to be able to make it entirely open to create one very large flight or not.
Prospective dimensions of each of the 4 individual units are 40" long x 30" deep, with a divider to increase the length to 80". I originally wanted to go 36"deep, but decided this would be a little too long to be able to reach all the way into the cages. I have not decided on a height yet, but I am thinking between 20" and 24".
I have to work out many details still and then start saving $$$. I really like the look/style of Trish's flight that she built (http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13615) and she is being very kind to share her building plans and info with me.

Some of the things I am looking for suggestions on are:
1- colors - I think I want to do white for the back of the cages, natural wood for the frame, and black for the mesh. Will this help the birds stand out?
2- height - what is a good height for the cages, given the 40x30 length and depth
3- how to build/where to buy slide out trays of these dimensions
4- suggestions for how to make dividers to put between the side-by-side cages. I am not sure if I would want to do solid or mesh dividers either.
5- As far as the mesh goes, I am looking into the plastic coated stuff (though I think it is pricey...), but what size/weight do you all suggest?

This is my first attempt at anything of this nature, and most of my work will be done with a handsaw and a power drill/screwdriver. If there are any other things you can offer advice on or think I may not have considered, PLEASE share!

[nelloyello11]

I just did a roughly-scaled drawing of 30"x40"x20" and I think 20" high is too short...
Unfortunately, I have to keep the whole thing under 60", and I wanted to have some space underneath for storage...
Maybe I will plan about 28" high for each level.

[cindy]

Nelissa, this is a site John sent me a while ago when I was looking for cages to build...it has some ideas and lots of supplies. Start at page two for set up the supllies are further back in the catalog. You might be able to find supplies at a feed store cheaper than a home improvement store, at least some of the items in the online catalog can give you some ideas.

http://clover.forest.net/kwcages/index.html

there are actually two catalogs by the same company, go to the home page to access the two

[nelloyello11]

Thank you very much, Cindy! I will check them out!

[cindy]

Nelissa...on the home page, the stack cage set up...would it be a dream to have a system that collects the seed and debris and funnels it into a bin or tray for easy disposal????

[nelloyello11]

Yes, that would be quite amazing!

[Ria]

well, I can offer one little bit of advice-make 2 sets of dividers, one solid and one mesh. that way, you can have mesh when you want birds to see each other/get to know each other, and solid for doing things like nest checks, cleaning, or separating a pair that you don't want them to have contact.

[nelloyello11]

well, I can offer one little bit of advice-make 2 sets of dividers, one solid and one mesh. that way, you can have mesh when you want birds to see each other/get to know each other, and solid for doing things like nest checks, cleaning, or separating a pair that you don't want them to have contact.

That's a great idea! It never occurred to me that I could make two sets!
Thanks Ria!

[nelloyello11]

Any suggestions for what material I could use for a solid divider? I've never had a divided cage, so I don't know what they're usually made of.

[nelloyello11]

I am having trouble finding black plastic coated mesh. What kind of spray paint is safe to use to paint wire mesh? Do I need to do anything to it before I paint it? Does it have to be painted to be safe?

[Justin-2-finches]

At 80" long, i think you could quite easily and very comfortably split that up into 4 cages 20" each, for breeding, then you have more options when it comes to removing the dividers. And you could keep more pairs seperatly.
For solid dividers just use Plywood, which can be painted.

[finchmix22]

I am having trouble finding black plastic coated mesh. What kind of spray paint is safe to use to paint wire mesh? Do I need to do anything to it before I paint it? Does it have to be painted to be safe?

I bought the plastic black mesh at Home Depot. I also bought the galvanized, powder coated mesh there with the 1/4 inch squares. I'd stay away from paint since the birds often nip and chew at the mesh etc.

[nelloyello11]

I am having trouble finding black plastic coated mesh. What kind of spray paint is safe to use to paint wire mesh? Do I need to do anything to it before I paint it? Does it have to be painted to be safe?

I bought the plastic black mesh at Home Depot. I also bought the galvanized, powder coated mesh there with the 1/4 inch squares. I'd stay away from paint since the birds often nip and chew at the mesh etc.

Thanks very much for the suggestion, Deborah. Unfortunately, I've checked Home Depot, Lowe's and a couple local hardware stores, and everyone only carries plain galvanized mesh, or green PVC-coated mesh. I have had no luck finding it, except online. Given the amount that I will need, shipping costs are looking pretty grim...
The black plastic mesh that you found at Home Depot - is it just plastic, or is it wire, coated with plastic? I did find some there that is just plastic, but it doesn't seem like it would be strong enough to hold perches, dishes, etc...

[Ria]

Painting the mesh shouldn't hurt the birds. Finches don't chew their cages the way parakeets or other hook bills do. I think if you get galvanized metal though, there is some rinse or something you have to do to it because there's something unsafe about it otherwise. I wish I remembered the exact post I saw that.... maybe under the sticky about cage fronts?? I'll post it if I can find it for you.

[cindy]

You can soak and wash Galvanized mesh in a vinegar and waters solution, scrub and rinse well.