Building A New Cage

[DanteD716]

i have a double Draw/Design & Architecture class... Since I we get through almost everything the first period, we are allowed to go into the woodshop our second period.. I started building a frame from the strips of wood, very light weight, and the perfect width, etc.. Anyways, I finished one fram, 20in. Wide x 20in. Tall. So I am making another fram so I have two boxes and will attatch them with longer peices going horizontal for a flight.

Question: How long should I cut it??
Any ideas for how to add a tray? (I have a spare 30x20 tray so should I use that or go bigger??)

Also, would it be okay if I shaped the top of the cage like a house??? I already got the wood picked out for the door frame I will attatch, i will have a big door in front, and two on the ends of the cage. I just need to buy mesh because I do not think we have any in the shop.

[DanteD716]

Anybody?

[MissEdie]

Sorry, I have no clue

[Ria]

Lol, too many other topics like this one!

For mesh, either the black plastic stuff or galvanized wire. If it's for finches only, some people say the wire is okay if left untreated. if for hook bills like your parakeets, then the wire has to be treated by washing with vinegar and rinsing. I got the plastic mesh at home depot, about $17 for a 3' by 15' roll, whereas the wire was $50 for a 3' by 25'. I'm hoping to build a cage too!

anyway, I plan on no tray, just a wood board covered with a roll of vinyl. then, I'm making small door on the front that run the whole way across the front. they'll be hinged at the top of the door, so it lifts up, and I can reach in to sweep the seed and dried poop off the vinyl. Brian/birdclaws's post gave me the idea.

[Ria]

oh, btw, just remember that birds like the highest spot available - if you make a roof for the cage, they will all want to stuff themselves up there, fighting for space... I personally think if you want a roof, make it separate from the cage so the birds can't really go up there. maybe make an actual solid roof that you could hide a cage light inside! make hinges at the top so it flips open to get to the light. that could be cool!

[cindy]

Dante, if you are looking for a certain type of wire check your local feed stores, sometimes if they do not have it, they can order it. I would still wash it down in the vinegar and water, crub brush and dry well. I go by what our bird club and vet recommended.

[debbie276]

Not sure if this is possible depending on what stage of build you are at but I would make a solid floor with wood going up from the bottom about 7 or 8 inches. All my cages were built this way and it really keeps in the mess and seed hulls. I also made the back and side walls solid, just wire in the front and top.

[DanteD716]

Thanks, I already have te wire situation covered, so no worries about that.. I think I will use the door at the bottom thing like Ria said for the newspaper to come out... I like the idea of wood going up half the age length, but I can go with plexi glass??

Cindy, I will call the feed store! Thank you (just gotta find one first!)

Also on the roof thing, I won't do it, it will just be more mesh!!

And Debbia for your question, I only have the framedone for one wall, but have the rest of the wood pulled aside.

[debbie276]

No reason plexi wouldn't work but be warned plexi scratches easily so be careful cleaning.

[birdclaws]

The things I think are most important about building your own are:
-easy cleaning
-how to keep seed in
-door placement
-where lights will go

[debbie276]

The things I think are most important about building your own are:
-easy cleaning
-how to keep seed in
-door placement
-where lights will go

Nest box placement should be considered too. I don't use lights so that wasn't a concern of mine. And don't forget where the water and food will go. Not a big deal for me because I use dishes on the floor but if you hang them it could depending on the design.

[DanteD716]

Good news! We have mesh at the shop so I am set!! I finished the end frames today, 23x24inches, I forgot to measure the length... Tommorow we are cutting plexi glass for the sides of the cage, I will do the top with mesh, and the front half plexi glass-hlaf mesh so I can put the door on the mesh side, I will also add the slot at the bottom with hinges for eas cleaning. I will also make a large door on top of the cage for catching birds, etc.. For nest placement, I will be making 3 nest boxes (half-open) tommorow, around 7x5 inches. I am going to drill platforms to the sides and back of the cage where th eboxes will sit on top of them.

[debbie276]

In our big aviary we cut a square for the nest box to stick into so that the box itself was outside but the landing to the box was inside. When we remove the box for cleaning etc, we slide a piece of plexi over the hole. That way you don't use up valuable aviary space and having the box outside it's so easy to inspect.
Your plans seem wonderful, I'd love to see pictures.

[wilkifam]

Can't wait to see this Dante!

[DanteD716]

In our big aviary we cut a square for the nest box to stick into so that the box itself was outside but the landing to the box was inside. When we remove the box for cleaning etc, we slide a piece of plexi over the hole. That way you don't use up valuable aviary space and having the box outside it's so easy to inspect.
Your plans seem wonderful, I'd love to see pictures.

that is a good idea, but I would not be able to cut squares out of the plaxi glass, also it is in school so I cannot take pictures until I finish. Lol

Lori, thank you!