How do I Build a Large Bird Cage
Datetime:2012-08-20 Hits:
How do I Build a Large Bird Cage
Pet birds have special needs when it comes to caging. Some birds, like canaries and finches, need cages that re long rather than tall. Other birds, like most parrots, need large cages that can hold lots of toys while still allowing the bird to spread its wings. The general rule of thumb is that bigger is always better. The best way to make sure that your pet bird get the biggest cage that will fit in your house is to build it yourself.
Instructions
1 Determine the size you would like your cage to be. Take into account the size of the bird. A large cage for a sun conure is not a large cage for a macaw.
2 Measure and cut your untreated lumber to size. Cut four pieces for the width and four pieces for the height.
3 Nail the lumber together to form a cube.
4 Pick the side that you would like to be the door. Measure the inside of the frame. Cut another four pieces of wood and nail them together so the new frame fits inside the larger one.
5 Secure the door frame to the cube frame with hinges so the door opens out.
6 Use wire cutters to cut the wire mesh into panels the size of each side of the cube. Secure the mesh to the outside of the frame with staples.
7 Cut 2-inch blocks of lumber, four or six of them depending on how big your cage is, to be used as feet and attach them with nails along the bottom of the cage.
8 Install a slide lock on the door frame to keep the door closed.
9 Place the cage on top of a tray or tarp to keep the bird's mess from landing on the floor.
Tips & Warnings
Make sure the wire mesh is suitable for the size of the bird. The wire should be thick enough so that the bird cannot chew through it.
For larger birds that like to chew wood, either cover the wood with metal sheeting or replace it with PVC pipe.
Very large cages may require additional bracing along the frame to keep the wire mesh from rippling.
Make sure that the spacing of the wire mesh doesn't allow a bird's head, feet or beak to get stuck.
Make sure that no sharp edges are exposed.
