Building a bird enclosure

[Cannuck]

I am getting ready to design the indoor and outdoor aviary enclosures that my DH promised to make for me. I was wondering what materials were best to use an/or what not to use. This is a first time project for me and I want to do it right! Any advice and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated! I want to make it big enough to hold at least 15 budgies with room to expand. My future plan is to attempt to breed some rainbows on a small scale. So I would like to accommodate this long term goal.
Thank you Muchly!:)

[damask]

avoid using treated pine, (arsenic) also was down any galvinized iron with 1:10 vinegar wash to remove excess zinc. we also roughen all our perches with coarse sandpaper for extra grip. we also use spring clips to hold them, after the birds have nearly chewed through its easy to replace them.
good luck

[ETAHoffman]

I wish they had a "cage building" permanent thread on this site because so many people seem to want to build their own cages and are always looking for information.

I've built several outdoor aviaries and lots of indoor, breeding, cages. If I can offer any assistance, I'll be happy to. There IS a thread here somewhere where people show their cages/aviaries. I've posted photos of mine several times.

Perhaps they'll give you some ideas.

I use 2X2 pine for the frame(s). After painting the frames, I attach 1/4 X 1/4 inch hardware cloth to the frames. Then, I bolt the frames together with carriage bolts. That makes the basic aviary. Then, I decide on the roof and whatever I plan to do to cover the sides and back.

Your "frames" can be whatever size YOU decide. Remember, however, the hardware cloth comes in set widths and, if you can plan your aviary based on the width of the hardware cloth rolls, it will save you a lot of time, and cuts/scratches, if you don't have to cut the cloth. When I use 48 inch width cloth, I make my panels 48 inches wide. When I use 36 inch, I make 36 inch wide panels. etc.

If you do use hardware cloth and the cage/aviary is to be outside, be sure to use 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Mice CAN go through 1/2 inch openings. (They collapse their skulls and go right through. I've seen it. In fact, while relocating my flock years ago, I had my hens in a 1/2 X 1/2 inch hardware cloth cage and mice got in one night and killed about a dozen English hens. That was a hard way to learn the value of 1/4 inch cloth!) Also, you should wash the cloth in a solution of hot water and baking soda to remove the acid wash put on it at the factory.

Meanwhile, here's a photo of one of my small aviaries. It measures 6 ft. long, 6 ft. high, and 3 ft. deep. All sides, top, and bottom are covered with hardware cloth. You'll notice some Quakers in this one.

If I can help in any way with more suggestions and/or photos of my aviaries during construction, let me know. I'll be happy to.

Tom in Miami

http://i29.tinypic.com/5bp4km.jpg

[Cannuck]

[QUOTE=ETAHoffman;206730]I wish they had a "cage building" permanent thread on this site because so many people seem to want to build their own cages and are always looking for information.

You are very right! You should write an article and submit it here http://www.talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=66

Then this info would always be available. Just a suggestion.

That is alot of very helpful info and I love that design. That is similiar to what I want for outside. My birds would still be indoor birds but I would like to take them outside during the warmer months for some air.

I would love to see a picture of one of you indoor ones too. I hope to build one about the size of an entertainment unit.(4 1/2' high by 5' long by 2 1/2' deep. Do you think that would be big enough to start?

Is it necessary to paint the wood? I had hoped to just leave it as is, un treated and un painted. I am sorry to bombard with questions, I just want to make sure that I do it right the first time :)

Thanks for your help!

[ETAHoffman]

Re: Painting the wood. No. You don't HAVE to paint it if you wish to keep it natural looking. I like the forrest green color and paint my outside cages with that color. If you do paint, let it dry for several days before you introduce the birds to the cage. Also, you mention untreated wood. Absolutely untreated must be used. The treated, or pressurized, wood is treated with arsenic and is very toxic for birds.

I think the size you mention would be adequate for 15 or so birds. Just make sure you provide ample perches so they won't fight over them. Your idea of having it longer than high is perfect. They need as much space to fly as possible.

My indoor cages are breeding cages. I'll take some photos and submit them at another time.

Good luck with your cage. Keep us posted.

[keet_tweet4]

Good info all! I am building one this year, a shed with an aviary.

[Hinamori]

I'm going to try to build one this year for four to six budgies, Right now my birds wings are clipped, So they can't fly, But i will definitely make it LONGER than taller! it's funny that you should mention painting it because i was going to paint little flowers and polka-dots on mine (Just on the outside of course):p Thanks!

[BUUZBEE]

I wish they had a "cage building" permanent thread on this site because so many people seem to want to build their own cages and are always looking for information.


ask & you will receive!

[Cannuck]

ask & you will receive!

OK I am asking! Lol!:D

[BUUZBEE]

LOL... already done. ETA's directions have been copied and stickeyed in that forum!