homemade bird cage

[fricksmom]

ok folks. If...and I mean if, i were to build my own bird cage. WHAT do i need to use?
what do i need to stay away from (like pressure treated lumber)

I'm not sure i want to do it this way, but i was curious due to a thread I saw on a FB post about a rescue bird going to a home with a homemade cage (there was a bit of a heated discussion regarding safe building materials but nobody put out a clear list of safe materials)
thanks!

 

[fricksmom]

I don't personally want to build one, it was a discussion between me and the hubby.

 

[weco]

It would depend on what kind of birds we're building this mansion for, how many & what size you'd be interested in.....off the top of my head & without giving it any thought, aluminum or PVC framing, aluminum or stainless screening/woven wire, then you could use a good many different non-treated woods for framing also, however, you would need to sit down & seriously think this cage through, to get the best deal for the buck & to make sure you don't end up with a chemical conflict with some of the materials.....but you could make a decent looking cage, given the right design, materials, tools & tenacity.....

 

[JerseyWendy]

Here is a link to some pictures. They built all of their enclosure themselves.

About Us

 

[henpecked]

If you wanted to build your own cage and didn't mind using GAW wire, Then i'd look into 1/2 x 1" wire, I use 14 ga but 16 ga would work fine with a GCC. You don't need any framing. I use SS "hog rings" to assemble but many folks use "J clips". I've built these cages as large as 4'x4'x6'long for amazons. You can buy "cage wire" that is more precise (perfect dimensions) but it is more costly than the regular wire. If you want to look into SS mesh , Goggle ,Amermmens in Lake City, Fla. they sell prebuilt or special order cages along with any supplies you might need. They are the only folks i know of that keep SS cage wire in stock and sell in peices, most folks want to sell you a 100' roll, GASP!!!

 

[mtdoramike]

The only problem I see with these cages are that some of them look like plywood. They use glue in plywood and some glues are toxic to birds.

QUOTE=JerseyWendy;270126]Here is a link to some pictures. They built all of their enclosure themselves.

About Us[/QUOTE]

 

[fricksmom]

ooh, i hadn't even THOUGHT of converting an old cabinet or armoire! dang, now i might have to look into this. All of your suggestions are wonderful. Thanks!
Zinc = bad.

 

[fricksmom]

oh, how big should it be for an eclectus? I recently heard of one that needs rescue.

 

[azdesertrhino]

We've been looking in to a new transport cage for MAC. the Acrylic/Stainless one we use is ok but it is kind of heavy.

My thoughts right now are a high grade aluminum.

I wouldn't use any sort of galvanized. I know some folks think the are safe/acceptable but I prefer to err on the side of safety.

Galvanization is the process of applying a zinc coating to steel or iron to impede corrosion. Zinc is poisonous to birds.

Mac's travel cage before we cut in some stainless screen for air/temperature control

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Mac at the Grand Canyon with the stainless mesh cut in.