Snake proof cage?

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Beak334

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I have a big problem here in Brisbane Australia. My poor Lori loves to have his cage outside where he can talk (screech) to the wild loris and enjoy a bit of sunshine.
Trouble is if I leave the cage in one spot for too long or an hour or two after dark the carpet pythons move in for the kill. Three times recently I have found a huge snake draped around his aviary trying to find a way in.
If I move the cage to a different spot at the other end of the yard it is only a matter of time before a snake locates him.
I've heard plenty of stories about people finding a snake trapped inside their cages, unable to fit back through the bars because of the large (birdy) lump in their belly.
There doesn't seem to be a snake proof large cage available. They all seem to be made of flimsy wire which can easily be forced open. I like the idea of a light mobile cage that is nice and large.
 

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EEEEEEEEEEEK!
Yeah, same stories applied back in New Mexico... rattlesnakes, among others!

Here are two things people tried, which succeeded as far as I know.

1. The bird cage was rolled into a huge electrified chicken-wire structure which could obviously be armed and disarmed.
2. A big statue of a huge dog was placed near the cage.

I personally would be afraid to leave a bird outdoors unattended due to... bees... marrauding dogs... cats... thieves...

I'm very paranoid about things, that I admit.
 
GaleriaGila said:
EEEEEEEEEEEK!
Yeah, same stories applied back in New Mexico... rattlesnakes, among others!

Here are two things people tried, which succeeded as far as I know.

1. The bird cage was rolled into a huge electrified chicken-wire structure which could obviously be armed and disarmed.
2. A big statue of a huge dog was placed near the cage.

I personally would be afraid to leave a bird outdoors unattended due to... bees... marrauding dogs... cats... thieves...

I'm very paranoid about things, that I admit.
Click to expand...



The electrified chicken-wire structure in which the Bird Cages rolls into it has merit.

Just thinking out of the box here, but would it not be easier to just bring the Parrot in earlier in the day?

Another possibility is to upgrade to a larger sized Parrot's cage. Clearly, you need to watch the bar spacing. The larger bar sizing that will with stands the force of a big MAC or Too, should be successful in keeping all but the bigger snakes out. At that point, the Parrot would likely not even be of interest as they would be after larger meals.

Any problem with smaller snakes that just squeeze in between the bars?

Also: Light and Strong + snake proof! Those words are not found in the same sentence.
 
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I generally bring him in before sundown but every so often something happens out of the ordinary where I'm delayed an hour or two eg. had to work back unexpectedly, broke down, stuck in traffic etc. I've heard snakes can detect the body-heat of a bird from a great distance.
I need a reliable cage that will ensure that the bird is secure overnight in situations where it is unavoidable.
I do have a solar electric fence kit so that's a good idea except he gets visits from lots of native birds. I can picture them getting fried.
 
I'm agreeing with my paranoid missus (because I know what's good for me) but geez there are so many hazards out there that I think I might just not leave the bird out alone. Maybe plan a daily meditation or sun-bath for yourself. :)
 
Perhaps the electrified chicken wire outer cage, but all some wooden perches high up (or other noniconducting material) for wild birds to land on?
 
As previously been mentioned I do think you should put your Lori out unattended full stop! What if something happened and the cage toppled over? Bird ownership is all about reducing risks not creating more IMO.

Why not put his cage out by a chair and both get some sun for a period of time during the day ie breakfast in the garden? This can help with building your relationship as the bird will see you as it's protector and companion.

If the cage was in a more open area with you, your Lori will shout if he sees any predators. (You can use a towel if it is already too hot to create some shade on top.)

In the building you have been putting him it is easier for the snakes to hide themselves in the roof eaves. There is the possibility of the snakes just being there in plain sight for him that this is causing him stress (I'd be scared witless sitting there waiting to be lunch and not able to fly away) and that usually ends up at the Vets.

Please do take care I am sure you would be very upset to give the snake a free lunch.
 
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I have snakes, (nowhere near my birds!) they are too small to harm my birds of they ever did get anywhere near them. However, I don't think any sized bars would keep snakes out. The only option I think would be to fit perspex to all parts of the cage. It would have to fit very snuggly to work. It might be expensive and could make the cage heavy. Also you'd have a new problem of the cage becoming very hot. It's tough and I'm not sure I would risk it to be honest. Perhaps you need to limit outside time instead to only when you can directly supervise.
 
The idea of an outer structure you roll the cage into is a good one. Not sure about electrified, that seems a tad dangerous/overkill. A sturdy wood frame and a fine mesh wire seems like it would do the trick, though a metal frame would probably be better. You could even use materials not typically bird safe so long as the bird can't touch it, which would make it significantly easier to find a fine mesh. Of course if you use metal not stainless steel, it has to be out of reach of your bird as many metals are toxic to parrots if they chew or climb on them! And the mesh would need to be very securely affixed to the frame without even the tiniest gap, or that would defeat the whole purpose. I would make sure it was firmly affixed to the ground below, bolted down or similar. If the snakes burrow and it's a dirt floor underneath, you'd need a protective barrier on top of the ground too, like a concrete slab.
 
In a boutique parrot store I went to they had cages all made out of plexiglass, they were quiet and had all the perches mounted and all that, small vent holes...

I guess you could buy or make something similar....but if I found a snake in my house I'd kill it and cook it for Clark....because we "crush enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentation of the women." ...oh wait that's Conan.
 
Beak334 said:
I have a big problem here in Brisbane Australia. My poor Lori loves to have his cage outside where he can talk (screech) to the wild loris and enjoy a bit of sunshine.
Trouble is if I leave the cage in one spot for too long or an hour or two after dark the carpet pythons move in for the kill. Three times recently I have found a huge snake draped around his aviary trying to find a way in.
If I move the cage to a different spot at the other end of the yard it is only a matter of time before a snake locates him.
I've heard plenty of stories about people finding a snake trapped inside their cages, unable to fit back through the bars because of the large (birdy) lump in their belly.
There doesn't seem to be a snake proof large cage available. They all seem to be made of flimsy wire which can easily be forced open. I like the idea of a light mobile cage that is nice and large.
Click to expand...

Is it possible to apply heavy duty screening to a standard cage to prevent snakes from entering? Would have to be bird-safe metal and great care taken to cover all points of entrance.

I could not in good conscience allow a beloved companion to be eaten by a snake. The stories of snakes captive due to a belly bulge are horrific! :(
 
A wooden frame lined with chicken wire, electrified really is a pretty good idea! It would have to be insulated from the ground, because that’s how these units work. It would also be quite safe! A bird landing on the outer cage would not be affected at all, no different than when they’re sitting on power lines! It would have to be sturdy enough to take the weight of the snake falling on it, because most likely as he drooped down and got zapped he would fall! And as I said, these units are quite safe! High voltage low current, just a bit uncomfortable! In fact as kids, we used to play with these in the cow pastures and see who could hold on the longest! I am wired a bit strange, so I never lost!
 
NO. I'm an electrical engineer, lets just not do anything with electrification without PMing me for days on end ok?
 
I think I should add to my last...... despite the risk to the bird, your kids, you.....Say the snake makes a really good ground connection and an electrified fence connection.....and catches fire...and sets the carpet on fire, and your bird on fire, and your house on fire, and your kids on fire.....don't play with electricity......
 
I LOVE you flyboy.....but um no, those use high votage transformers to........nvm it's for like horses and stuff....just trust me. Good concept, but poor real world applications to a parrot. or a snake.
 
clark_conure said:
In a boutique parrot store I went to they had cages all made out of plexiglass, they were quiet and had all the perches mounted and all that, small vent holes....
Click to expand...

Yes I've seen those, I will look into that.
Thanks for the concern about putting the bird outside.

I weigh up all the odds - he is far too noisy during the day to have anywhere inside or near the house. Once the wild lori's start up at dawn he calls continuously to attract them to his cage. I don't know the db but I think I would go insane or deaf if I was inside with him all day.


The other thing is quality of life. Yes there is risk that his life may be shortened by an unfortunate event but keeping a single bird inside all day is just unthinkably cruel IMHO.
At sunset I bring the avairy inside and shut the house up before transferring him into a small carry cage. I take him out and for a few hours to play. That's the way it's been for 8 years now. I know he is near his max life expectancy but at least I know in spite of the risks he's had the best life I can give him.
 
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in a sense you just have this lori as captive food for your wild pet snakes?

you are getting lots of good advice and some mild outrage,
ignore at lori's peril.

IMHO this whole scenario is a cruel punishment for being too noisy.

Also is a Lori's life expectancy really maxed out at eight?
 
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LOL, good quote ! Back to topic, Plexiglass cage with lots n lots n lots of small diameter holes drilled to give ventilation will work. Snakes will fit between any size bar spacing you might consider, even the spacing on a parakeet cage. Their bodies are made to squeeze in those sort of conditions. I know, I was a amateur herpetologist many many moons ago, with hundreds of snake species, and had all sorts of snakes escape from seemingly impossible spaces.
 
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