How to Make Outdoor Pet Cages

Learning how to make outdoor pet cages is a great way to allow your companion animals to enjoy the great outdoors alongside you in the backyard or on your property. At the same time, because these kinds of pets are considered prey by various wild predators, taking into consideration the safety of the caged animals is vital. Do not forget that exposing pets to the elements without the shelter of a house is sometimes also somewhat dangerous. When you learn how to make outdoor pet cages, remember that one size does not fit all; follow the steps outlined and you are on your way to crafting a creature appropriate animal habitat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Pad and pen
• Raw materials
• Tools

How to Make Outdoor Pet Cages

1. Determine which pets you want to keep outdoors. The sizes and individual needs of various species will determine the materials used and also the overall size of the outdoor pet cages. In addition, know ahead of time how many pets you will keep per cage. This also is a determining factor when it comes to planning your outdoor enclosure. Finally, decide if this is going to be a permanent habitat for your pet or if it will be a temporary abode when you want your pet to join you outdoors.

2. Know your pet's habitat needs. Pay special attention to the heat and sun requirements and tolerances.

3. Scout out your location. Birds, smaller pocket pets and rabbits abhor drafts. Reptiles prefer areas where they will get a good amount of sunlight but also have the option of enjoying some shade. Dogs and cats need a lot of room to exercise and play.

4. Sketch out the size and shape of your outdoor pet cages on the pad with the pen. For dogs and cats, the building of an outdoor run is preferable to the creation of an off the ground cage, while reptiles will do well either off or on the ground. Rodents, birds and other small animals need to be off the ground to prevent access by local predators and also stinging bugs.

5. Estimate the raw materials you need. Visit various cage related websites to get some ideas of the materials used. While wood is always a favorite, remember that some species--especially rodents--have a habit of gnawing through the wood. Reinforcing outdoor pet cages for rodents with steel mesh or chicken wire is a must.

6. Plan your doors carefully. In some states such cages may be considered an attractive nuisance and any child that might enter your yard and try to get to the outdoor pets becomes your responsibility. Ideally, the locking mechanism should be intricate enough that a child cannot open it easily. At the same time, ensure that predators trying to gain access to your pets will not find the doors easy to open. This is especially true for possums, cats, and coyotes who may find your outdoor birds, reptiles or rodents a tasty morsel.

Tips & Warnings

• Place cheap floor tiles or linoleum on the bottom of any cage to make cleanup a breeze. While naked wood might look pretty, urine soaks in and before long the smell of your outdoor pet cages will be very strong.
• Before buying all the materials needed, price comparable cages and check to see if you are really saving any money making the whole cage yourself. If the cost is comparable, it is up to you to decide if you want to do the job or just buy a ready made outdoor cage.
• Birds chew through wood, and larger birds can chew through a 2x4 in less than a day. Be sure any outdoor aviaries are reinforced with wire mesh.

Resources

• Check out the well designed outdoor cat room of a Utah animal shelter at FurryFriendsHaven.com.
• For ideas involving rabbits, the BunnyRabbit.com website not only offers a number of different designs but also gives you the dimensions.
• Owners of reptiles should read through the frequently asked questions section of the Reptile-Cage-Plans.com website for some amazing fine points many hobbyists forget about when making outdoor pet cages for snakes and other reptiles.