How to Build a Birdcage
Many types of birds make excellent pets. They do not require a lot of expensive equipment, but one major necessity is a solid cage that is hard for them to destroy. Depending on the type of bird the "indestructibility" can be a real issue, and will require many repairs over time, which makes learning how to build your own cages, and keeping them in good shape a wise decision. Building a cage is not difficult and doesn't take a lot of tools.
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Things You'll Need
- ¼-inch PVC or stainless steel pipe
- Drill with metal drill bit
- Stainless steel wire mesh
- Stainless steel wire
- Stainless steel bolts
- 2 pipe clamps
- Door latch
Instructions
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Building a Bird Cage
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1
Decide on the type of wire you need for your bird. Parrot species will require a very sturdy wire because they climb on the sides of their cages, use their beaks to test the strength of everything and like to "chew." Other species are generally OK with any type of wire because they do not use their beaks for grabbing onto things. All bird cages should be made with stainless steel, or powder-coated wire, to avoid lead poisoning.
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2
Know what the appropriate wire spacing is for your type of bird. Small birds such as parakeets require spacing no more than ¼-inch apart to keep them from slipping through the bars and keep them from getting caught. Larger birds such as conures and Indian ring necks do fine with spacing ½-inch or less, and large birds such as Amazons, macaws, and most cockatoos can have wire spacing of 1 inch. Always err on the smaller side if you are in doubt. It is much better to have wire spaced too close together than too far apart. Getting the proper spacing is a good idea, though, because larger birds require a larger space to grip on with their feet, and while too big causes problems with getting caught in the bars, too small makes the bars difficult for them to hold onto.
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3
Use pipe for the supports if you are housing a parrot species. Either PVC or stainless steel metals work well, are sturdy and make great parrot cages. If you absolutely need to use wood for the structure of your cage make sure you completely wrap each piece in wire mesh to keep your bird from chewing on it. The size of your cage will vary depending on the type of bird you are housing. Your cage should never be so small that your bird can only sit in one spot. Flight-sized cages are best, but if you cannot build a large cage you must, at least, make the cage large enough to accommodate your bird with his wings fully outstretched.
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4
Drill a hole on each end of 4 PVC or stainless steel pipes to be used as sidebars. Use stainless steel bolts to attach a cross bar (PVC or stainless steel pipe) at the top and the bottom of each of the upright sidebars. Drill a hole to attach a side bar (PVC or stainless steel pipe) at the top and bottom of each side.
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5
On the front side of the cage attach two upright support bars (PVC or stainless steel pipe) in the center by drilling holes at the top and bottom of each front crossbar at the appropriate spacing for a door area.
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6
Drill holes in the door supports for a top and bottom support bar. Create a door frame by cutting the appropriate sized PVC or stainless steel pipes to size and bolting in a square.
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7
Cover all sides with stainless steel wire mesh. Use stainless steel wire to attach to pipes. Leave a space for your door opening. Cover door frame with wire in the same manner.
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8
Attach door using pipe clamps on one side of the door opening. Attach a door latch to the open side of the door support.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Remember to always use stainless steel, or powder-coated wire for your cage to prevent poisoning. Always use safe wood for perches if you want to make rather than buy them. Many local species of wood are poisonous to birds.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit morguefiles.com
