How to Build a Macaw Flight Cage

For large birds like macaws, it's important to have adequate living and flying space. A birdcage or fly cage should give birds room to live, play and exercise. The term "flight cage" is often used to describe large, outdoor bird cages. As tropical birds, macaws should only be kept outdoors in warm weather and need to receive plenty of moisture. Any cage built for a macaw should be made of strong metal, as these birds have very active beaks and a history of chewing their way out of enclosures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fill dirt
• Shovel
• Measuring tape
• Concrete mix
• Water
• 24 footer pipes (about 4-feet long, available at hardware stores)
• 24 PVC pipes (Schedule 40, 2-inch size, about 325 feet)
• Saw
• Fasteners
• Ladder
• Glue
• 12,000 feet of chain link fencing

1. Choose a well-drained site for your fly pen. Fill the area in until the soil surface is 1 to 2 feet higher than the surrounding area.

2. Dig two rows of holes. There should be 12 pairs of holes, with a 15-foot distance separating them. Space the holes at 10-foot intervals along a row. Holes should be 2 to 2 1/2 feet deep.

3. Mix concrete and pour it into each hole, then insert a footer pipe. Leave around 2 feet of pipe above ground. Allow concrete to cure for several days.

4. Use PVC pipe to build the arches. Glue one-and-one-half pieces of PVC pipe together, end to end, to form a length of pipe for the arch. Slide one end of the PVC pipe structure over one of the footer pipes, and the other end over the corresponding footer pipe on the other side of the enclosure. The center of the arch should stand 12 feet off the ground.

5. Run chain link around the outside of the pen. Attach the chain link to the PVC with fasteners of your choice, but never drill into the PVC as this will split the pipe. Run chain link up and over the arches, in the same way. Keep in mind that macaws have very strong beaks, wings and claws. Never use a weak fencing like mesh or plastic, as the birds will break out of it.

6. Fill the flight cage with trees, plants and shelter for your macaw. Tropical birds like macaws require extensive vegetation, perches and water. Provide round perches (for gripping) and flat perches (for standing/resting). Include plenty of toys and diversionary tools. Install a misting system as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide water in the flight cage. Free-standing doors can be opened in the sides of the cage.
• This design will not hold up against extensive ice, snow or heavy weather. Macaws should always be moved indoors in case of such weather.

References

• Flight Cage Plans
• Bird Flight Cages
• Super-Sized Bird Cages for Macaws