Wooden Homemade Bird Cages

A wooden bird cage can be made at home with only a few hours work. The size of your cage will be dependent on the breed and how many birds you plan to put in the cage. Wood dowels can be used as bars for a small cage, however even the smallest dowels can make a cage look claustrophobic for both the bird and the owner. For best results, construct the frame and door from wood and then enclose the cage with wire mesh.

Things You'll Need

• Wood trim
• Measuring tape
• Saber saw
• Wood glue
• Bar clamps
• Dowels
• Sandpaper
• Hinges
• Hook and eye ring
• Wire mesh (20-lb. test)

Instructions

Building the Frame

1. Measure and cut four pieces of 2-by-2 inch wood trim to 20 inches long. These will form the frame for the bottom of the cage.

2. Place two frame pieces parallel to each other on a flat surface about 20 inches apart. Then place the other two between them at right angles at the top and bottom. Adjust the pieces so they meet and the outside edges are flush. Mark the areas where they meet with a pencil.

3. Apply glue with a brush to the pieces where they meet. Then reassemble the pieces and clamp them together using two bar clamps. Wait for the glue to dry.

4. Remove the clamps from the frame. Mark a point in each corner that is 1 inch from each outside end. Then drill a 1/4-inch hole 1/4 inch deep at each of these four marks. Place a 1/4-inch wooden dowel, 3/4-inch long, into each hole. Tap the dowels with a hammer to make sure they are fully inserted into the holes.

5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to make a top for the bird cage.

6. Cut four pieces of 2-by-2-inch wood trim 30 inches long. This will form the sides of the bird cage.

7. Mark the center of each end of the 30-inch side pieces. Then drill a 1/4-inch hole 1/2 inch deep into the ends of each piece.

8. Brush glue onto the dowels of the bottom frame. Brush glue onto an end of each side piece and into the hole. Then place each side piece onto a dowel on the bottom frame.

9. Apply glue to the top ends of each side piece, and brush glue onto the dowels of the top frame. Place the top frame onto the side pieces. Tap the pieces with a hammer if needed until the dowels are fully inserted in the holes.

10. Cut two pieces of 1/4-inch dowel 6 inches long. Cut another two pieces of dowel 10 inches long.

11. Cut two pieces of 1-by-1/4-inch wood 16 inches long. Cut another two pieces to a length of 26 inches. Put these into position for the frame of a door. Mark their positions and glue the pieces together using a brush and clamps. Allow the glue to dry.

12. Sand all surfaces and edges with sandpaper.

Enclosing the Cage

1. Place two hinges on one side of the door, each about six inches from the ends. Screw them into place with the screws provided.

2. Put the cage on its side so the side where the door will be placed is on the top. Place the door over the side and screw the hinges into the frame. (Ask a friend to hold the door, or place a couple of scraps of wood trim over the frame to give the door support while you are securing the hinges.)

3. Place the cage upright. Then screw an eyehook into the frame and a hook into the door so you can latch the door closed.

4. Cut pieces of 20-lb. test mesh using tin snips to the size of the door frame and the other five sides of the cage. Use a staple gun to secure the mesh to the wood cage frame.

5. Place some newspaper on the bottom mesh of the cage and then set on a table for a new home for your birds.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use galvanized metal in a bird cage as this can be toxic to your bird. Check with your breeder before selecting finishes for your bird cage, or to determine if other materials may be toxic to your bird.

References

• Bird Pet Care: How to Build a Bird Cage
• Starling Talk: Building an Indoor Cage