A bird is pleasant company. As the owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your pet has everything he needs to live happily ever after. One of these basic needs is a bird cage. Large cages, capable of giving the bird the right amount of space, can be expensive and unattractive. Making one with your own hands will solve both problems! Just start with step n. 1!
Steps
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
You will need plywood or medium density fibreboard about 1.25 cm thick, rough wood with 2.5x5 cm section, four pieces of rough wood with 5x5 cm section, sturdy cage wire (wire for chicken coops or similar), wood glue, wood screws about 6, 35 cm, hinges and a saw. Adding casters is optional if you want to be able to move the cage easily.
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The wood you choose to build the cage should be very stiff such as plywood and the netting or wire should not be painted but simply metallized.
Make a Bird Cage Step 1Bullet1
Step 2. Cut the poles
Cut the raw wood 5x5 cm to the length of 180 cm. These will be the vertical posts.
Step 3. Cut the sections of the front and back panels
You will need the following rough wood cuts with a section of 2, 5x5 cm:
- Two pieces of 180 cm
- Three pieces of 115 cm
Step 4. Cut the sections of the side panels
You will need the following rough wood cuts with a section of 2, 5x5 cm:
- Four pieces of 90 cm
- Four pieces of 84 cm
Step 5. Cut the roof and base sections
You will need solid pieces of medium density fibreboard or plywood, each cut to a size of 90x130cm.
Step 6. Assemble the panels
Secure the narrow side of the long sections to the ends of the short sections with wood screws. At the end you should have two wide panels for the front and back of about 120x180 cm with a bar in the middle. You should also have four square frames for the sides, each 90x90cm.
Step 7. Cut and attach the wires
Cut out the wire so that it is long enough to cover the center of the squares up to the frame. With a stitch shooter, pin the wire to the wooden frame on what will be the inside of the panels. You can smooth the tips and prevent anything from getting caught by covering them with silicone or sealant.
Step 8. Mount the panels
Using suitable screws, attach the front panels to the posts so that the sides are level. Next, attach only one of the side panels on each side, one flush with the roof and one with the base. Set aside the two remaining side panels that will become the doors. You should now have a 90x130x180cm box.
Step 9. Mount the roof, base and castors
With wood screws, join the roof to the base with the posts, two screws for each post. If you want castors, attach them to the posts following the instruction manual.
Step 10. Make the doors
Attach the two remaining panels by placing two hinges on each side, with one half attached to the door and the other half attached to the center of the other side panel. This way, you should get a door on each side of the cage: one at the top for introducing food and interacting with the birds, the other at the base for easier cleaning.
Step 11. Line the base of the cage with a crushed garbage bag, as well as shavings, newspaper, or other suitable material
Step 12. Arrange the food and water containers
You can mount the food dispensers on wire or wood or place them elsewhere in the cage, whichever suits the bird best.
Step 13. Add some playful elements
Birds need perches and toys. Birds spend much of their time perched on a perch. Place the perches at different heights inside the cage. Some nice games for your bird are mirrors, ladders, and bells. This way, you will keep your little bird away from boredom.
