Building Custom cage?? Safe lumber?? Wire?? Help!

[jade]

Hi all,
I am looking to build a cage for my servere macaw and I have many questions as to what kind of lumber is safe to use, wire for the cage, wood staining (if possible), etc. I am looking to build something like the picture attached.. Experiences and inputs greatly appreciated!

 

[wrench13]

While its a nice idea, building a parrot cage will be more $$ then its worth. Your Severe Macaw has a very very strong beak and macaws LOVe to chew wood. Plus any wire mesh that will not rust will be zinc coated ( galvanized) and zinc is poisonous to birds. Stainless steel mesh is OK, but tht stuff will cost more then a good cage will. Not the answer you wanted but all true. Good Luck!

 

[Flboy]

Was going to say the same thing! Buy! You and the fid will be much happier- and safer!

 

[Loko]

This is basically what I have, its a really nice size for a conure - maybe a bit small for severe but if you can find one a bit bigger, it wont cost much more. Theres no point in building if you can get something like that for that price - mine was 150 and is almost 3 ft high and wide. The picture you showed is an arboreal reptile cage, not really for a bird. Birds will chew the wood.

http://www.hayneedle.com/product/hq...JtwXnENtQCfvzlQVAmzqA1tBKnBqCkvIBdhoCAzfw_wcB

 

[plumsmum2005]

As already been said I don't think it would last very long which would be a shame after all the work you would have put in.

As a suggestion if you have woodwork talents why not make a stand or a tree as these are very useful, will stand the test of time and usually cost a lot for a decent one to buy so may save you some money. The type I am thinking of are similar to the one Anansi has for Jolly and Maya. Maybe something to think about. I am sure that this is one of the greatest gifts, to give your fid something you have made for them.

 

[svheartsdesire]

Well I guess I'll chime in..yes our guys will chew..that is why Lowes has PC pipe..the wire is the sticking point..GAW wire is used through out the Bird Rescue world..it's only sold in 100" rolls..I was able to sell what I didn't use on Craigs list..I find it very satisfying to build stuff for Ivan..perches,toys etc

 

[svheartsdesire]

Hmm the picture option did not post

 

[Flboy]

Another option, somewhere in New Jersey, one of the major cage builders has a fabrication warehouse! There is a thread, somewhere in here, about it. Apparently they have quite a bit of frankin-cages at insane prices!

 

[Kentuckienne]

Big birds will bite amazingly thick wires in two. Stainless steel wire is the only safe metal. But woven, cable style wire can be chewed into dangerous sharp strands, and solid wire is expensive. Any chewing bird will chew up a wood frame. Used cages on Craigslist are often a good deal, if they aren't rusty, are properly disinfected, and have the correct bar spacing for the bird. If you enjoy being creative you might be able to find one or more used cages, dismantle it into panels, and then reconnect the panels using stainless thingies or PVC pipe into a new configuration. We thought about building a cage for our macaw, but even with all the tools in the world it's a complex job, better suited to those with metal fabrication shops than woodshops.