DIY housing for macaw?

[ali1]

I have a Harlequin macaw that I plan on making a 6x6 housing for him. A project that I would like to take on and ditch the cage. He is outgrowing the current cage he's in, and i'm afraid there aren't many cages that I feel can house a macaw. Anybody have any ideas on how to dedicate a 6x6 area for a macaw?

I planned on using the wall as one side of the aviary/cage, then taking a few 4x8 sheets of some material and putting them together. Within the 6x6 will be ropes hanging from the ceiling, tree stands, branches, etc. Ofcourse there would be holes throughout the sheets for ventilation. I thought about some fencing, but don't much about them and the concern for galvanized metal. Is plexiglass even an option? Any insight on how to do this easily, properly, and cost-efficient?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Matt]

this thread( http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/18303-new-outdoor-aviary-rio-d.html ) has something that looks like what you want? her outdoor aviary is very awesome. She tells what she used for it also.

 

[ali1]

Thanks for the link. That DIY cage looks very nice, but not something I would anticipate on being user friendly in a home. I guess I can bring it down to scale for a 6x6, but still trying to find some more creative ideas and possibly simpler. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[ann]

i understand if you still want to build a cage but there are lots of great cages for macaws such as this one: A&E Dometop Cage 48x36 - LARGE CAGES by MY SAFE BIRD STORE
its huge but it costs a little more, however it saves you time and labor. plus you know its safe so you don't have to worry about finding bird safe materials. Also if you buy a cage, you can put him in a bird room filled with toys and ropes he can play with when he's out of his cage. if you build one yourself use double welded stainless steel. its bird safe, wont rust, and is super strong. if you build it against the wall stick plexi glass on the wall so you can clean it. make sure its sealed well, so water and food don't get stuck behind it and rot the wall. then use the stainless steel caging in the front so he can climb on it. you can buy cage doors at mysafebirdstore.com. cover the floor in plexi glass and put bird safe cage litter of some sort and put a grate above it so you can scoop up droppings. make sure the cage you build has a stainless steel frame, not wood or the bird will chew it. hope i helped and good luck !

 

[RescueMe]

Most bird safe materials are expensive and require some level of expertise to assemble. A nice looking cage is [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Cage-Co-WI6262-Medium-Walk-In/dp/B003SZP6CG/ref=sr_1_71?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1336457627&sr=1-71]Amazon.com: A&E Cage Co. WI6262 Medium Walk-In Aviary: Pet Supplies[/ame] if you still want to build something, what do you have in mind?

 

[KBEquine]

My opinion is first, if you use a wall as one side of a home made macaw cage, you can expect the macaw to redecorate for you . . . and not in a good way.

Second, I don't know what materials you anticipate for the other 3 sides, floor & ceiling (and if you don't cover the floor, expect it to be redecorated, too), but if you are anticipating putting holes in the sides for ventilation, I assume you are thinking of some sort of wood (that a macaw will consider a chew toy).

In other words, anything the macaw can reach will be chewed & since people give macaws pieces of 2 x 4s for chew-toys, consider the likelihood that the macaw will eat through the wooden part of any cage.

I agree with the folks who suggest buying a cage. If not, you will need to order appropriately sized steel wire cloth (appropriate hole size & thickness) & framing material. Stainless steel would be the cloth of choice to avoid zinc. But you can get & treat galvanized (using vinegar, hot water & sunshine) if necessary. But steel is preferable.

If the framing material is also aluminum or steel, the cost is going to be higher than if it is wooden (untreated wood) which will most likely be chewed. In theory (I've never done this, so can't vouch for it) you could use 6" PVC piping for the framing. Big enough the macaw can't actually bite it, so it SHOULD survive the experience. And should be more cost-effective than some of the other options.

Those are just thoughts - best of luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Tarkus]

Here's one a little bigger than a double-macaw but smaller than a walk-In.
Double Macaw XL 8040FL Parrot Cage by A&E Cages Everything for Birds

Be Big,
Alan

 

[Safira]

Wait, there is a place that sells 3 x3 panels to make bird cages any size/shape.. they have pieces that you can make treys out of, etc.

I'll try to find the website. Someone posted it here once.. It was USA something.

 

[Safira]

Tarkus actually posted this in another forum, but here is a link.

Bird Cages and Primate Cages, Modular Panel Design 1 inch mesh openings by Bird Cages Direct.net

 

[terry52449]

I looked at Rio`s outdoor aviary and looks great. I am a bit concerned about preditors digging into cage or even snakes etc. This is something I would consider though.

 

[Sulphiria]

I was looking around today for macaw cages and found this idea. I love it!

Homemade Macaw Cage Instructions | eHow.com

 

[Birdman.]

Use 2x4s for the frame. If he chews em up just replace. Use clear acrylic for the sides and top and welded wire on the door. I built one that is 5x10x7 and my greenwing is very happy.

 

[Sulphiria]

Use 2x4s for the frame. If he chews em up just replace. Use clear acrylic for the sides and top and welded wire on the door. I built one that is 5x10x7 and my greenwing is very happy.

Can you post some pics? I would love to see it!

 

[Birdman.]

Yeah...I'll put some up tonight.

 

[ali1]

Keep them coming, i'm liking the ideas.

I hear mixed reviews about dog kennels being safe for parrots, specifically the galvanized topic. Are there dog kennels that you know are 100% safe? If there's a specific kennel that will get the job done, that will cut my work and make my life easier.

As for critters/animals getting in, it's not a problem. I am designating a 6x6 area in one of the rooms for the cage. I would definitely like to see screenshots of people's diy cages.

Thanks for the update!