Hi all,

[Ruby's Mom]

Looking for input on how to secure my Ruby Macaw's Food doors. She has learned to open them and of course, pour out her food and water. She has plenty of toys to keep her busy, but this seems to be her favorite past time. I'm looking at Stainless Steel replacement latches, but I don't think any that I've found will work with this particular style door. I have uploaded a picture of the door for any thoughts. I may just need to purchase another style cage. Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

 

[TiredOldMan]

Welcome
Do you know what brand the cage is so I an try to find more pics of the doors?

 

[Ruby's Mom]

Looking for input on how to secure my Ruby Macaw's Food doors. She has learned to open them and of course, pour out her food and water. She has plenty of toys to keep her busy, but this seems to be her favorite past time. I'm looking at Stainless Steel replacement latches, but I don't think any that I've found will work with this particular style door. I have uploaded a picture of the door for any thoughts. I may just need to purchase another style cage. Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

I don't see a name on it....Here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/X-Large-Ladd...large+bird+cage+for+macaw,aps,126&sr=8-6&th=1

 

[TiredOldMan]

Okay
Does the screw that holds the latch flap have a threaded insert in the cage that it screws into?
If so you could get wing screws that thread into it so you could tighten down the latch so it can't be easily flipped to the side. The wing screw would allow you to easily loosen it so you can access the bowls. This might require a washer between the screw and the flapper to tighten it enough.
Wrench13 knows hardware so he might have a better suggestion

 

[Ruby's Mom]

Okay
Does the screw that holds the latch flap have a threaded insert in the cage that it screws into?
If so you could get wing screws that thread into it so you could tighten down the latch so it can't be easily flipped to the side. The wing screw would allow you to easily loosen it so you can access the bowls. This might require a washer between the screw and the flapper to tighten it enough.
Wrench13 knows hardware so he might have a better suggestion

It doesn't go all the way through unfortunately, thanks for the great suggestion. If I need to buy another cage, do you have any suggestions? I'm willing to purchase another cage and sell this one.

 

[TiredOldMan]

Yes take one of the "latches" off. The screw that holds it on hopefully is a machine screw that threads into an insert affixed to the tubing on the cage. If it is secured with a sheet metal screw then my suggestion won't work.
A machine screw will have a blunt end. Sheet metal screw should have a sharp point and coarse threads.

If you would like you could remove the screw and post a pic of the screw and what is underneath it.

Just looked at the pic you already posted and that is an allen head cap screw. There should definitely be a threaded insert affixed to the cage tubing.

 

[Ruby's Mom]

Yes take one of the "latches" off. The screw that holds it on hopefully is a machine screw that threads into an insert affixed to the tubing on the cage. If it is secured with a sheet metal screw then my suggestion won't work.
A machine screw will have a blunt end. Sheet metal screw should have a sharp point and coarse threads.

If you would like you could remove the screw and post a pic of the screw and what is underneath it.

Just looked at the pic you already posted and that is an allen head cap screw. There should definitely be a threaded insert affixed to the cage tubing.

Definitely has a blunt head, doesn't go all the way through the tubing.

 

[TiredOldMan]

Then there are threads in the tube
You could actually use the existing to screw to try what I'm suggesting. Just tighten it against the "latch". You might need a washer between the screw and the "latch" to make it work.

 

[Ruby's Mom]

Then there are threads in the tube
You could actually use the existing to screw to try what I'm suggesting. Just tighten it against the "latch". You might need a washer between the screw and the "latch" to make it work.

Thank you....I'll give that a try

 

[rheashard2]

Welcome. Join the club. My CAG's #1 pastime is removing food dishes. Toys are ignored until dish removed. Your friend may have the disassemble gene. Look, examine, take apart. Disassemblers spend hours figuring out removal. Out of cage time is examine item all sides time. The advantage is that you can usually reuse item. Demolition genes means giving last rites to item before placing in cage. Use care with some of the ways to secure items. It's getting difficult to find bird safe screws etc. These are increasingly made of or coated in toxic metals. Have fun and enjoy your friend.