How To Build A Bird Cage

Pets are a delight for humans. Not only are they regarded as man’s best friend, but are also the latter's favorite entertainers. Hence, it becomes very important to take good care of your pets. In this context, the first task at hand would be to ensure that your pet has a proper house. Amongst all the pets, housing a bird is the most difficult.Building a bird cage means restricting the bird to a confined area, rather than allowing it the wide expanse of the sky. So, it is vital to build a comfortable dwelling for your bird that allows it to feel free even when placed in the cage. In the following lines, we provide instructions on how to build a bird cage that gives utmost comfort and security to your lovely pet.

Building A Bird Cage

Materials Required:

16 (1x2) Fir
2 Rolls 1/2" Wire Mesh
Two Hinges
Small Latch
Bowels and Waterproof Glue
Woodscrews

Directions:

The first step towards making a bird cage would be to cut the raw material according to the size required. You would require 6 uprights in the size 1x2 by 6 feet. Since this is readily available in the market, the only effort you need to make is to keep them aside.
The next step would be to cut the rail pieces. Cut each rail piece 22.5 inches long, with a 60 degree angle cut on each end. Make 13 such pieces - 6 each for the top and bottom and 1 for the top of the door frame.
To make the side panel, attach one top rail and one bottom rail to the each of the 6 upright pieces, by means of dowels and waterproof glue. While the top rail is flush with the top of the upright, the base of the bottom rail will be one foot from the edge. For the door of the cage, place an extra rail 3 feet above the bottom rail.
Now, using dowels and waterproof glue; assemble six side panels together, to form a hexagon structure.
From top and bottom, the cage should have the appearance of a crisscross between the rails, along with an optional support for the bottom panel. Measure the distance between two alternative uprights and cut two pieces of fir to fit between them i.e. one for the top and one for the bottom. For extra support, put additional cross pieces on the bottom, at a 90 degree angle to the main cross piece.
Next step would be to work for the side panel that has the door frame. Put 2-3 foot upright pieces on the side panel, containing the extra rail, to frame an opening for the door. Fasten the bottom of the uprights to the bottom rail. Now, drill 2 holes above each door frame and secure it with woodscrews.
It is the time to wire-mesh the framework. Buy 2 pieces of 2x25' galvanized, welded steel mesh and cut them into 10 5' lengths.
Clip the wire mesh to the top side of the bottom rails. This is important as it would prevent any sharp edges inside the cage. The lower part of the cage would require two pieces of the 2x5' lengths of mesh. Make sure, you run the seam along the support you placed between the two uprights.
While the bottom of the cage is now finished, it is time to work for the sides. Begin with the door panel first. However, ensure that you have some mesh saved to cover the door opening. Set the mesh 1/2" above the top rail, in such a way that while folding it, you would get a smooth finish.
Trim the wire mesh 1/8" smaller than the outer edges of the top rails. Cover the top of the cage in the same way as the bottom is done.
Once you have measured the door opening, craft a frame out of 4 pieces of fir, 1/4" smaller than the frame opening. Nail all the pieces together. Remember, the saved wire mesh you had kept for the door? Trim it 1/8" shorter than the door, on all sides and staple it.
Using the two hinges, fix the door to the door frame of the cage. You can keep the hinges on any side, according to your convenience. Now, attach the latch so that the door is safely and securely closed.
Your bird cage is ready!! You can put your pet inside it.

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