Birdie Pets

Help! Building a cage

Question:

What do you think of a PVC pipe frame? I am currently building an indoor aviary and using PVC pipe for the frame. Just like tinker toys! I opted against wood since I was concerned about waterproofing and toxic treatments. Also, the PVC pipe frame can be pulled apart if I ever need to move the aviary. Mimi

Response:

> What do you think of a PVC pipe frame? I am currently building an indoor aviary > and using PVC pipe for the frame. Just like tinker toys! > I opted against wood since I was concerned about waterproofing and toxic > treatments. Also, the PVC pipe frame can be pulled apart if I ever need to move > the aviary. > Mimi

How do you attach the wire? Jim — If you respond by email, please include text of my mail or post. Thanks.

Response:

>How do you attach the wire? >Jim

For my aviary–for softbills–I am using non-toxic plastic mesh, not very heavy. I am attaching the mesh to the PVC with heavy-duty fishing line. For wire mesh, I would probably use stainless steel wire. Mimi

Response:

Hi, Our family has decided to add to our Zoo of animals, and get a Cockatiel.  It’s our first bird, but most likely not our last.  I have a large home on plenty of land, so we have the space.  We are looking at a hand fed baby, and will purchase a ‘travel’ cage initially.  But I want to build a cage. I know birds chew wood (which would be the easiest way to make a frame).  I did see some wood cages lined with wire in the pet store.  So here are some questions: * What type of wire is NOT safe for birds (not size, but composition) if any? * I’ve read hardwoods make good frames, but not oak?  What hardwoods are safe. * I may use acrylic, and have a nice plan for that, but what about plexiglass? I guess the bottom line is what can I NOT use as far as materials. Thanks for any help/suggestions….. Ron

Response:

Hey Ron, One of the ongoing topics here is galvanized roll wire and the toxicity problem it can pose.  Many people have used this type of wire for years and longer without a problem, but each user should be aware of the risks involved.  Here are two links that are some web companies’ disclaimers Sewllands: http://www.keyinfo.com/bird/pages/supplies/swelland/warning.html California Cage Works:  (in Directions and Warnings section) http://www.keyinfo.com/bird/pages/supplies/swelland/warning.html -Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > Our family has decided to add to our Zoo of animals, and get a > Cockatiel.  It’s our first bird, but most likely not our last.  I have a > large home on plenty of land, so we have the space.  We are looking at a > hand fed baby, and will purchase a ‘travel’ cage initially.  But I want > to build a cage. > I know birds chew wood (which would be the easiest way to make a > frame).  I did see some wood cages lined with wire in the pet store.  So > here are some questions: > * What type of wire is NOT safe for birds (not size, but composition) if > any? > * I’ve read hardwoods make good frames, but not oak?  What hardwoods are > safe. > * I may use acrylic, and have a nice plan for that, but what about > plexiglass? > I guess the bottom line is what can I NOT use as far as materials. > Thanks for any help/suggestions….. > Ron

Response:

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