How To Make A Bird Cage: Simple & Easy DIY Guide (2024) (2024)

For anybirdwatcher orpet bird owner, having a properbird cage isessential tokeeping yourfeathered friendshealthy and happy. While store-bought cagescertainly getthe job done, making yourown custom birdcage allows youto cater to yourspecific bird’s needs.

Crafting a homemadebird cage mayseem intimidating, but itcan actuallybe easy and enjoyablewith the rightguidance. In this guide, we will show you exactly how you can make a bird cage for your bird friend. So, let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

• Building a DIY bird cage allows you to create a personalized and secure environment for your birds.
• Consider the size of the cage based on the number and size of your birds, ensuring they have enough room to fly and exercise.
• Choose the right wire thickness and spacing to prevent your birds from escaping or chewing through the cage.
• Purchase the necessary materials, including wire mesh, wood panels, nails, and untreated wood, to assemble the cage.
• Connect the frames to form a cube-shaped cage, and add finishing touches like a food dish, water bowl, perch, and toys for your birds’ entertainment.

Determining the Size of the Bird Cage

The size of your bird will determine the size of your cage. It’s important to provide your feathered friend with enough room to fly and exercise. Here are the recommended cage dimensions based on the size of your bird:

• Small birds: Budgies and parakeets thrive in a 24 in (61 cm) square cage.
• Medium birds: Lorikeets and co*ckatiels work well in a 35 in (89 cm) square cage.
• Large birds: co*ckatoos and macaws will be happiest in a 60 in (150 cm) square cage.

Keep in mind that these measurements are designed to provide enough space for your bird to fly around and spread its wings. If you have multiple birds in the cage, multiply the dimensions by the number of birds to ensure they all have enough room.

Sketching and Measuring the Bird Cage

Before building your bird cage, it’s important to create a detailed sketch and measure the dimensions of each side. This will give you a visual representation of how the cage will look and help you plan accordingly. To keep things simple, opt for a square shape for your cage design. For a medium-sized bird cage, you will need to create six frames that are 24 inches (61 cm) long.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Start by sketching a cube-shaped design on paper or using design software on your computer.
2. List down the dimensions of each side of the cage, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
3. Visualize how the cage will come together with the specified dimensions and plan accordingly.

Having a well-designed bird cage will not only provide a comfortable habitat for your feathered friend but also enhance the overall aesthetics of your space.

Choosing the Right Wire for the Bird Cage

When it comes to building a bird cage, selecting the right wire is crucial. The wire you choose should be sturdy enough to withstand the birds’ pecking and prevent them from escaping through the gaps. Two key factors to consider are wire thickness and wire spacing.

Wire Thickness

The thickness of the wire is an essential consideration to ensure the strength and durability of the cage. It is recommended to use wire that is at least 0.0787 in (2.00 mm) thick.

Wire Spacing

The spacing between wires is another important factor to consider, especially for the safety of small and medium-sized birds. The right wire spacing prevents them from getting their heads stuck between the wires. Here are the recommended wire spacing options:

• Small birds: 0.5 in (1.3 cm) spacing
• Medium-sized birds: 0.75 in (1.9 cm) spacing
• Large birds: 1 in (2.5 cm) spacing

By selecting wire with the appropriate thickness and spacing, you can build a secure and reliable bird cage that ensures the safety and well-being of your feathered friends.

Purchasing Materials and Assembling the Bird Cage

Building a high-quality bird cage requires the right materials and careful assembly. Here’s what you’ll need and how to put it all together:

1. Wire Mesh Sheets

First, you’ll need to purchase 6 stainless steel wire mesh sheets. Look for these in the screen doors section of your local hardware store. Stainless steel is durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for bird cages. Cut the mesh sheets to the appropriate size for your cage.

2. Wood Panels

Next, you’ll need untreated wood panels to create the frame of the cage. Opt for 2 in x 4 in wood panels, as they provide the necessary strength and stability. Trim the wood panels to the correct size for the frame.

3. Frame Assembly

To assemble the wooden frame, nail the wood panels together to create a square shape. Ensure that the frame is sturdy and well-constructed to support the weight of the wire mesh and your birds. Take your time to align the panels properly and use enough nails to secure the joints.

4. Wire Mesh Attachment

Attach the wire mesh to each side of the wooden frame using a staple gun. Start by securing one corner of the mesh to the frame and work your way around, stapling every few inches to ensure a tight and secure fit. Pay extra attention to the corners to prevent any gaps where your birds could escape.

5. Creating a Door

Create a door opening by cutting a hole in one of the frames. This will serve as the entrance to the cage. Attach a wire square over the opening to create a door that allows easy access for cleaning and feeding. Make sure the wire is securely fastened to prevent any accidental escapes.

Proper assembly is crucial to ensure the structural integrity and safety of your bird cage. Take your time and double-check each step to guarantee a secure and comfortable home for your feathered friends.

Joining the Frames and Adding Finishing Touches

Now that you have the frames and wire mesh ready, it’s time to assemble your bird cage. Follow these steps to join the frames and add the finishing touches:

1. Start by positioning the frames in the desired order, ensuring that the frame with the door is on one side of the cube-shaped cage.
2. Using a nail gun or hammer, secure the frames together by hammering nails into the corners of each frame. Make sure to align the edges properly for a sturdy connection.
3. To protect your floor and make cleaning easier, place a piece of wood under the cage to catch bird droppings.
4. Add a food dish, water bowl, and perch to the cage. These accessories are essential for the well-being of your birds.
5. Consider adding extra toys and accessories to provide entertainment and stimulation for your feathered friends. Birds love exploring and playing, so options such as swings, ladders, and chew toys can keep them active and mentally stimulated.

Remember, safety is paramount when assembling your bird cage. Choose non-toxic materials for all accessories and ensure that all wires and nails are secure and not protruding, eliminating any potential hazards for your birds.

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful bird cage assembly. With the frames joined and the finishing touches added, your feathered friends will have a beautiful and comfortable habitat to call their own.