DIY: Metal Bird Cage

DIY: Metal Bird Cage. Metal bird cages provide comfortable, safe and durable sanctuaries for our feathered friends. Building a DIY metal bird cage allows bird owners to save some cash while customizing the dimensions of the cage to fit their bird's unique needs. A DIY metal bird cage may sound like a challenging project, but with a little planning and some simple materials, the process should go smoothly. Follow these steps to build a DIY metal bird cage.

Things Needed

• Drill with a metal drill bit
• 1/4-inch PVC
• Stainless steel wire mesh
• Stainless steel bolts
• Stainless steel wire
• Door latch
• Pipe cutter
• Metal ties

Building your DIY Metal Bird Cage

Step 1

Consider your bird's size and type when choosing the spacing of the wires in your bird cage. Birds require properly spaced wires to grip the cage while climbing without getting stuck or slipping through the bars. Parakeets, for example, require a maximum wire spacing of 1/4 inch, while wire spacing for macaws can span 1 inch. Check with your local pet or bird store representative if unsure of the appropriate wire spacing requirements for your particular bird.

Step 2

Use a drill with a metal drill bit to drill one hole into each end of 4 1/4-inch PVC pipes (you can substitute stainless steel pipes for the PVC). Attach the PVC, which will form the sidebars of the cage, to another length of PVC, which will form the crossbar. Position one crossbar so that the ends of the crossbar align with the top end of the two upright PVC sidebars. Secure the crossbar to the PVC sidebars by installing stainless steel bolts through the drill holes. Attach another crossbar to the bottom of the upright PVC sidebars, and secure the crossbar to the sidebars with stainless steel bolts.

Step 3

Use a measuring tape to determine the center of the front end of the cage. Using your drill, drill holes in the bottom and top ends of the front crossbars. Position a set of PVC pieces upright to form the front support bars. Drill holes at the bottom and top ends of the PVC pieces, and secure them to the holes previously drilled in the front crossbars, using stainless steel bolts.

Step 4

Measure the dimensions of the front opening of the cage to determine the width and height of the PVC needed to form the door. Cut four lengths of PVC with a pipe cutter to form the two sides, the top end and the bottom end of the door frame. Drill holes into and attach the door frame using stainless steel bolts.

Step 5

Cover the PVC bird cage frame with stainless steel mesh, leaving an opening for the door. Use strips of stainless steel wire to secure the mesh to the PVC. Drill in a door latch to the door support to secure the door. Lay down bird litter along the bottom of the cage to help keep it clean.

Warnings

• Fill the birdcage with toys to keep your bird occupied and happy. Install wood perches appropriately spaced in your cage for your bird to comfortably travel across.

Warnings

• Certain metals are poisonous to birds, so always use powder-coated wire or stainless steel for your bird cage frame.
• Wear safety gloves when working with metal, power tools or hand tools to prevent injury.

References

• The Daily Puppy: How to Build a Birdcage
• Pet Care Education: How to build a bird cage