How to Make a Bird Cage from a Dog Cage

Last Updated: May 13, 2022

Want a bird? Don't feel like playing hundreds of dollars for a big enough birdcage? Then this article is for you! You can finally pay a good price for a LARGE bird aviary! Keep reading to learn how!

Steps

1
Get a dog cage. The cage you use depends on the size of your bird. A budgie could go with a medium size, while a parrot may need an extra large! Ensure that your cage can fit the necessary products for your bird’s health, and that it has room for your bird to fly around.
2
Get mesh. You can use fabric mesh for budgies and smaller birds, but harder mesh, or metal mesh, is recommended for larger parrots, like African Greys.

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3
Take zip ties and zip tie the mesh to the four corners of the cage. Make sure to do this and tie the zip ties firmly. When you get to the door, simply tie it to the side that the door opens to, so you can access the cage easily.
4
Add in bedding at the bottom. If you use newspaper, or bird paper, add that in. This will make cleaning the birdcage easier, since bird feces dry fast and will stick to the bottom of the cage.
5
Add in perches. The highest perch will be the one your bird will go on most. So ensure that the highest on is one that will benefit your bird, preferably a natural wood perch.
6
Add in the toys. Add in swings, ladders, mirrors, whatever you want! Make sure the cage is full of toys, but not too many so it is safe for a bird to fly around. Also, make sure they vary, and have foraging toys to have stimulation in your bird's life. Again, go for as many natural wood toys as possible!
7
Add in a food and water bowl, and a bath! Food and water bowls should be kept clean! Bathwater is needed, to help with molting and makes it easier for the feathers to come out, taking some stress off the bird.
8
Add in the bird! The bird will be happy to have a nice, big home. If you just got your bird, give them 1 month to get used to it's new home and cage. If you already had your bird and just making an upgrade, simply give them a few days to get used to the cage.

Community Q&A

Question

Will a dog cage be too big for two ringnecks?

Community Answer

The bigger the cage for your bird, the better. Ringnecks typically are more interested in exploring than cuddling.
Question

Where can I find a cheap dog crate?

Community Answer

They can be found at most major pet supply stores.
Question

Would this work for a zebra or society finch?

Community Answer

Generally, no. The amount of spacing between the wires of your bird's cage is crucial. If the spacing between the bars is too wide, the bird might try to fly through them and get caught, leading to serious injuries or even death.

Warnings

Certain metals and paints used on the dog cage could be deadly to your bird! Lead, Copper, and Zinc are all extremely dangerous! Never use these, both for the cage and the wire you put over the cage. You don't need to worry as much with soft billed birds, as they very rarely chew on bars.

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Be on the lookout for rust! It is very toxic to birds, and can show up when the paint starts to chip off. Use a bird-safe paint to touch up your cage as you see paint chipping, or get a new one.

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