Building Breeding Cabinets

[Daz 0]

As many of you know, I am replacing my breeding cabinets. I thought id do a pictorial of how I do them and try to explain why I do some of the thing I do.

 

The very first thing is to measure up the area that I am going to put them in.

 

 

These cages are to be replaced.

 

The distance is 1850mm. I then consider the configurations.

 

I should be able to have 3 across with a rough width of 600mm. Thats good.

 

The over all height is 2000mm. I have a 200mm stand they go on which will keep the bottom cages off the ground.

That gives me 1800mm to work with. I'd like to have 4 high which will give the cages approximately 450 high. Thats good.

 

Since I have decided on 16mm Malimine for the construction I all ready know that it will be heavy. As this is the case I will make the cages in two sections. 3 cages wide and two high.

 

I now draw the cages. I luckily have access to AudoCAD 2004 on the company computer.

 

 

Now the drawing is made to scale I can work out the Cage fronts. I want 10mm clearance on the side and top but only want 10mm between the cage fronts so I can slide a divider to make individual cages or remove them to have holding cages.

 

I know the area of the cage fronts should be 387 x 596 max.

 

So I can use this to draw the cage front.

 

 

So know I have the "Idea" of the cage front.

 

I have a friend that can make the wire fronts so have commissioned him to do these.

 

 

This area is a bit larger and I can make the breeding cabinet a bit larger to suit.

 

I am going to have 8 breeding cabinet is this area and find that they can be 1300in total width with an overall height of 1800mm as well.

 

As they are not too big, I'll make them in one piece.

 

Again I drawing the cabinets to scale.

 

 

I find that the cage fronts are going to be larger than before.

 

They will be 626mm x 393mm. So to make life easy, I make all 20 cage fronts this size. It is easier to cut down than to increase.

 

Currently the cage fronts have been ordered and I should be picking them up tomorrow. So next weekend i'll will start the construction.

 

Here is what It might look like. These are some breeding cages I was commissioned to do last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These were made from exterior 12mm ply.

Edited March 28, 2008 by Daz

[Ikon 0]

Thanks Daz. This gives me an idea on how to setup my breeding room when I get my new avairy next month. It measures 2.7 wide 1.9 high and 1.8 deep i will split it in two, the flight will be 1.7 wide and the breeding room 2.0.

[Daz 0]

If you want Ikon I can design your Breeding Cabinets on to PDF for you to arrange.

[maesie 0]

Great topic Daz. I'm sure it will be very helpful for those starting out in breeding and/or redesigning their aviaries... Maybe get Elly to add it to the FAQ's???

[Ravengypsy 0]

thanks Daz, this is truely helpful information.... now if I could just commission someone in the US to make cage fronts I'd be set. I am envious though, they are really nice and I love the designs. Hopefully my next perminant aviary will be able to do something like this. Well Done.

[Daz 0]

Thanks Ravengypsy

 

Update time.. We are on schedule. I picked up the Cage fronts on Sunday. 22 of them. The person making them through in two extra because two didn't come up to his standard.

 

I realy couldn't tell the difference. They all looked great.

 

Cost for the "20" cage fronts $300.00au (2 for free)

 

I have arranged the 16mm Melamine. 6 sheets of 398mm x 2400mm 8 sheets of 445mm x 2400mm. Cost unedged is $210.00au.

 

I have changed the design slightly. Instead of 8 cabinet is one bank, i'll have 2 banks of 4. It will be easier to carry them. Melamine is heavy.

 

I have decided to make these 2 banks first. I'll start on Saturday. I'll be taking Photos of the progress to let every one see how I do it.

 

I still need to arrange the trays and perches. The Perches will be made out of 19mm hardwood. Cut square. The other will be 18mm round dowel. The Difference is for exercising the feet and for mating. I am also thinking about a perch for the chicks after they come out of the nest.

[Feathers 0]

Daz,

 

I am green with envy! I am forever pondering how I would like an aviary to be set up. I'd love to be in your neck of the woods to get breeding cabinets made.

 

 

Feathers.

[Daz 0]

Up date time.

 

20 Cage fronts are here.

 

 

628mm long x 393 high.

 

Melamine is here

 

 

I had it cut to width so it's easier to handle.

 

398mm wide for the 2 banks of 4 cabinets and 445mm wide for the 2 banks of 6 cabinets.

 

I also picked up 2 x white plastic coated ply wood for the back panels.

 

 

I still need to get rails and perches. I'll do this Saturday morning. I want to have one bank of 4 nearly finished and in the Breeding room by Saturday Night. Sunday I will at an auction for most of the day.

[maesie 0]

Yah, exciting stuff... happy building Daz!

[Neat 0]

Daz how are your Nest boxes attached???? you didn't state .. Well i didn't see it if you did ?

[Derek 0]

Daz how are your Nest boxes attached???? you didn't state .. Well i didn't see it if you did ?

 

Neat

 

Have a look here http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/index....showtopic=11715

[Daz 0]

Memories.... Got to make up some more nest boxes. Expanding from 14 to 20 cages this time.

 

Well I started this afternoon. I picked up some 19mm x 110mm hardwood amd milled it to 19mm x 19mm lengths. Cut them to suit the cabinets and then using a 1/4 inch round over bit smoothed them. I also cut a slut to go into the cage wire.

 

Cut to length

 

Round over the edges and cut the slot.

 

Now do it 20 times.

 

Tomorrow I'll start on the first bank.

 

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 

I also got a round to doing 6 nest boxes for a produce store. The perches will go in tomorrow.

 

Karen, that is your training cages under neather. Just waiting for the trays.

Edited April 4, 2008 by Daz
additions.....

[Daz 0]

Today's update so far.

 

Cut the panels to size.

 

got the biscuit cutter for joining

 

Cut slots for the biscuits.

 

Cut the dividers.

 

Dry fit....

 

Glue up.

[**KAZ** 0]

I love the way you are showing us the stages in this topic Daz....anticipation is killing me We have pouring rain here today and my current birdroom is leaking again .....cant wait for the new one to go up, but the builder has "gone missing" and now have to find another person to erect the birdroom.

Your topic will keep me distracted :hap:

[maesie 0]

Daz... this is fantastic. I also love the detailed way you are posting this. The close up photos also enable 'wanna be' builders to have a go at something similar too. :hap: However... it is making me want to build something again...mmm thinking cap is on again!

 

Anyway, looking good and I can't wait till they're finished.

 

P.S. Kaz, a builder gone missing??? NEVER!!!!!

[Daz 0]

Gluing time is slow. Waiting for the glue to dry before going to the next stage.

 

 

 

Backs on and the dividers are glued into position

 

Trim the excess from the back panel using a router

 

 

I am now cutting the aluminum front rail that will hold the cage fronts.

 

Timber is driven into the ends after the rail is cut to length.

 

Timber trimed flush.

 

Positioned into the divider. That is what the cut out is for.

 

Dry fit.

 

Liquid nails heavy duty used in the dividers and the ends.

The ends are also screwed.

Edited April 5, 2008 by Daz

[Indz♥ 0]

looks good!!!

 

♥Indz

[Derek 0]

Really good thread Daz but I doubt my breeding cages will look this flash.

[macka 0]

Yes Derek,Iam in the same boat,Iam happy if the cages come out nearly square.I did use hard as nails & small screws.But a very good job Daz, :glare:

[Derek 0]

I notice a lot of breeders use the wire fronts.

 

What are opinions on using the 12mm square mesh. It's much cheaper and you can buy it by the roll. :glare:

Edited April 5, 2008 by Derek

[Paulh29 0]

I notice a lot of breeders use the wire fronts.

 

What are opinions on using the 12mm square mesh. It's much cheaper and you can buy it by the roll. :glare:

 

Here's my effort using bird wire mesh.....but they were built to a budget......not as cool as Daz's but have done the trick..

[Derek 0]

Very neat Paul

 

What material are they made from?

[JimmyBanks 0]

How did I miss this thread until today??? I'm not looking in the right spots... Daz this is fantastic... Like the others have said this is very detaile and helps alot when trying to figure out how to build our own. Thanks a million.

[**KAZ** 0]

I notice a lot of breeders use the wire fronts.

 

What are opinions on using the 12mm square mesh. It's much cheaper and you can buy it by the roll. :glare:

I have a mix of breeder cages. My new ones I built have mesh as I found it easier to arrange nesting boxes off the front with mesh front. Cage fronts didnt quite work out size wise.

[Derek 0]

What other sort of materials do people use apart from ply and as Daz is using here, melamine.