I have been thinking about building a cage for my budgies. What kind of wire can you use?? What kind is safe?? I'm not actually sure about it, I have just been thinking about it and was wondering.

It's not that simple. The safest wire is plastic coated. So you would have to find someone that can build it and then have it dipped.

another wire you can use is normal chicken wire with a good size gauge and make sure that it isn't powder zinc coated because thats poisonous to any bird. when you get new wire give it a good scrub with a diluted mix of bleach (follow mixing instructions on bottle) then wipe it off with a damp cloth (water restrictions and drought) then you can use it safely. if you want an easier, clearer view of the birds then you can paint the wire with acrylic based paint. hope this helps.

thanks,

Sco-tie

Heavy Duty Hardware net is perfect - just make sure you get the plastic kind and NOT the vinyl coated metal kind. I can be found at Home Depot or hardware store by the roll and is usually kept with the chicken wire.

There is a lot of information in the FAQ section about this...here is what is says about chicken wire.

 

Chicken wire is it safe to use?

Categories for this entry

Aviaries, Cages and Breeding Boxes

 

Sometimes the galvanising process leaves an excess of zinc on the wire. Budgies can chew the wire and end up with heavy metal deposits in their system which will kill them.

 

That is a pretty painful way of dying!

 

If you use galvanised mesh of any type, it is best to wash it down with vinegar. This is a dilute acid. Also make sure there are no pieces of zinc hanging on the wire that the bird can break off and digest.

 

Click here for ideas Difference between a cage and aviary

 

 

Last update: 2007-04-12 00:24

Author: Daz

 

You can go here for more information too on building cages. Craftmanship can be excellent but not aways safe for the birds so remember that , I have seen excellent work but not safe truly safe for the bird.

 

http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/faqs/i...tion=show&cat=6

 

Make sure when you are using plastic you are aware that if you have birds that chew a lot like hens, they can chew a hole right through the aviary. This is important to remember .

Heavy Duty Hardware net is perfect - just make sure you get the plastic kind and NOT the vinyl coated metal kind. I can be found at Home Depot or hardware store by the roll and is usually kept with the chicken wire.

 

I have to disagree with the plastic mesh for aviaries and cages. Great for short term use as a holding pen. BUT it is birds we are talking about here and the way they like to chew and hang from the sides of cages by their beaks....you will find the plastic mesh is NOT durable. My aviary has some of it having been installed in the ceiling section by previous home owner. It is breaking down severely...very brittle and bits breaking off that were either caused by the birds or will be dangerous to them should they chew some more. If it weren't for the shadecloth up there as well, my birds would be off flying with the wild ones We only tolerate this as a temporary thing now as we are about to redo that aviary. I wouldn't recommend it as a cladding for bird cage or aviary.