Bird cages and aviaries are available in different versions in the trade. You also have the option of building an aviary yourself. This has the advantage that the result looks as you imagine it. This is how your bird feels most comfortable. However, keep in mind that different bird species take up different amounts of space. Basically, the bigger the better. If you are unsure, ask your pet dealer before you build a bird aviary out of wood.
Table of Contents
Step 1: get the necessary material
For a simple aviary, you need a base plate and a back wall as desired. Coated chipboard is suitable for this. You create the frame from wood or aluminum. However, aluminum is used less frequently. It is ideal for parrots, for example, since wooden strips like to be trailed by their sharp beaks. If you choose wood, spruce wood is recommended. Beech or oak is even more robust. Complement normal square timbers with angular timbers. Cross struts provide more stability. If you want to avoid cutting the strips when you build an aviary yourself, have it done on site at the hagebaumarkt. This service is free of charge in all Hagebau DIY stores! Make a sketch beforehand and measure the length of the individual parts exactly.
Flat angles prevent the frame from warping. You will also need wood glue and a staple gun for attachment. An alternative to aviary wire is plexiglass. Although this is more expensive, it is impermeable to dirt. Also provide for the doors. Then a cordless screwdriver and Co. and you can start building your aviary.
Remember: take your time if you build an aviary yourself. In addition, go to work with at least two people.
Step 2: create the basic framework
If you build an aviary yourself, start with the basic structure. You create this by screwing the square timbers with the angle timbers on your base plate and / or fastening them with wood glue. A combination of wooden dowels and glue is also well suited for this purpose. If you are using a fixed back wall, you can do this immediately afterwards. So you already give the scaffold a little more stability.
For the same reason, attach at least two crossbars on each side and on the roof of your aviary. Would you like to build an aviary that can be easily moved to a new location? For this purpose, furniture or container roles are available. Depending on the size of the base plate and the load capacity of the castors, use four or more castors. Pay attention to the flooring in the room in question. It is also important that the bird aviary does not start moving by itself.
Step 3: attach doors
Before you attach the doors to your aviary, measure exactly how much space you need for it. Here too, you use wooden strips that you glue or screw and fasten with hinges at the top and bottom. You have the option of using doors at the full height of your aviary or choosing them smaller and dividing the lower area of the front with a cross strut. Then there is space for a drawer. This makes it easier to clean the aviary of faeces, urine and other waste. Also think about cross struts for more stability when it comes to the doors themselves. The flat angles used to reinforce the frame are also used here. Latches are suitable for locking the doors, which you attach at the top and bottom. Alternatively, use simple hooks and eyes. If in doubt, choose the more stable solution to prevent an “outbreak”.
Tip:
When building aviaries, make sure that there are no pointed screw ends or the like, or file them down thoroughly. How to prevent injuries to birds.
Step 4: attach the cover for the aviary
Now the aviary is ready for you to attach the wire. The following also applies here: Measure carefully before you start cutting. You need individual parts for the roof of your aviary, the side parts and the doors. Always make sure that you have a full square at the edge. So the cladding holds better. In addition, it should reach about the middle of each frame piece. The wire can be attached from the inside with a tacker.
Note: It is best to use special aviary wire if you are building an aviary yourself. This is usually made of stainless steel. If you choose galvanized wire, choose galvanized material to prevent bird poisoning.
Step 5: mount the drawer
The drawer is made of coated plywood. These are insensitive and easy to clean. To the right and left of your aviary, attach side panels made of large boards. Screw these to the front and back of the frame. Before moving your birds into the new home, cover the bottom of the aviary with litter. Check again that the finished aviary is robust and there is no risk of injury.
Extras for aviary construction
If you build an aviary yourself, you will enjoy artistic freedom – as long as your birds feel comfortable in their new home. There are many ways to provide additional comfort. A useful extra is a crossbar, on which you attach one or more feeding bowls for the occupants of the aviary – with a perch in front. Also think about additional seating. Simply attach them to the roof of the aviary. If you want to allow your birds to go on trips through the apartment, you have the option of attaching a trip hatch to the door. The back wall of the aviary can be embellished by using a poster of your choice as decoration. Protect it additionally with plexiglass panes to prevent it from getting stuck.
Are you interested in building your own bird cage, but would like to have more and more precise blueprints?
Then we have the perfect book for you with many different aviaries. In the book we show you exactly how to build your aviary step by step.
