How to Build a Breeder Cage

Many birds do not need a large breeder cage for breeding. The cage doesn't have to be as sophisticated as decorative store-bought cages either. A simple cage used for breeding birds can be built easily with basic lumber supplies, wire mesh and hardware. These kinds of cages are used by private breeders that do the work at their home and also breeders in pet stores. Build your own breeder cage in less than an hour spent in a wood shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 6 pine boards, 2 by 2 by 24 inches
  • 2 plywood sheets, 1/2 by 18 by 18 inches
  • 2 pine boards, 2 by 2 by 15 inches
  • Wood glue
  • Screw gun
  • 12 wood screws, 3-inch
  • Wire mesh, 1/2-inch squares, 25 by 54 inches
  • Wire mesh, 1/2-inch squares, 18 by 25 inches
  • Hammer
  • 64 staples, 1-inch
  • 2 hinges, with screws, 1 by 2 inches
  • Swivel latch, with screws, 2-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay two 24-inch boards flat, parallel and 15 inches apart. Position two 18-inch plywood on edge, parallel and 24 inches apart so the ends of the two boards are against each sheet of plywood. The plywood sheets function as the top and bottom of the cage. Glue the boards to the plywood in this position and screw through the plywood, into the ends of the boards. Use four screws. Repeat this step so another pair of 24-inch boards are secured between the plywood sheets on the opposite pair of 24-inch edges. This is your breeding cage frame.

    • 2

      Lay two 24-inch boards flat, parallel and 15 inches apart. Set two 15-inch boards between them at right angles so the corners are flush. Screw through the 24-inch boards and into the 15-inch boards using four screws. This is the door to your frame.

    • 3

      Fold your 54-inch wire mesh around the cage frame so you have one open side, and so the 54-inch edges are flush with the top and bottom of the cage. Pound 16 evenly spaced staples into each of the three covered sides. Pound eight staples into each board, and four into each edge of the plywood sheets.

    • 4

      Lay your last 25-inch mesh over the door frame so the edges are flush and staple it down using 16 staples.

    • 5

      Position a pair of half hinges against one of the 24-inch boards on the cage frame that make up the open side. Space the hinges 20 inches apart and check to make sure they can fold 270 degrees around the outside of the board. This will ensure the door on the cage opening freely. Screw the hinges in this position using the screws provided. Screw the other pair of half hinges to the door so when the door closes it is flush with the cage.

    • 6

      Screw the swivel latch pieces to the cage and cage door, opposite the side with the hinges and so it is 11 inches away from the top and bottom of the cage. The swivel latch cannot open on its own. This is your completed breeder cage.