How to Build an Acrylic Bird Cage

Acrylic bird cages are similar to other types of acrylic animal cages. They are sheets of acrylic that have air holes drilled through them and are then glued together with an acrylic epoxy. Acrylic bird cages are easy to clean and are not prone to corrosion like metal cages. Acrylic is light-weight, crystal clear and very strong. A birdcage that is held together properly with acrylic epoxy will be strong, durable and should last the lifetime of many small birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Straightedge
  • Dry erase pen
  • 2 acrylic sheets, 1/4-by-20-by-20 1/2-inches
  • 4 acrylic sheets, 1/4-by-20-by-20-inches
  • Acrylic sheet, 1/8-by-6-by-6-inches
  • Drill
  • Drill bit, 1/4-inch
  • Hole punch, 4-inch
  • 2 clamps, 25-inch
  • Metal bolt, 1/4-inch with nut
  • Acrylic epoxy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw 19 lines across the 20 1/2-inch sheet so they are parallel and spaced 1 inch apart. The two outside lines should be 1 ¼ inch away from the edges. Rotate the sheet 180-degrees and repeat this process. Repeat this step with the other 20 1/2-inch sheet.

    • 2

      Drill a 1/4-inch hole where each of the lines intersect on both sheets. Wipe off the remaining lines. These are two sides to your bird cage. The holes will provide airflow.

    • 3

      Drill a 4-inch hole in one of the 20-inch sheets so its center is 10-inches away from each edge. This hole will give you access to the inside of the completed cage.

    • 4

      Position the two 20-inch sheets on edge, parallel and 20 inches apart. One of these first two sheets should have the 4-inch hole. Position the other two 20-inch sheets perpendicularly between them so they're also on edge and 19 ½ inches apart. Glue the sheets together in this position by applying the epoxy to the edges of the 20-inch sheets that are between the other two sheets of acrylic. Place the clamps around the sheets so they are held in this position. They should be snug, but not too tight. Let the epoxy dry according to the instructions.

    • 5

      Remove the clamps from the four sheets and lay the frame flat so the opening is facing upward. Apply epoxy to the edges and glue the 20 1/2-inch sheet to the frame so all of the edges are flush. Let the epoxy dry and repeat this process on the opposite side using the last 20 1/2-inch sheet.

    • 6

      Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the sheet that has the 4-inch hole. The hole should be 10 inches away from each edge that is touching the sheets with multiple 1/4-inch holes and 2 ½ inches away from the center of the 4-inch hole.

    • 7

      Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the 6-inch sheet so it is 1/2-inch below the 3-inch center of one of its edges. Hold this sheet over the 4-inch hole so the 1/4-inch holes are aligned and insert the bolt through the hole. Move the 6-inch sheet to the side and tighten the nut around the bolt. This is the door to your bird cage.