How to Build a Custom Bird Cage

Bird cages are not difficult to build, and can be made with very basic building materials. Wire mesh is often used to enclose bird cages, and standard pine lumber is often used for the framing of custom bird cages. Building your own cage will allow you to understand the construction process of bird cages, as well as lead you to modify this design in the future for building other types of bird cages. Building your own cage will also help you save money, as buying a cage is much more expensive.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 6 Pine boards, 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-12-inch
  • 10 Pine boards, 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-10-inch
  • 6 Wire mesh sheets, 12-inch-by-12-inch
  • 2 small Hinges with screws
  • Staple gun
  • Screw gun
  • 20 Wood screws, 1 ¾-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay two 12-inch boards parallel and 10 inches apart. Lay two 10-inch boards perpendicularly between the 12-inch boards so they are 10 inches apart. Screw through the 12-inch boards and into the 10-inch boards. You should have a 12-by-12-inch frame. Repeat this process two more times so you have three frames with these dimensions.

    • 2

      Stand two of the frames on edge so they are 10 inches apart. Position a 10-inch board between the frames so it is flush with one of the corners of both frames. Screw through the frames and into the 10-inch board. Repeat this process at every corner so you have a 12-by-12-by-12-inch box.

    • 3

      Staple a sheet of wire mesh on five sides of the box. The edges of the mesh sheets must be flush with the outside edges of the box. Staple the last mesh sheet to the 12-by-12-inch frame that isn't attached to the box. The frame that isn't attach will be the door to your bird cage.

    • 4

      Position the frame over the uncovered side of the box so all of the edges are flush. Screw half of two small hinges to the frame, and the other half to the box so this frame can open freely. Use your string to tie the door shut.