How to Build Your Own Macaw Cage

One of the most beautiful and intelligent birds in the world, the macaw, makes a wonderful pet. Because of its size, the macaw needs a fairly large cage. These cages can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased new, but there is a more economical way to make your own macaw cage.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal dog kennel
  • Clip on feeding dishes
  • Clip on toys
  • Bird perch
  • Metal tray
  • Paper lining
  • Lock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the largest dog cage you can find that has bars no greater than 1 inch apart. At minimum, the cage should allow your bird to extend both wings fully at the same time. The metal should be either stainless steal or galvanized to prevent rusting and flaking, which can be hazardous to a macaw if ingested. Also look for a cage that is welded rather than secured with nuts and bolts that pose a choking hazard.

    • 2

      Turn your dog kennel on its side so that it runs vertically if the width will allow. The width of the cage is more important than height for your bird, so only do this if the cage allows plenty of space for your macaw to spread its wings and move back and forth. The bars that run horizontally will provide climbing mobility and ease of gripping. Be sure the bars are stronger than your macaw.

    • 3

      Add several feeding stations to your cage. This will allow you to offer more than one kind of food at a time. Food dishes clip to the bars of the cage.

    • 4

      Attach plenty of durable, safe toys to your cage to keep your macaw from getting bored and chewing on things it shouldn't.

    • 5

      Add a perch that is easy to attach to the cage bars. If there is room, add more than one perch of different thicknesses to keep the macaw's feet in good health.

    • 6

      Add a floor and paper lining to the inside of your cage to collect waste and dropped food. A metal tray makes a good floor, and the lip on the sides prevent spilling when removing it to clean it.

    • 7

      Attach a locking mechanism that your bird will not be able to reach or figure out how to open in order to prevent accidental escape.