Can you help me with building an outdoor summertime cage?

Question

I'm toying with the idea of building an outdoor cage for my Amazon. I found a book on the subject, but it's for smaller birds. I need a bird-safe material that he can't destroy in a second, and perhaps some other ideas.

Before anyone jumps down my throat about the dangers of making your own cage, and advises against it, please, let me tell you that I would not do anything to harm my bird, and am, in fact, going to discuss this with my avian vet at my little guy's next appointment.

I can assure you that he will only be in it when there are people outside, will have plenty of shade, safety, and be under constant supervision. When everyone else is inside he will be brought in with us.

Please, if you have any advice or ideas, let me know, and thank you in advance.

Thanks Elaeblue- I thought of that, but on some of the larger crates, the spacing between the bars is too much. I'd prefer spacing to be no more than 1", as I don't want his head to get stuck in between the bars

Yes Wendy Y, I've considered those things. Once again...I'm not going to do anything that would cause harm to my bird, he will be under constant supervision and will be not left out at night either. As far as bird flu goes, I don't think that's really a major concern for him.

Answer 1

I think it is great that you want to give your little guy some fresh air! i work at an aviary with over 10 outdoor flights with 650 parrots in them so i think i can be some help for you.
the directions are way too long to list and ive found a site that shows you step by step what to do, and much better than i could. so here you go!! i hope it all works out for you, good luck to you and your feathery friend!
http://www.parrotchronicles.com/winter2001/index.htm

Answer 2

You have to remember that you do have to worry about pests getting to the amazon. However, if he is going to have constant supervision this probably won't be a problem. My motto is better safe than sorry though! Therefore, I would suggest suspending your cage. As for materials you can go to a feed store and get gaw (galvanized after welding) wire. This is what most breeders use to house their birds. It will need to be treated with vinegar before you build it because it has a power zinc on it. Simply wash it down with vinegar and allow it to dry. 1 gauge 2/3 inch would be fine. You can put it together with a pine frame or do like most breeders do and clip it with metal clips. then you can suspend it from the porch or wherever. Also many breeders use chainlink fencing.

Answer 3

I would not make one I would buy the largest dog crate I could find and use that for the Amazon outdoors. Its completely safe -portable or it can be left outside anyway, most are stainless steel the bird cant break it or bend it I would not think. You can add in any accoutrements you want to it also. The bottom is open so clean up is easier too!

Answer 4

Don't use galvanized wire. That contains zinc which is toxic.

I have always just used a smaller travel style cage when taking my birds outside. It is easy to move around and easy to store.

Here is a link with some travel cages and harnesses:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2003+62745

Here is another link for harnesses, these are the ones I use with my cockatiels and Indian Ringneck:
http://www.fredbird.net/

Answer 5

Have you considered the dangers of an outside aviary - hawks, cats, mosquitoes - bird flu?