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Posted by shereehayes on Mon, 12/10/2007 - 08:46 :: General Discussion
Can anyone tell me if there is a special kind of wire that I need to get to build a bird cage? I have been told that some of the wires out there are not good for birds.
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Posted by shereehayes on Mon, 12/10/2007 - 08:46.
Sheree Hayes
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Posted by karen on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:06.
Don't use hardware cloth - that is dangerous for any bird. Other than that, it depends on the birds you plan to house. Finches and softbills don't chew on wires so most materials are ok, as long as you clean and scrub well beforehand to remove any loose bits of zinc.
Zinc is toxic to birds.
If the cage will house parrots (including budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, ect.) then you must be more careful as they climb the mesh using their beaks and may chew on the wire. It is safest to use stainless steel (very expensive) but many people use galvanized-after-welding mesh. It's important it is galvanized after welding as it's stronger and there are not loose bits of solder. It is coated in zinc so it is also important that you scrub the mesh well with vinegar or ideally let it sit outside and weather for a few months before use, which all helps to remove any lose bits or flakes of zinc. The galanized mesh is fairly safe as long as birds cannot actually break off and swallow a bit of zinc.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI
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