Chook Me!

Cage designs for two way different birds?

ok this is weird i might be getting some baby chicks soon not sure how many though so i need a website with a design plan for a chicken coop and i am getting a blue and gold macaw in a few months and was thinking of making a cage instead of buying one does anyone know a website where i can find cage plans for a macaw aswell

Public Comments

1. You're right about one thing - they are way different:) Chickens and parrots have very little in common, and the housing requirement for each are completely different. While chickens can be kept in a wooden coop with chicken wire fences, macaws and other large parrots cannot. Why? Because parrots chew on everything and use their beak to move around. Materials that are safe for poulty are not safe for chewing, climbing birds. Most cage wire is coated with zinc. Zinc can cause heavy metal poisoning. Wood is a whole different problem. Most of it is treated, and toxic to birds. Macaws chew. Not only would they be exposed to toxin, but also risk ingestion of wood, or escape from the enclosure after chewing it apart. In addition - you can't paint the wood, or treat it with anything. So even if you find untreated wood - you'll have to leave it that way. Untreated wood will absorb moisture, causing mold, mildew and fungus growth. The only practical cage for a large parrot is a heavy duty welded wire cage that is made of stainless steel, or is coated with bird-safe, baked-on enamel powder coat. Both of these will house a parrot safely, without risk of escape, or poisoning. There are custom cages that have wood frames on the exterior of the cage - but the birds can't touch the wood. While these cages are attractive - they are also very expensive. Save your time and your money. If you are going to invest in a bird that may outlive you...make sure it has a decent home that will last for many, many years. If you are looking for a cage, I have a recommedation. Prevue has economical cages for all sizes of birds. Their cages are sold everywhere, but one place has the lowest prices...Future Pets. When looking for a cage, choose the cage you want, find out who makes it, go to their site and find out who sells them, and then shop around. There is a massive difference in pricing from one vendor to another. Here is a great example of an affordable Prevue cage sold at Future Pets for $349: http://www.futurepets.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1&RCAT=700. Here is the exact same cage, at Dr Fosters and Smith for $549: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5059+10346+14410&pcatid=14410