Instructions for a Simple Outdoor Four Compartment Breeding Cage Unit This project is the making of a four unit, cage suitable for the outdoors. Each unit measures about 2'wide x 18"deep x 18-24"tall and is suitible for a single breeding pair of Diamond doves or Ringnecks. All that is needed is two sheets of plywood, a section of wire and a few other simple materials for this project. (A complete materials list is at the end of this page , along with a tools list.) Start with two sheets of 1/2" plywood measuring 4' x 8' The first sheet is cut down the center into two sections measuring 2' wide x 8' long. One long section will be used for the roof, the other is to be divided. The two end pieces and three partitions are to be marked off. Each piece is 18" wide and 24" tall on one side and 16" tall along the other side, creating an angle for the slant roof. The four doors measuring 6" x 6" can be cut from the remainder. The second sheet is also divided along the center creating one section measuring 2' x 8' for the back wall. The other half is to be marked and cut as a 19" x 8' section for the bottom. The remaining strip can be divided into two equal width strips measuring about 3" wide each. I use galvanized welded wire for my outdoor flights and cages. For Diamonds and other small birds I prefer 1/2" square wire. For this project a single piece measuring 20" wide x 8'2" long is needed. I cut notches out of the two upper corners to allow me to bend an upper flange about 2" wide along the top line and side flanges about 1" wide along each side. Measuring for the center of each of the four units, I cut an opening 6" wide and about 9" tall for the doorways. I find it easier to measure and mark the bottom, back and roof sections first. I mark them for each of the three center partitions at 4' for the center and 2' from each end for the others. The two side panels are to fit just inside the bottom, back and roof. I also predrill along these lines for screws. Setting the back upright on a flat surface, I glue and hold the five sections against the back while putting at least two screws into each section and side from the back. I then tilt the unit onto its back and glue the surfaces. Putting the bottom in place, be sure the it is flush overlapping the edge of the back and there is a 1/2" sticking out the front. Line each of the five sections in place and put in at least two screws from the bottom. Also place a few screws through the bottom into the edge of the back panel. Tilt the section so it is sitting on its bottom and facing you. I then place the wire section onto the front of the unit. The two side flanges will need to be bent to fit just inside the two end walls. Starting in the center, I staple the wire to the center partition. Pulling towards the sides, I then staple along the next two partitions. Adjust your bends on the side flanges if needed and staple the flanges along the insides of the end partitions. Taking the two long thin strips, I mark and predrill them for the ends and each of the three partitions. Place one of the strips onto the overlap of the bottom sticking out the front of the unit and screw it into place overtop of the wire. Measure up from the top edge of this lower strip, just over 6" and mark. This will be the lower edge of the other thin strip allowing enough room for the doors to swing down into place. Screw it into place over the wire as before. The wire section can now be stapled to these strips from inside the units. I also prefer to cut sections of plastic wire edging to cover the wire along both sides of each door opening. This protects both birds and hands. The hinge or hinges can now be screwed to each door as well as any locking hardware. Place each door over the openings and be sure they will swing freely. I hinge mine at the top so they swing downward. Screw the doors and any locking hardware into place. I now cut small sections out of the upper flange of wire where the flange meets each of the three partitions. This allows the roof to contact all of the surface of the partitions. I bend each flange so it is sticking up beyond where the roof will be so that the roof will push down onto the flange with pressure. Another option is to bend the flange outward and staple it along the underside of the roof overhang. I now cut my 1" x 1" perches to fit each unit. I predrill them at angles, then glue and screw them into place. I am sure the height allows for enough head room while mating for the birds to be kept in the units. I use flat perches for my outdoor units as birds may be in them during winter and flat perches will decrease injuries from freezing toes. I also now screw the metal kitchen strainers, that I use for nests, into place. You may want to provide a shelf or a removable nest system. If the insides are to be painted, which I recommend, do that now. If hanging the unit along a wall or fence, it is easier to do this before the roof is on so you can screw from the inside of the units. Once the interior is as you wish, mark and predrill the roof of the unit. There are options here as well. If the unit is going along a wall or fence, you will want the roof flush with the back. If you are placing legs on the unit or it is free standing, you can overlap the roof front and back. The sides will be flush. Glue and screw the roof into place. The roof can be covered with shingles or any other roofing material you may have around. Paint the entire outside with a good exterior paint. The finished unit is rather heavy. You will need help to hang or put into its final place. Tools List At least an 8' flat surface, Circular Saw, Extension Cord, Electric Drill with Bits and Screw Bits, Tape Measure, Pencils, Wire Nippers, Straight Edge or T-Square and Level. Materials List Two sheets of 1/2" exterior grade plywood, 4' x 8'. Section of galvanized welded wire, 1/2" square, measuring at least 8-1/2' x 2'. One section of 1" x 1" at least 8' long. One box of galvanized or coated wood screws 1-1/2" long. Four large hinges or eight smaller ones with mounting screws. Four locking mechanisms with mounting screws. Wood Glue Plastic Wire Edging, at least 4'. Four metal kitchen strainers the proper size for nests (or other nesting options). Exterior Grade Paint Roofing Materials
