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How to Build a Parakeet Birdcage

The parakeet is a small species of bird from the parrot family, characterized by their long tail feathers and bright colors. Parakeets are native to parts of Australia, South America, Africa and Asia. They can often be purchased in pet stores and kept as household pets in a caged enclosure. Similar to keets or budgies, parakeets live in groups or pairs.

Parakeets are social animals and thrive best when they are in the company of other birds. If you have a single parakeet, adding a mirror to its cage is a good way to make your parakeet feel as comfortable as possible. Given the proper care and habitat, your parakeet can live as long as 10 to 14 years with you in your home.

Things You'll Need

2 pieces of 1/4-inch plywood, (16 inch by 16 inch)
1 length of aluminum rod (16-inches long)
1/2 to 5/8-inch wire mesh (64 inch by 18 inch)
4 bolts
4 large fender washers
8-inch wooden dowel piece
Stiff wire
Drill
Drill bit
Wire cutters
Crescent wrench
Staple gun

Instructions

- 1
  Place one piece of plywood on top of another piece of plywood. Drill a hole that is roughly the size of the aluminum rod.
- 2
  Drill one bolt approximately one inch up on one end of aluminum rod. Slide on a washer and secure it.
- 3
  Put the end of the rod that has the bolt through the plywood and place another washer and drill another bolt on the other side that sticks through the plywood.
- 4
  Add a washer and tighten the bolt with a wrench so that the plywood is secured tightly and the rod is not sticking out of the plywood.
- 5
  Repeat the previous three steps for the other end of the aluminum rod.
- 6
  Take one piece of plywood and drill two small holes on the ends, about 6 inches apart from one another.
- 7
  Cut a piece of the wooden dowel piece 7-inches long. Cut two 10-inch pieces of wire.
- 8
  Wrap one piece of wire around each of the dowel piece ends and poke the other wire ends through the two holes you initially drilled. This creates a perch for the birdcage.
- 9
  Wrap the wire mesh around the two wooden plates and use a staple gun to staple it securely to the wood, maintain tension. Trim an excess wire mesh with wire cutters.
- 10
  Cut an opening in the center of one side of the cage with wire cutters. Create a door for the cage by cutting a small section out of the scrap rod.
- 11
  Bend the loose ends of the rod to act as hinges for the door and cut two or three small pieces of wire to tie the door to the cage. Secure it to the side of the opening in the cage to complete the door.

Animals & Science