Things You'll Need
Instructions
Determine the dimensions of your finch cage and make some notes regarding how big each panel (front, back, top, bottom and sides) of the cage should be. Add two inches to the desired height of the back panel, and four inches to the desired height of each side. For instance, if you want a 10-inch-tall cage, the back should be cut to 12 inches and the sides should be cut to 14 inches.
Roll the stainless steel wire out on a flat work surface. Carefully cut each cage panel.
Use a metal file to clean any rough edges or pointy bits of wire along the outside edges of each cut panel. Set the panels to the side.
Place the cage's back panel flat on the work surface with one side panel to the left and one to the right. Align the top edges of the three panels so they're flush with each other.
Attach the side panels to the back using J clips and clip pliers. Use one J clip approximately every three inches.
Continue to attach the rest of the cage panels with the J clips and pliers, making sure to align each panel so that it is flush along the top edge (remember that the bottom and sides will be slightly longer than the front at this point). Add the bottom cage panel last, affixing so that it is flush with the bottom edge of the front cage panel. Once assembled, there should be an extra two inches of wire below the cage bottom along the back panel and an extra four inches of wire below the cage bottom on each side.
Measure two inches from the bottom of each side panel. Carefully fold the excess wire inward to create a 90-degree angle. The sides should now be flush with the back panel along the bottom of the cage, creating a place for newspapers to slide under the cage mesh to collect droppings.
Cut an opening into the cage front with wire cutters; file the edges. Measure this opening.
Cut a piece of wire 1/2-inch taller and wider than the opening you cut; attach it along one side with J clips. Use a small tension spring to keep the door securely closed.