Breeding cages

[CQDude]

Ok, I have some frames that were originaally made up for pigeons, I have been using them for benches, lol. I got them from a neighbour of my parents. They are 1m cubed. Was going to put ply on the top and back, and mesh on the rest. Would these be ok for breeding cages ? I know my zebs will breed in them, what about some of the others, like gouldians, stars, cordons etc. I will have 6 cages all up, without stealing the other "benches" out of mums shade house, lol.

[Diane]

viewtopic.php?f=75&t=1449&hilit=+thanks+to+my+dad
These are two of the breeding cages I have. I have had gouldians raise young in these, and RFPF laid eggs.
I always use the whole of the cabinet for one pair even though it could be divided into three.

[dano_68]

Hi CD,

I have bred many Gouldians in breeding cabinets that were about 450mm x 600mm. I had a bank of 6 (3 on top, 3 on the bottom) on a stand. I had the nesting boxes on the outside for ease of entry, checking, cleaning etc.

I would probably use melamine board as it is stronger and warmer than ply. I think ply may be too flimsy and not offer much insulation and if there is one thing Goulds do not like it is cold draughts!

It also better to get wire bar frames made up. They are not that expensive and most finch clubs have people that make them. Otherwise email Australian Wildlife supplies because they have some premade ones, or a guy that can do custom ones. Each frame would cost about $25 each for a custom - under $15 for a pre-made.

So all up, cover top, bottom and both sides with melamine. Only have the front open and use bars with proper sliding doors.

Good luck with your project and be sure to post some pics!

[Matt]

I have plenty of cabinets here. Currently I have gouldians, parrot finches, javas and cut throats in them. All of these species will breed quite well in cabinets. With 1m cubed cabinets you could also include many more species providing they are kept as single pairs only.

[gouldianpaul]

In the past I have bred my gouldians in cabinets similar size to what you have...interestingly I was watching Mike Fiddlers video yesterday and note that the cabinets he uses are 1200 square...so yours size should be fine...cheers, Paul

[CQDude]

Ok thanks everyone, thought they should be ok, forgot I had them until I went down lasst week. Keeping the cold out isn't a problem up here dano, keeping the cold in maybe, lol. Our winters days are about 20-22 on a cool day, nights chill a bit but not to bad. I think mdf would bugger up too quick out in the weather, where well painted ply will hold up better. If I only left the front open on a cage here they would be dead in an hour or 2. Summer before last we had 39 days in a row, over 39 degrees. In my big aviary I only have a roosting box, all the rest is open to capture any bit of breeze they can, albeit a hot breeze at the moment. I have shade cloth on top, but have found a full sheet of 2" cold room panel that must've been left over from the roof on our veranda, was thrown down along the fence, builders must have thrown it there ! ( Yes thats right we put cold room panel under the roofing iron so we can sit on the veranda through the day, lol )

[Diane]

I have bred many Gouldians in breeding cabinets that were about 450mm x 600mm.

So a cabinet measuring 560 wide 400 deep and 400 high would be enough for a breeding pair of gouldians?

[dano_68]

So a cabinet measuring 560 wide 400 deep and 400 high would be enough for a breeding pair of gouldians?

Hi Di, sorry I just went back through my records, the cabinets I was using were 650mm wide X 400mm deep X 540mm high, with 4 perches and removable tray and the nest box on the outside. This was plenty of room.

The dimensions you have given seem Ok except for the high. I actually think this is important for the finches. it lets them nest higher, which makes them feel more secure as well as offering a little exercise flying from the floor to the nest all the time.

[Diane]

Oh well, I thought it was too good to be true. I will stick with the size I have.