making simple balcony cage

[Matija]

Hello guys its been a while,so i want to build a simple cage for about 4 chickens and i wanted to know could i use plastic mesh for windows for it(i dont think predators will attack it at 5th floor.and i would use one side of my parrot meal cage as support(i cant use that cage because its too small.can this be done

 

[Melky]

I would still probably use the 19g 1/2 inch Hardware cloth. Even the chickens can’t peck it. Also need protection from hawks.

 

[BReeder!]

Are you essentially raising them as caged birds? 4 birds on a balcony does not sound like good chicken math. Will they have access to a run and dirt of any sort?
Perhaps consider smaller birds like quail, which can still produce eggs and even meat. I am now raising both chickens and quail. I would not imagine keeping 4 chickens on a balcony. I have just 7 chickens and they have a 4'x10' coop and a run that is ~100 ft^2, and we still let them out into the yard. They need somewhere to scratch, dust bathe, graze, and run/flap around. Perhaps sebrights if you MUST have a chicken species on a balcony.

 

[Melky]

Chickens need 4 sq ft per bird and 10 sq ft per bird in a fenced roofed run ideally.

 

[Matija]

Sorry guys i meant quail
Not chicken
Can i use parrot cage panels for bottom like this and there is about 2/5 inches between bars

And use styrodur for sides,back and roof and front panel of parrot cage for this cage

 

[Matija]

This cage is about foot squared

 

[CoturnixComplex]

This cage is about foot squared

Sorry - how many square feet is it? I wouldn't even keep one bird in anything less than 2-3 square feet They need some room to toddle around and for their sand bath, etc. But if it is 3-4 square feet than 3-4 birds will work fine.

They will appreciate getting the natural sunlight as long as they are out of the wind and elements. I would try to find something for the bottom panel with actual squared mesh, though. Having the long gaps definitely strains their little toes more/lets them stick whole legs through accidentally. I learned this from experience trying to do the same thing, ha.

 

[BReeder!]

Sorry guys i meant quail
Not chicken
Can i use parrot cage panels for bottom like this and there is about 2/5 inches between barsView attachment 1675165
And use styrodur for sides,back and roof and front panel of parrot cage for this cage

I would avoid styrofoam add bits will peck at it and consume it. Add for the floor, 1/2" hardware cloth is best IMO. you could also raise them on bedding material, which is best for their feet but requires plenty of floor space and regular cleaning to keep them out of their own poop. I would recommend a dog crate or rabbit cage/hutch if you are looking to retrofit something to sit quail on your balcony.

 

[Matija]

Sorry guys aqain i didnt phrase properly.i didnt mean i will make new cage 1 foot squared ,i meant this bird cage is foot squared or another words panels are 1 foot squared.and i today thought of another idea do use 2 fruit baskets which are 2 foot squared per basket.(they have square shaped 1/2 inch holes)i will one side from both and conect those sides with zip ties and for roof i will use cage panels