Small quail cage build

[Fishychix]

I know it’s too early to post anything, but honestly I’m just so proud of myself of what I’ve made so far haha. I want to make a large stacked quail cage, but since I’m not really good with tools, I decided to make a small one before I attempt a big one, and this is what I’ve got so far!

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I first found the “poop tray” on Amazon (it’s a 14 x 18 cafeteria food tray, about $4), then figured out my measurements to fit around the tray. In only used two 2x2’s, and cut them into lengths of 14”, 15”, and 18.5” (2 pieces each length per 2x2; 4 pieces each length total) I found the paint at my local Ace Hardware as an Oops paint- only $8 for a gallon! And the wire was from an old rabbit cage someone was giving away on Facebook. Trying to decide if I want a solid back and top. But I’ve got scrap hardware cloth for the floor, and more wire for the front. All in all, it only cost me about $20 out of pocket, and I’ve got enough paint to paint 100 more

If I did my math right, it’s going to be about 2 square feet of space. If I make another one this size, I’d probably make the 14” and 18.5” pieces 1/2” shorter, so the cage fits the tray more snuggly. I’ll post more pics when it’s done

You can use oil drip pans from an auto parts store. Terri from Cotufnix Corner uses those. Theyre around $10 and much bigger.
It’s never too early to post about stuff. I wish I had. It would have avoided a lot of going back to fix stuff.

 

[CaptainCupcake]

I decided to pause building this little coop (just attaching the rest of the hardware cloth should be pretty easy lol) and started on my main cage today, as I need it quick lol. Hopefully will finish it tomorrow

 

[CaptainCupcake]

finished my main coop! Well, close enough, just need to put in the doors for the top and bottom floors, and waiting on some more waterers to come in the mail. YouTube made it look too easy! I used a hand saw, and none of my edges were perfect, so it turned out completely wonky/crooked, so I had to get my uncle to help me finish it. I wanted to paint the plywood, but by the time I got to that point I was so done! Lol

 

[Quaicken108]

finished my main coop! Well, close enough, just need to put in the doors for the top and bottom floors, and waiting on some more waterers to come in the mail. YouTube made it look too easy! I used a hand saw, and none of my edges were perfect, so it turned out completely wonky/crooked, so I had to get my uncle to help me finish it. I wanted to paint the plywood, but by the time I got to that point I was so done! Lol
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Yay! Congratulations on your hard work!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Nice job. Slightly curious, where will the doors be?

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Awesome!

 

[CaptainCupcake]

Nice job. Slightly curious, where will the doors be?

Middle front. Two are in already, if you look really hard in the pic, you can see the door on the 3rd one down is open lol.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Oh they blend in

 

[FloorCandy]

Great work, but I worry if the birds run or panic they might get poked by the bent in wire of the doors, I would bend it outward so they can’t bang against it, or cut it off and file the edges or cover them, a small poke for us can be a gusher or missing eye for a tiny quail. Structurally it looks very sturdy, and roomy for a few sets of breeders. And you made it so quickly!
Edit: doors are time consuming and tiring when you get to the end and are ready to be done already. I have a few tricks for speeding it up, I cut the wires and use the edging you use to protect car doors to cover the edges, I bought 25 yards on amazon for like $15. Then for doors I use cookie cooking racks, which are like $6 for 2 racks at target, big lots, etc.

 

[CaptainCupcake]

Great work, but I worry if the birds run or panic they might get poked by the bent in wire of the doors, I would bend it outward so they can’t bang against it, or cut it off and file the edges or cover them, a small poke for us can be a gusher or missing eye for a tiny quail. Structurally it looks very sturdy, and roomy for a few sets of breeders. And you made it so quickly!
Edit: doors are time consuming and tiring when you get to the end and are ready to be done already. I have a few tricks for speeding it up, I cut the wires and use the edging you use to protect car doors to cover the edges, I bought 25 yards on amazon for like $15. Then for doors I use cookie cooking racks, which are like $6 for 2 racks at target, big lots, etc.

I needed to get it done ASAP as my quail were growing too fast and my previous cage was a POS. I was planning on putting duct tape over my edges but your idea sound WAY better.