Homemade Bird Aviaries and Flight Cages

I’ve converted several pieces of furniture into large furniture style flight cages and indoor bird aviaries. The large size allows ample room for our budgie parakeets to fly and play. The glass doors offer unobstructed viewing, easy access, and keep feathers, dander, seeds and hulls contained within.

Wood and glass display cabinet converted into 6' long x 3' high x 2' deep budgie parakeet indoor aviary or flight cage.

Above photo: I bought a wood and glass display cabinet and retrofitted it into a large flight cage. It measures 6 feet long x 3 feet high x 2 feet deep and can comfortably house a dozen budgies. I removed the top glass and replaced it with a ventilation panel and removed the back glass and replaced it with a white board. I scrubbed the wood finish with hot soapy water, then vinegar, then treated it with organic sesame oil. It currently sits on a 6′ long folding table, although a dresser or cabinet placed under it would offer valuable storage space under the enclosure.

I hung natural tree branch perches (a product called “Wacky Wood”), rope “boings”, swings and toys from the sturdy top ventilation panel using large plastic chain and zip ties. A full-spectrum light sits on top of the ventilation panel and is turned on and off automatically by a timer.

4' x 3' glass and chrome display case converted into budgie parakeet flight cage.

I’ve also made flight cages and aviaries out of a china hutch (scroll down for photos) and most recently, a 4′ long x 3′ high flight cage from a glass and chrome display case. Inside, I placed a removable homemade bird play gym, a rope boing and toys. I introduce and rotate new toys and perches periodically to keep the budgies entertained.

We removed the interior shelves from the top display unit, installed ventilation panels into both sides and on top, and filled it with perches, ladders, swings and sisal climbing ropes.

Important Safety Info: All aviary materials must be free of lead, zinc, paint and toxic wood finishes. Look for solid wood; avoid pressed MDF wood. Place or hang all perches and toys away from the wood walls to keep the birds from chewing on them. Galvanized metal and wire mesh contain toxic substances so for ventilation, I use plastic grid light covers (from Home Depot). Clean all surfaces with vinegar water or another non-toxic cleanser. Air out all new materials for several weeks so they can out-gas before using, and treat the wood with organic, food-grade sesame oil.

Cleaning: I clean our bird enclosures every other day. I replace the paper on the bottom and use a vacuum hose to remove stray food remains and feathers. When the birds are out on their portable play gym, I wipe the interior walls and glass down with vinegar water (household cleansers contain chemicals that can be deadly for small creatures).

More Budgie Parakeet Pages:

Hand-fed Budgies and Parakeets available in Colorado!: Our family raises, hand-feeds, trains and adores Budgie Parakeets. Learn more about our selective breeding program and view our gorgeous, tame birds.

Inside Our Aviary: See where our birds live — flight enclosures, breeding room, play gyms.

Our Flock of Adult Budgie Parakeets: Take a peek at our gorgeous feathered friends. Lots of photos!

Adorable Pictures of Our Hand-fed Babies: Come ooh and aahh over all the cuteness and watch them grow up!

Pre-Adoption Questionnaire: If you are interested in adopting one (or more) of our parakeets when they become available, please respond to these questions.

Budgie Baby Waiting List: I know how hard it is to wait when you’re excited but I promise you, the wait is worth it!

FAQ (frequently asked questions): What is a Budgie Parakeet’s personality like? What are the differences between American Parakeets and English Budgies? How do you tell a male from a female? Should you keep one, two or more? How long do they live? Where did the species originate?

How To Care For Your Pet Budgie Parakeet: Learn about housing, cages, homemade aviaries, cleaning tips, health, safety, nutrition, exercise, playtime activities, toys, and more.

Bird Nutrition and Food Recommendations: Malnourishment is a leading cause of premature death in pet birds. We provide lists of healthy foods, and tell you how to grow your own sprouts.

Training, Talking, Tricks: Entertaining video demonstrations and informative tips.

Colors, Varieties, Mutations, Genetics: Budgie Parakeets come in a rainbow of colors. This page has beautiful photos and variety descriptions.

Bird and Parrot Playgyms, Stands and Perches for Sale: Learn how to make your own — or order a custom one from us.

Homemade Aviaries and Flight Cages: How to converted used furniture into large flight cages and beautiful indoor aviaries.