Any sources for *completely* custom (built from drawings) wrought iron cages?

[Rider]

My 32-yr-old Blue Crowned Amazon has been happily living in her wrought iron powder-coated cage for that many years, but it's time for a new one.
Her cage was custom designed and made to order, but so far I haven't been able to find any sources like that; the only 'custom' cages I can find are pre-set styles (rectangular) where the 'customization' allowed is choosing size, color, etc.

Looking for someone for whom bird cages is (at least) a fairly substantial part of their business, and has a lot of experience building sturdy, well-constructed safe cages.
Any help would be appreciated!

 

[AviaryByTheSea]

First off, I would suggest ditching the circular domed cage. Study’s have shown round cages can create behavioral issues and unhappiness. I read the study years ago… and I will look for it in my data base on the computer so I can cite specifics to give every one better understanding of why.

I remember it not having straight lines and corners messed with the birds perception and would cause them to sometimes develop behavior issues

 

[Rider]

First off, I would suggest ditching the circular domed cage. Study’s have shown round cages can create behavioral issues and unhappiness. I read the study years ago… and I will look for it in my data base on the computer so I can cite specifics to give every one better understanding of why.

I remember it not having straight lines and corners messed with the birds perception and would cause them to sometimes develop behavior issues

I'm not sure where many (any) straight lines and corners would occur in their natural habitat, so I can't imagine the lack of those causing problems or issues...
When she's inside the cage, all she sees are straight parallel vertical lines.
She absolutely loves her cage. The door is open most of the time I'm home, but she spends at least half the time happily sitting on the perch or somewhere on the bottom. Otherwise she's at the top, often napping, or hanging from the bottom and flapping and playing.
She a very affectionate and happy bird, and has no behavioral issues.

 

[Spearmint]

Round cages can cause a lot of issues, aside from behavioural, toes can get stuck, there's no enrichment space, and they have no flight room.
In the wild, birds have a lot of space and foliage, and corners provide a similar feeling of safety (from what I understand).
Parrots don't know what is best for their health and safety, so as their owners it's our job to make sure that they have a safe and enriching environment.
It's super super important for a parrot to be able to safely move around in their cage, and have a variety of toys and perches avaliable. This is to ensure that they are mentally enriched, and don't develop any issues.
I also want to say, it might seem your bird likes his cage because: 1. He doesn't know any different and trusts you 2. He's just happy to see you and listen to you!

Are Round Cages Bad for Birds?

Are Round Cages Bad for Birds? The answer to this questions is that round cages are not good for most bird species for many reasons.

birdandbeyond.com

" Some of the safety and practicality reasons are valid. I have met a cockatoo with one wing missing due to a round cage. If the cages fall and roll, a wing can end up out of the cage and crushed. " ~ParrotDude91


He is super cute! What's his name?

 

[AviaryByTheSea]

I'm not sure where many (any) straight lines and corners would occur in their natural habitat, so I can't imagine the lack of those causing problems or issues...
When she's inside the cage, all she sees are straight parallel vertical lines.
She absolutely loves her cage. The door is open most of the time I'm home, but she spends at least half the time happily sitting on the perch or somewhere on the bottom. Otherwise she's at the top, often napping, or hanging from the bottom and flapping and playing.
She a very affectionate and happy bird, and has no behavioral issues.

I can appreciate the fact that you can’t resolve in your mind my statement about round cages vs square or rectangular cages and behavior issues. I am a certified avian educator in the ABMA. When I was first informed this phenomenon from a “colleague” who also specializes in Avians like myself that I met thru the ABMA. I asked him provide the reference that supported this conclusion and he directed me to the study that was conducted which was his source.

I can appreciate you might not be able to rectify the conclusion because it makes no sense in your mind and you just can’t get there… trust me when I make statements of fact regarding behaviors, root causes amd how to resolve unwanted behaviors, I know this will sound hubris, but I will proclaim it anyway… just assume whatever I say is correct and factual… I have spent years collaborating with other trainers and behaviorists, many of whom have PHDs (I do not). They are a resource at my disposal that I have utilized in the past and would be happy to do so again if I came across something that stumped me.

 

[Rider]

Round cages can cause a lot of issues, aside from behavioural, toes can get stuck, there's no enrichment space, and they have no flight room.
In the wild, birds have a lot of space and foliage, and corners provide a similar feeling of safety (from what I understand).
Parrots don't know what is best for their health and safety, so as their owners it's our job to make sure that they have a safe and enriching environment.
It's super super important for a parrot to be able to safely move around in their cage, and have a variety of toys and perches avaliable. This is to ensure that they are mentally enriched, and don't develop any issues.
I also want to say, it might seem your bird likes his cage because: 1. He doesn't know any different and trusts you 2. He's just happy to see you and listen to you!

Are Round Cages Bad for Birds?

Are Round Cages Bad for Birds? The answer to this questions is that round cages are not good for most bird species for many reasons.

birdandbeyond.com

" Some of the safety and practicality reasons are valid. I have met a cockatoo with one wing missing due to a round cage. If the cages fall and roll, a wing can end up out of the cage and crushed. " ~ParrotDude91


He is super cute! What's his name?

Her name is Petunia.

I read thru that article, thanks:

"the little space where the bars gather at the top of the cage" — the bars have a large separation at the top, see photo.

"Most round cages on the market have poor welding and are cheap in their construction" — the bars are 11/64" (just a little under 3/16") thick, it is a very heavy, well-constructed (and not cheap) cage.

Hard to know what birds think about some things; I wonder if there have been any tests to see if corners give them a feeling of safety?

When I open the cage door in the morning, she'll often stay in the cage for hours or even sometimes the better part of the day. She gets annoyed if she knows I'm around and the door is closed, but as long as it's open and it's her choice she's perfectly fine. I would think if she feels confined or claustrophobic she would immediately come out and stay out of the cage.

She was in a larger rectangular cage for 4 years a few years ago when I had to temporarily relocate; there was zero difference in her behavior/mood/activity/etc. between that cage and her cage at home.

 

[Rider]

I can appreciate the fact that you can’t resolve in your mind my statement about round cages vs square or rectangular cages and behavior issues. I am a certified avian educator in the ABMA. When I was first informed this phenomenon from a “colleague” who also specializes in Avians like myself that I met thru the ABMA. I asked him provide the reference that supported this conclusion and he directed me to the study that was conducted which was his source.

I can appreciate you might not be able to rectify the conclusion because it makes no sense in your mind and you just can’t get there… trust me when I make statements of fact regarding behaviors, root causes amd how to resolve unwanted behaviors, I know this will sound hubris, but I will proclaim it anyway… just assume whatever I say is correct and factual… I have spent years collaborating with other trainers and behaviorists, many of whom have PHDs (I do not). They are a resource at my disposal that I have utilized in the past and would be happy to do so again if I came across something that stumped me.

Thank you; I do understand your points and appreciate your concern.

 

[AviaryByTheSea]

I was reminded of an article that was published. Are Round Cages Bad for Birds? that has anecdotal evidence to support the findings. I suggest even if you don’t believe me because you can’t wrap your head around what I was telling you… to read the article and believe it. It’s published from a reputable source.

 

[MommyBird]

I have no evidence myself either way. But I wanted to suggest that since you saw no difference in Petunia's heart: ) behavior in round vs rectangale and you seem to be having trouble finding a custom cage maker for a round cage.....maybe a rectangle would be easier, have a lot more options, and be just as acceptable to Petunia?
I agree - It is very hard to find good safe cages on the mass market anymore and while there are still a few builders out there, they are mstly stainless steel and it is expensive.

 

[Rider]

I was reminded of an article that was published. Are Round Cages Bad for Birds? that has anecdotal evidence to support the findings. I suggest even if you don’t believe me because you can’t wrap your head around what I was telling you… to read the article and believe it. It’s published from a reputable source.

If you look at my previous post, I did read that.

"because you can’t wrap your head around what I was telling you" — as I said I do appreciate your concern, but I hope you don't speak like that to people in person, it's quite condescending

 

[Rider]

I have no evidence myself either way. But I wanted to suggest that since you saw no difference in Petunia's heart: ) behavior in round vs rectangale and you seem to be having trouble finding a custom cage maker for a round cage.....maybe a rectangle would be easier, have a lot more options, and be just as acceptable to Petunia?
I agree - It is very hard to find good safe cages on the mass market anymore and while there are still a few builders out there, they are mstly stainless steel and it is expensive.

Thanks, I may end up with a rectangular cage if I can't find anything....do you know of any builders that you could refer me to? I'm not overly concerned with price, as long as it's reasonable for what I'd be getting.

 

[MommyBird]

Thanks, I may end up with a rectangular cage if I can't find anything....do you know of any builders that you could refer me to? I'm not overly concerned with price, as long as it's reasonable for what I'd be getting.

If you use the site search feature in the upper right (magnifying glass symbol) there are a few people who have had custom cages made, although I think many were aviary/large macaw sizes.
Big thing though is that I don't know what builders are still in business. Try a search like that and if no results post again just for custom cage builders people have used.
Sorry I don't have any info myself - I wish I DID have enough $$$$ to go that route! Good Luck, sweet Petunia deserves a special cottage or castle whichever way you go.

 

[Rider]

If you use the site search feature in the upper right (magnifying glass symbol) there are a few people who have had custom cages made, although I think many were aviary/large macaw sizes.
Big thing though is that I don't know what builders are still in business. Try a search like that and if no results post again just for custom cage builders people have used.
Sorry I don't have any info myself - I wish I DID have enough $$$$ to go that route! Good Luck, sweet Petunia deserves a special cottage or castle whichever way you go.

Thanks. I asked Petunia if she wanted to say thanks, but she's taking her afternoon nap..... (and she's scheduled for a shower later).

 

[Mizzely]

You could potentially reach out to the custom cage businesses that aren't offering what you are looking for, and see if they have any recommendations for a business that will offer what you want.

 

[Rider]

You could potentially reach out to the custom cage businesses that aren't offering what you are looking for, and see if they have any recommendations for a business that will offer what you want.

Thanks, I have tried a couple, but it's worth contacting some others to see.

 

[AviaryByTheSea]

If you look at my previous post, I did read that.

"because you can’t wrap your head around what I was telling you" — as I said I do appreciate your concern, but I hope you don't speak like that to people in person, it's quite condescending

Yes I have spoken to people like that when I give them sound advice based on scientific and anecdotal evidence and they proceed to argue and defend their position based on fallacy and wrong information

I wrote that because of your response me telling you about round cages and not seeing how it could affect the bird….

you wrote and I quote;

I'm not sure where many (any) straight lines and corners would occur in their natural habitat, so I can't imagine the lack of those causing problems or issues...
When she's inside the cage, all she sees are straight parallel vertical lines.
She absolutely loves her cage

so that my friend told me you couldn’t wrap your head around what I was saying… you could not get there.

Sometimes you have to be blunt to make a lasting impression to make the thought stick.

Even after gaining all this knowledge about circular cages you still looking for places to get one from… you want what you regardless of the potential negative impact it may have on your bird(s). As caretaker and handler of a bird in captivity, it’s your responsibility to provide the healthiest environment possible. And round cages aren’t the answer. So if I have to be blunt and perceived as rude… so be it, my only concern is for the bird and not people’s feelings.

if anyone has an objection to my blunt and direct nature and thinks i am rude… take a number because i only care about the bird and not your sensitive feelings. So wrap your head around that and than tell me your doing everything you possibly can to provide the healthiest environment possible.

 

[Rider]

Certain posters seem quite determined to derail this thread....

To get back on topic:
Hopefully someone knows of, or has used, a cage builder who builds custom high-quality wrought iron powder-coated cages to spec.
Thanks

 

[Macawnutz]

So if I have to be blunt and perceived as rude… so be it, my only concern is for the bird and not people’s feelings.

if anyone has an objection to my blunt and direct nature and thinks i am rude… take a number because i only care about the bird and not your sensitive feelings.

Even if the whole forum agrees with round cages being nothing more than ornamental you have given your opinion and need to move on.

 

[Macawnutz]

Certain posters seem quite determined to derail this thread....

To get back on topic:
Hopefully someone knows of, or has used, a cage builder who builds custom high-quality wrought iron powder-coated cages to spec.
Thanks

I have used this company a very long time ago

Indoor / Outdoor Bird Cages & Enclosures

Custom Cages manufactures high quality customized bird cages under the brand names Hybrid, Majestic and Suncatcher for both walk-in outdoor and indoor use!

www.customcages.com

 

[Rider]

I have used this company a very long time ago

Indoor / Outdoor Bird Cages & Enclosures

Custom Cages manufactures high quality customized bird cages under the brand names Hybrid, Majestic and Suncatcher for both walk-in outdoor and indoor use!

www.customcages.com

Thanks, I'll check them out.