Turning a Dometop cage into a Playtop Cage

[Merlie]

So ...

About a month or so ago, I saw an ad on CL for a Featherland cage. Featherland is one of my absolute favorite cage manufacturers. I love the quality and the design.

Anyway, the cage was exactly the size I wanted, but, it was a Dometop, not my favorite style of cage. I knew that Featherland cages had interchangeable playtop/dometops, so I called the company so see if the playtop could be ordered. It could, but they were on back order for the size/color I needed to match the CL cage, it would be several months.

Well, I went to check out the cage, figuring there was no rush for the playtop, but I really wanted the cage. They were asking $175, and it's a $600 cage new, so I was keeping my fingers crossed.

The cage was in good shape, no rust, no damage, but it was absolutely FILTHY!!! It housed a CAG for several years, who wasn't tame I guess, so they never really tried to clean the cage. They rehomed the bird a while back, and thought they'd get another bird at some point, so just put the cage in storage, covered in .. well ... years of hardened bird poop.

They decided against another bird, and put the cage up for sale. I was so excited at the prospect of getting a FL cage for under $200!! That is, until I saw it. Long story short, I got them down to $100 and took the nasty cage.

After hours and hours and hours of pressure cleaning, then steam cleaning, it was finally clean. I decided that I was going to use it for Kismet, but she really likes her playtop. So .. I got creative.

I removed the dometop completely, and used the bottom grate as the top of the cage. I never use the grates unless I have to (on some cages, the bird can sneak out from under without the grate), so it made the perfect top for the cage.

Then, just using some PVC and hemp rope, threw together a playtop for it. Once I'm done setting it up, I'm going to zip tie the top to the cage itself for security and stability.

So for now, until the real playtop is back in stock .. I have a "rigged up" cage .. lol .. but hey .. it works!!!! Not to mention getting a pricey cage for only $100 and some elbow grease!!

Here's a few pics. Now I just need to get all the goodies in it, and Kismet will have an "almost brand new" cage.

[hollyhawkz]

We found this attachment for $25.00.

[hsmoscout]

Originally Posted by hollyhawkz

We found this attachment for $25.00.

Where? Tell us, tell us!!!

[hollyhawkz]

Vancouver, BC Canada....

[sadisticotaku]

Nice job! I didn't even realize that the playtop was diy until I looked at the pictures!

[ChristyB]

What a fantastic idea!! I'll be taking a look at our dome tops seeing what can be done. Thanks for sharing!

[maggy]

Very cool I agree with Sadist.. the job looks professional...well done!

[Phenomenon]

Ahh Ms. Jones, now I have to make one! :)

Seriously, that is a great idea!! Thanks for sharing! :)