Overview of Suncatcher Enclosure Materials

Our Suncatcher packages come standard with 1” x 1” x .120” wire for birds and 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x .092” for larger animals. Many other opening sizes and wire gauges are also available (Use the drop downs on the panel configurators on the product pages to get prices).

Anodized Aluminum Frame

Black anodized aluminum frames (silver frames available for a small extra charge) now come standard on our Suncatcher® enclosures. The anodized finish adds significant durability to the product, making it scratch-resistant, rust-resistant, and an excellent enclosure for outdoor use.

Learn About the Enclosure Panels

Below is an overview of the many panel options available with a Suncatcher enclosure. Read further, or tap one of these links to learn more!

• powder-coated steel wire
• stainless steel wire
• glass
• acrylic
• thermofused laminate
• aluminum laminate
• perforated aluminum

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• Suncatchers come standard with 1” x 1” x .120” powder-coated wire for bird cages and 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x .092” wire for larger animals.
• Square openings make the panels stronger than rectangular openings for a given wire diameter, make them more visually appealing, and allow better climbing surfaces!
• Powder-coated welded wire is extremely durable, and if rust begins to develop, it can be touched up easily with Rustoleum spray or brush-on paint found at any hardware store. 

Powder-coated wire panels are available in the following sizes:

• ½” x ½” x .063 Powder-Coated Wire – (finches, small birds only, thinner gauge wire)
• ¾” x ¾” x .092” Powder-Coated Wire
• 1” x 1” x .120” Powder-Coated Wire
• 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x .092” Powder-Coated Wire
• 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x .162” Heavy Duty Powder-Coated Wire

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• Crimp-locked stainless steel wire is stronger than carbon or standard steel and has rust-resistant, non-toxic coatings. Available in multiple sizes and wire gauges as an upgrade from powder-coated welded wire.
• Square openings make the panels stronger than rectangular openings for a given wire diameter, make them more visually appealing, and allow better climbing surfaces!
• Macaws and other strong birds cannot chew through it (For large birds like cockatoos, greenwings, and hyacinths, order the .162” diameter Heavy Duty gauge wire). Most cages have welds that create a soft point at the steel joint, which is why so many bird owners call us because their bird broke the welds in their current cage. This doesn’t happen with our crimp lock wire mesh.

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh is available in the following sizes:

• ½” x ½” x .092” Stainless Steel Wire
• ¾” x ¾” x .092” Stainless Steel Wire
• 1” x 1” x .120” Stainless Steel Wire
• 1” x 1” x .162” Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Wire (Cockatoo, Greenwing, Hyacinth etc…)
• 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x .162” Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Wire (Cockatoo, Greenwing, Hyacinth etc…)

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• Any panel on your enclosure can be clear glass. Additional charges may apply as all glass units must ship freight for the risk of breaking.
• Glass is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and will never turn yellow.
• Tempered glass is available for an extra charge. Although most panels are encapsulated in aluminum and silicone on the edges, tempering is highly recommended, especially in high-traffic areas, as it makes the glass about 10x stronger than non-tempered. Also, tempered glass breaks into tiny pieces rather than large sharp shards, making it much safer than non-tempered glass in an accident.

• Any panel may be substituted for acrylic. See our panel configuration drop-downs on the product pages to find pricing.
• Acrylic is one of the hardest forms of clear plastic.
• Excellent UV properties – It’s very clear, and it takes about 10 years of direct sunlight to start to yellow.
• 5x stronger than glass and is extremely hard to break with side impact. In tests, a 14” x 20” tightly clamped piece of the same thickness we use can withstand a 45mph fastball without breaking (our cages can withstand a great deal more because the panels are larger and the edges are not tightly clamped).
• We do not drill any holes in the panels for fastening. Instead, all panels slide snugly into grooves in the framework of the enclosures. Drilled holes leave vulnerable spots for cracking and breaking. 

Pros of Using Acrylic Instead of Glass

• Stronger and more impact-resistant.
• Weighs much less than glass of the same size.

Cons of Using Acrylic Instead of Glass

• Scratches easier than glass and can be more difficult to clean.
• Will yellow over time when exposed to sunlight.

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We offer four different wood grains and two granite colors. The surface, front, and back of the panels are a very hard, durable, washable, non-porous material (similar to a kitchen countertop). This makes the exterior and interior of your enclosure resistant to bacteria, odor, and waste. Many modular furniture pieces in a catalog or department store are made with a much weaker vinyl surface that looks similar but tends to peel.

These panels are encapsulated with an aluminum frame and sealed with silicone around the edges, making them suitable for outdoor use. Below are the panel colors we offer. You can also have a custom background laminated to your back panel for a distinctive look.

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