Can someone help tell me what this is? An asian bird cage maybe?

[RichSimon]

I bought this at the local auction to use to contain newly hatched chicks.

Asian in design it is about 3.5 feet in length, 2 foot wide, 4 foot high on four solid legs. The "bars" are wood so I know it was not used for rabbits or anything that gnaws. The back and front are matching with sliding doors on each side (middle of item). There is old original paint and it is professionally constructed. I believe that the roof may have been originally thatched since the existing roof is not of the same quality as the rest of the piece. There is some very nice carved detail on the side and the "bars" go all the way around.

I looked on the internet but did not find anything. My guess it was used for chickens but made for indoor use. Still going to use it for the chicks but curious to know its purpose and age since I'm sure people will be asking me.

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich

[mart]

Does the lid raise up ??  Be careful with baby chicks in it !!  Not much air circulation with lid closed and they can overheat easily!! Have to balance the heat with the air !!
It is a nice one to use for chicks !!  We just used a cardboard box with a towel over the top !! And of course a light for heat if it was cool !!  80 to 85 degrees is about right for chicks !!
I am guessing this is probably from Thailand or that geographic area !! 
What is the bottom made of ??

[Rauville]

Almost reminds me of something similar to this one..
http://www.silkroadcollection.com/rb1020x-antique-chinese-buddhist-shrine.html

[RichSimon]

Does the lid raise up ??  Be careful with baby chicks in it !!  Not much air circulation with lid closed and they can overheat easily!! Have to balance the heat with the air !!
It is a nice one to use for chicks !!  We just used a cardboard box with a towel over the top !! And of course a light for heat if it was cool !!  80 to 85 degrees is about right for chicks !!
I am guessing this is probably from Thailand or that geographic area !! 
What is the bottom made of ??

The top is fixed, bottom is solid wood so no where for droppings to pass through. I looked at the floor and it is not stained from animal use, interesting! I sold my rabbit hutch that I used for chicks and thought about just using a plastic tub until I saw this.

[RichSimon]

Almost reminds me of something similar to this one..
http://www.silkroadcollection.com/rb1020x-antique-chinese-buddhist-shrine.html

The other posters question had me look at the item closer. It was definitely for indoor use and made to be seen on all four sides. I did not notice any stained floor that would be from animals. However, a few of the bars have some minor chewing on them from a mouse or maybe a rat but from the outside trying to get in. Thanks for your help. Maybe I should post a couple more photos.

[cogar]

Given these dimensions, ….. 3.5 feet in length, 2 foot wide, 4 foot high on four solid legs ……

That piece looks to me like you might have a “repurposed” item that might have originally been .....
(1) the base cabinet of a 2-piece hutch, …..
(2) a display cabinet that had a glass (insert) top ……..
or (3) a buffet with a marble top, …… similar to what is pictured below, to wit:



Picture source:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119134352621465389/

[RichSimon]

Given these dimensions, ….. 3.5 feet in length, 2 foot wide, 4 foot high on four solid legs ……

That piece looks to me like you might have a “repurposed” item that might have originally been .....
(1) the base cabinet of a 2-piece hutch, …..
(2) a display cabinet that had a glass (insert) top ……..
or (3) a buffet with a marble top, …… similar to what is pictured below, to wit:



Thank you for your response.

I don't believe it has been repurposed because you can see the originality by the matching paint and wear. I do believe that the wooden roof is a replacement, not the structure that support it. Like changing the shingles on your house.

Picture source:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119134352621465389/

[KC]

Rauville beat me to it...looks like a wooden family shrine or simply a structure to give homage.

Love upcycling!

[Ipcress]

Has to be for rabbits or guinea pigs because the bars on the right have been nibbled.

[RichSimon]

Has to be for rabbits or guinea pigs because the bars on the right have been nibbled.

I thought that as well. But you would think that the wooden slats would be chewed all the way through. Someone thought it was for food storage and the chew marks are from animals trying to get in, not out. The inside floor is not stained as you would expect a cage to be. I know in the end the answer is going to be very simple. Maybe I'm over thinking it. Where's Lark when you need him?

[mart]

Considering the price on Rauville`s link $12,000. I don`t think I would put chickens in it !!  I have raised both rabbits and GP,, would not have a solid floor !!

[cogar]

I don't believe it has been repurposed because you can see the originality by the matching paint and wear. I do believe that the wooden roof is a replacement, not the structure that support it. Like changing the shingles on your house.

OOPS,  I didn't see the 2nd picture you posted until just now, ...... so didn't realize it had a per se "peaked roof" when I composed my above comments.

I'll now have to do some re-thinking.

[SophieMarie]

What are the dimensions of door opening please?

[Ipcress]

Has to be for rabbits or guinea pigs because the bars on the right have been nibbled.

I thought that as well. But you would think that the wooden slats would be chewed all the way through. Someone thought it was for food storage and the chew marks are from animals trying to get in, not out. The inside floor is not stained as you would expect a cage to be. I know in the end the answer is going to be very simple. Maybe I'm over thinking it. Where's Lark when you need him?

Yeah, maybe. Could have been used for a pet temporarily until they saw the damage. I doubt it’s been chewed externally because it would have to be a dog due to the height so both sides of the bar would be damaged, not just nibbled at on one side.

[KC]

I sure wouldn't alter it until you find out what you have for sure!