I like the fact that me birdcage sets some boundaries, especially for my two little dogs. It also keeps critters big or small out! Some screen is denser and also affords a bit less UV rays.

The lizards eat the spiders & such, so I'm okay with them. I think they're referring more to mosquitos - no-see-ums can get through any screen, and lizards squeeze through small spaces. However, as GracieGirl said - Well, see what she said. I completely agree, wouldn't do without my birdcage!

Those are likely not lizards, but rather, anoles.

Just be sure to spell it correctly. :police:

We love ours. Think big!

We put a screened in pergola addition on our Lanai rather then a straight birdcage like we did in our prior home and like it much better. 60% shade on ours

We had a bird cage when we had a house with a spa and again when we had a house with a pool. The bird cage is one of the three things we miss about living in Florida.

We had a canvas roof put over our birdcage and was a wonderful investment. By Sunshine Awnings... Beautiful job and keeps direct sun out and all the rain. Can withstand wind up to 135 MPH and was perfect during IRMA. Never have to remove your cushions due to rain and have a big screen tv mounted on the wall and had 3 ceiling fans installed to the actual birdcage frame. Just love it. Also had river rock installed on the floor. My favorite room of the whole home. ENJOY!!!!

Screened enclosures
 

Only in The Villages have I ever heard a screened enclosure called a "bird cage."

In fact, growing up in Florida I never heard of a screened enclosure being erected at a private home except to enclose a swimming pool. But apparently it is done in TV.

I agree that the "birdcage" makes sitting outdoors more comfortable by discouraging flying pests. I especially enjoyed sitting on my enclosed pool deck at twilight, watching the birds making their last visits to the bird feeders and bird bath, and the emergence of the first bats of the evening........along with the occasional owl.

However, be warned that if you leave any food inside the enclosure which might be attractive to rodents, the rodents will gnaw through (and ruin) your screen.

Also, as discussed in other threads, you cannot depend upon the screen to protect your small pets from coyotes.

I consider the screened enclosure a major asset to Florida living.

Another question:

We are considering building on a new lot. Assuming the lot could support a birdcage, would you have the builder build the birdcage or build it after moving in with someone else?

Get it done when the house is being built. You’ll rip up your yard putting it in and have to resod and reroute the sprinkler system if you wait until after, this is just unnecessary cost and work. Why not enjoy it from day 1 instead of waiting 3 to 4 months to get it installed.

Agree with Goldwingnut. If you can afford it stretch your lanai as much as you can to expand your under roof area and add a birdcage if there is remaining room. We didn't expand our lanai (expanded garage and house every which way though) and wish that we had. We had a partially walled birdcage put in a year later and are very happy with it. But it does rip up your yard and fortunately we were not there to live through the construction which I would imagine would not be fun.

Goldwingnut, Kasmi,

Makes sense. Thanks!

Enjoy coffee in ours on sunny mornings.

Oh Gracie, please tell me you don't limit yourself to just the sunny mornings.
These cool Winter and Spring mornings with the fog are so peaceful to enjoy, and watching as the morning breeze comes up to clear away the last vestiges of fog away and reveal the day to the neighborhood can be breathtaking to see.
Even the rainy mornings sitting on the lanai are not to be missed with the freshening of the air that it brings with it.

Most every day is enjoyable thanks to the normally pleasant Florida weather.

Time for my second cup and the newspaper...

our birdcage is especially useful when the grands visit

Perfect! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: