Types of Wire Suitable for Aviaries

[kimnfinches]

Hey everyone i'm new to the forum, we are currently building an indoor aviary, and I know everywhere I look sites say NO GALVANIZED WIRE, here's the catch, in a tiny town all wiring is galvanized. So we got some all purpose vinyl coated galvanized wire. Being vinyl coated, is this ok?

[Martie]

Welcome to the forum, Kimnfinches!

I moved your post to its own topic so it can get more attention. There is also lots of great information about aviaries and lots of other finch-related things at the Finch Information Center to your left.

I think galvanized wire is of more concern for hookbills who tend to chew on it. Finches don't normally do this, so it is OK to use for them. Vinyl is also fine - very attractive - and I think easier to keep clean.

Hope you'll share some photos of your project!

[cindy]

I used for our indoor aviary a black vinyl mesh 1/4 inch available at home improvement stores. I have bourkes and finches housed in the aviary. Other types of hookbills will need the galvanized mesh.

[debbie276]

All my aviaries indoors and out are all made with galvanized wire. I haven't had any problems in over 13 years using it.
Welcome to the forum, would love to see pictures of your aviary when done

[kimnfinches]

hey everyone, thanks for your help! I wish other sites would say this it would have saved a lot of time, we are now putting the frame pieces together, what do you guys find to work best for the back wall? I was thinking the top half chicken wire stuffed with nesting material, the bottom half being some bamboo fencing type stuff? I'm trying to do a natural looking aviary, though I like the cleanliness of the tiled back wall one I saw on youtube. Again thanks for your help!

[cindy]

I have made aviaries and flights out of galvanized steel mesh...I originally planned the one indoors to have it but my husband liked the way the plastic looks. My structure is done in panels, if we ever want to change over to the gsteel we can remove the plastic mesh and replace it.

We left the back open for circulation and so we can position it in front of a window so they can enjoy the sun and some fresh air.

[DanteD716]

Welcome! I think a tiled back wall, with a natural looking tile would be beautiful!

[Crowley]

Galvanised wire is fine as long as you first rub it down with vinegar to remove any excess zinc that parrots are prone to chew.

[debbie276]

The half chicken wire and half bamboo sounds interesting. Mine has solid white board panels against the wall to keep the mess in and it's also easy to wipe clean.

[cindy]

they also make wire coated in vinyl.

this is also a guide to wire size

http://clover.forest.net/kwcages/index.html

[Charles]

I would use mesh because it is very strong though expensive.?

[henrietta]

The bamboo sounds interesting. Do you have a link to a picture of what you are talking about?

[kimnfinches]

hey henrietta , here is the idea for the back wall I want to attempt,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTqgMsUmkP0 also if anyone can tell me what they used for the nesting material and where I might be able to order it would be helpful and appreciated.