What type of wire mesh for outdoor aviary

[jed]

First, size of mesh. Are finches safe with 1/2in x 1in or even 1/2in x 2in? (I've yet to find, other than kwcages) Or should I stay with 1/2in x 1/2 for the best protection from critters (rats, raccoons, possums)?

Second, from experience, which type of mesh allows for a better view - pvc vinyl coated (black or green) or plain galvanized? My preference to work with would be coated - but the best viewing is the most important, of course.

Third, from the myriads of wire mesh sites I've visited, I recall one aviary place in San Pedro, CA with good prices, but alas, I did not seem to have bookmarked it - does it ring a bell?

Thanks,

Joe
Buena Park, CA

[sgolds]

I'm no expert here, but there' one thing I've learned. Little finches can escape thru very small places. I wouldn't dare go with anything larger then 1/2". I had to repair my cage when I got it due to one of little bars missing, and where one had gotten out. And this was only about a 1" spacing. Also, don't forget about snakes. They don't need much space to get in......

[debbie276]

Here in NJ my outside aviary has 1/2 x 1/2 inch mesh but if I did it again I would go with 1/4 x 1/4 inch cause I would have more waxbills and the chicks are tiny. I have no problem with snakes getting in and it's strong enough that the raccoon's, opossum's and cats can climb to the top without tearing it down. Which is why I've installed an electric fence around the perimeter

[monotwine]

I too would advise for the smallest possible size. Black coated would be best for viewing. Good luck getting what you need. Any additional protection is a good idea too. I'm so glad we have less predators. Racoon's sound way too resourceful.

[MiaCarter]

Agreed with the recommendation for black. Black is the easiest to see through, whether it's a small cage or an aviary wall.

Also agreed on the 1/2 x 1/2 or smaller. Anything bigger and I'd fear an escape or an intrusion. Remember, you're not just keeping the birds in; you're keeping other animals out too.
Rats would be a particular concern for 1/2 x 1 or 2. They can get through super small spaces and they love eggs.
(As I discovered when I tried to put 2 young rats in a guinea pig cage. They had absolutely no problem slipping through the bars, which I believe had 3/4 or 1 inch spacing. I had to stick 'em in a spare bird cage until I got a new one in the morning! LOL)

[Matthias]

Due to wax bills I used 1/4 by 1/4.some of them are so tiny they will get through anything bigger.

[jed]

Ok, thanks all for the advice

Joe

[saulosirds]

Jed

Even if you chose to do with 1/4" non coated, you can always go ahead and paint it black on both sides, it's a common practice since black makes for seeing the birds much easier.

Rob

[darrenwilson]

1/2 x 1/2 or 1 x 1/2 are both fine. Most indoor cages are 1 x 1/2. I use a mixture of both. Smaller mesh for sides & larger for the roof or at rear if against fencing etc. If a finch can get through 1 x 1/2 then it has descended from Harry Houdini! Anything bigger than 1 x 1/2 though is not suitable for small birds.