FINCHforum

I am going to be building an outside aviary (6ft x 3 ft x 6ft) and started to plan to use the all plastic 1/2 x 1/2 mesh that home depot sells. Its quite strong and rigid but I started to worry about if pests may chew through it. I have dogs that keep away most things like possums and raccoons but we do have mice and rats around. I don't think the neighborhood cats could get through it and they don't come around because of my dogs. Should I stick with a wire mesh or can I use the all plastic mesh.
thanks,
Lori

Wouldn't advise on the use plastic mesh . Like you mentioned it is outside . Rats will definitely chew through and might destroy your finch colony overnight.Food for the birds will also be an attractant for rats.

Just my two cents !!

I would go with investing in good wire mesh. Call it an investment for a long term aviary construction and peace of mind.

For an outside cage, I would go with plastic coated metal, or galvanized. Plastic will break down in the sun, and it would be easy for a rat to gnaw thru plastic.

Plastic netting here wouldn't last long at all with all the wild animals we have around, I'd definitely go with wire.

I've bought the all-plastic mesh and it actually says that it will not warp in the sun.

Anyway, I think that the plastic mesh is fine if you're doing an indoor aviary/flight; however if its going to be outdoors, the plastic most certainly won't be strong enough to keep out predators or animals that may want to come in and eat the seed.

Agree...wire mesh outside....platic mesh inide. If uing the wire be sure to give it a good soak and scrub in vinegar and water, rinse well to remove any manufacture residue.

Racoons are also a concern, they are very clever and can destroy an aviary quickly.

Ok so everyone seems to be in agreement that my fears are correct! Can anyone suggest a good spot to get the plastic coated wire mesh. My Home depot only has rolls that are 2 x 5ft and that doesn't lend itself very well to the size of my aviary. They sell larger rolls of the regular stuff but I do like the green plastic coated wire.
thanks,
Lori

I think OSH has a slightly longer roll, but not that much longer. I bought some when I was making my own cages. But these are breeding and quarantine cages, not an aviary. For an aviary I would think you want a 25ft or longer rolls.

Actually what would work better for outside is a 1/2" x 1" mesh using heavier wire than the 1/2 x 1/2 mesh.

A farm supply store might have it.

I found this source:
http://www.academyfence.com/vinylcoated ... edwire.asp
Doesn't look too bad but shipping is almost as much as the wire.
Lori

I still like the way galvinized looks cause you can see the birds better than with the plastic coated,a lot of people paint the galv. with black and looks good.
The last i got was from lowes or homedepot and i think was cheaper than the link but its been about 4 years since i bought any good luck

Is 1/4 x 1/4 inch wire mesh ok too?
Found a great deal on some of this.
Lori

If you find a feed store that carries a wide assortment of goods, sometimes there prices beat the home improvement stores...mine in Ft Myer's carried different mesh sizes and roll lengths.

1/4 x 1/4 is OK, but I think the wire is smaller and softer than 1/2 x 1/2, which means your aviary structure is more important to keep things solid. Also consider how you attach things like perches and water bottles/tubes and feed trays.

Good point about adding perches etc. I didnt think of that. I just ordered some 16 ga (thicker) 1 x 1/2 wire off of ebay. Good price and shipping. Should have enough for two aviaries!
thanks,
Lori