outdoor aviary for canaries and gouldian finches

[calman]

Hi board,

I have 4 canaries in an outdoor metal 4 feetx7feet for 1 year, they are happy and singing. Last month I got 2 gouldians, again they are all happy. However, the aviary is not closed sides and people say gouldian is not good coping with cold and wind.

I am planning to build an enclosed 2feetX7feet and nail/tie to the back of the current fully open aviary. I then cut some holes (6in x 12in) on both of them for the birds to free to flight out to the open cage, or back in the enclosed cage for shelter at night and windy day.

Would this set up work (for gouldian)? I am in bay area California, so cold nights in winter would be around 40F, but there are some nights it gets down to 30F.

Thanks,

[nelloyello11]

I don't have gouldians, so I am not sure about the temperature question, but one thing you might consider is putting a small heat source of some kind in the covered area. It would give the birds a slightly warmer place to move to, if they did get too cold. For day time, I'm thinking a heat lamp might work. For night time, maybe either a heater of some type or a nighttime heat lamp. You would probably need to figure out a way to guard it, so they couldn't actually touch/burn themselves on it, but wouldn't prevent them from getting heat from it.
Just some ideas, and I'm sure someone has experience they will share soon!

[Justin-2-finches]

I agree. I would definately provide some heat in winter. Gouldians are alot hardier that they used to be, but still delicate birds. I provide heat in my shed, but not too much, my shed regurlary drops to around 40f but i wouldn't let it drop any lower.

[debbie276]

In my shed I don't let it go below 50F for the goulds in the winter.

[dfcauley]

In my shed I don't let it go below 50F for the goulds in the winter.

I never let my bird room drop below 60f. I guess it is what they are used to, but 40 seems awfully cold to me....

[calman]

Thank you all for your replies.
I am a bit confused here. I've read somewhere saying a draft free shelter is what they need (at least in my area where we rarely have 30F). So, no heater, no gouldians in my outdoor aviary!

Can't bring birds inside as one of my family member has asthma problem.

[monotwine]

You are correct. The most important thing to provide is a draft-free area. If you build your shelter I can suggest you try get a few panels of clear roofing so that they will be encouraged to use it. I find the birds are not too keen to sit in the dark.

Gouldians can take lower temperatures for short time periods, but then they must be from breeding stock used to it i.e. not indoor bred.
Mine are from very hardy outdoor drafty aviary bred stock and currently roost outside in the flight which is open on 3 sides. Its winter here and the wind chill is cold as we have snow on our mountain peaks. I do provide them with a lamp, on a timer, to heat themselves up in the morning. If they get very cold, they basically use all their reserves to keep warm. Obviously this puts extra pressure on the birds health and condition.

[calman]

Hi monotwine,

I'll contruct a fully closed shelter, only two small windows (6inx12in) leading to the open flight cage. I'll have one big glass double-pane window (fixed, can't open) on one of the side of the shelter for natural light to get in.

You give me hope here. Do you turn on the heat lamp at night? How long in the morning do you have it on? Do the goulds know to get in the shelter for night time?

And, would you recommend to install my glass window on top or back side of the shelter?

Thanks,