New Aviary build, suggestions, advice welcome....

[y2kdejesus]

Here is a my first aviary build. I would like comments, suggestions from folks like you out there can share in making this a successful and safe environment for birds to live in.

Is there anything I can use to 'treat' the wood against the elements ie. waterproofing, sealant that wouldnt harm the birds in any way?

[Ursula]

I'm sure in an outdoor aviary waterproofing or painting the wood is perfectly fine as long as you let it cure and dry enough before finishing the aviary and putting the birds in. Finches don't chew on wood like parrots or budgies, so painting it is fine.

Looks good to me, so far. My only concern is: What do you do to prevent birds from escaping while you clean and feed them? Since you can't walk in and make a double-door or move it indoors for cleaning, I'd be scared they escape. But that's just me, I hope somebody with a similar outdoor aviary will chime in.

[poohbear]

You're looking at problems if you're unable to walk in one that size.You must have access to sick birds,nestboxes and for maintenance.
I personally would make it a bit deeper leaving an 'L' shape at the end to allow access to the window.You will still be liable to escapes without a safety porch.
And what about bad weather..is part going to be a shelter?

Sorry to be negative but I can foresee problems.

[CandoAviary]

I always use pressure treated wood for outdoor projects. Without that you could paint or stain the wood with any exterior grade product. Once the paint is dry it will not harm your finches.

[y2kdejesus]

Ursula, I have plenty of time before I put birds in, I just wanted to make sure before I went with any stain or wood sealant. I thought finches chewed on wood so that was my concern also but now I know differently.

To the left of the aviary closet to the house window I plan on putting in a door there for entry and another door inside the aviary but not figured out how to do that yet. So hopefully with one or two doors birds wont escape and I can go inside aviary and do regular maintenance, feedings, water changes etc.

[y2kdejesus]

Poohbear, I plan on building a double door closest to the house on the left side but do not want to go deeper because then it will interfere with the access to the window of the house and I dont want that. I would have liked for it to be deeper but where its at right now doesnt allow for that.

Yes part of it will be a shelter covered area with a hard awning material and part will be left open to allow sun to come in.

Still thinkin on what is best to use wire mesh or window screening but I guess I'll worry about that when I get there.....Thnxs for all your comments!

[y2kdejesus]

I always use pressure treated wood for outdoor projects. Without that you could paint or stain the wood with any exterior grade product. Once the paint is dry it will not harm your finches.

Your right Cando a nice stain or paint color would be nice on the wood. I was thinking of painting the back wall of the aviary a lighter color like white or putting in some kind of white panel on the back, I read that putting a lighter color in the background makes the birds stand out more, what do you think?

[poohbear]

Wire mesh painted black and a white background will show your birds off.

[CandoAviary]

As far as the color of the backgrounnd and showing your birds off..it really all depends on what you are keeping. If you are keeping white zebras then a white background would not work... but if you are keeping dark birds then it will be great. I found with the aviaries I painted white the birds would act snow blind and have a hard time judging distance. I found by applying art or hanging wreaths, nest, etc. helped give them perspective of where the walls were and also gave them a since of security. Why not have a natural mural painted.... make the wall beautiful also
Here are a few of my decorated aviaries
the rose aviary




The pine tree aviary




the wild flower aviary





with birds






Also natural stone walls, or growing vine walls are great for the outdoor aviary. I can't wait to have a dirt floored aviary where I can have the natural planting... You have so many possibilities with yours... I am sure whatever you decide it is going to look great.

[Dayna]

Wow Candace. Absolutely love your aviaries! There so beautiful and creative. Really inspiring for other people making plans to build an aviary

[flyinverted]

I used Thompsons Water seal with a built in stain. Easy on, easy cleanup. Some of the nicest aviaries I've seen have the mesh painted black on both sides. This significantly cuts down glare and lets you see right into the aviary. I went back and painted mine after it was up, and I wish I would have painted the mesh prior to installation. I used a water based paint for the mesh. The downside is that white poop shows up very well on black mesh. Notice the sun glare on the portions of the mesh that were not painted vs the black that was painted on my aviary.

[monotwine]

Others have chimed in already on some needs i.e. safety door and shelter from the weather.

One thing I notice is the gap in the wall. I'll assume you will be covering this to prevent birds from escaping, but also make sure it is predator/pest proof. I don't know what sort of things are attracted to birds in your area, but keep it in mind.

Suggestions/considerations for an out door aviary:

Feeding station - access from the outside like a flap that can be lifted etc / refilled and reached from inside the safety door area. You don't want to have to walk around in there often. The narrow space will make it difficult and scare the birds.
Access - make sure there is a clear path for yourself incase you need to get in there in an emergency. Place perching etc in such a way as to give you space too.
Cleaning - small spaces get dirty quickly. If you can position potted container plants in there instead of a dirt floor, then placing a flooring / paving floor will be easier to hose off and clean from the outside. You just have to make sure there is sufficient drainage and runoff with an area that will not get clogged up with the seed debris.
Water - place a bathing bowl and watering bowl seperately. On hot days the birds bath and splash much of their water out leaving little for drinking.
Nesting - with a narrow area you will need to watch where the sun catches your aviary the longest. Avoid placing nest boxes in such an area as young can overheat easily. Rather try provide nesting with shaded warm areas.
Night light - if you can allow for a night light outside birds that get spooked can get themselves into trouble if they cannot find their way back to their roost.

[y2kdejesus]

Candace, first of all I want to say that your aviaries are so beautiful. I love the artwork and details in all of them. I plan on painting the ugly brown concrete blocks in the background to white using some kind of paint that will adhere good to concrete material. Probably will just go to Lowes and ask them what kind of white paint would work for me.

Plans are to leave the floor as dirt that way I can have live plants and I could always use the bird poop as fertilizer I guess. Although a nice hard floor would look so much more clean and easier to walk on. Will see....

Once again your aviaries are stunning, great job!!

[y2kdejesus]

Flyinverted you must of been reading my mind because I was debating weather I should paint the frame a different color or keep the nice wood look to it but after seeing yours I think I will go with stain and keep the natural wood look to it. Great looking aviary I might add as well. If mine could look half as good I will be very pleased.

Now about the mesh: 1) What kind of mesh did you use or which to use? 2) What is a safe size openings for finches? Did you just get the ones that come in a roll from Lowes/Home depot? How about using window screening material?
So water based paint for the mesh is fine then, good. Appeciate all your help Thnxs

[y2kdejesus]

Monotwine I will use your advice on locations of certain things placed in areas where it makes sense because I have no idea where to place things as nesting boxes, feeding bowls, lighting etc. You have given me alot of info.

Yes you are correct, any and all gaps will be filled in, blocked, covered so there is no chance of escape. I am sure as I go I will have more questions and some may seem redundant but just bare with me I am a noob at all this. Thnxs