How to acclimate the birds to the outside?

[Sasha2]

I only have the diamond doves and the zebra finches.But its been hot and humid.So can I just put them outside right away? They are a hot weather species so I would think it may be okay.

Is a time of day better, like early in the morning maybe??? Its supposed to be 97 tomorrow but on Thursday its supposed to be 88.IDK its cooler on the porch so not nearly so hot as that.

[finchmix22]

If the birds have not lived outside before, they cannot be "just put outside" and left there. They need to be acclimated, which means to SLOWLY let them be outside, in a shaded area (in this summer heat/humidity), for an hour at first, then two and so on, but...You must make sure they have shade, a good source of fresh water, food AT ALL TIMES and are not at risk for PREDATORS to either: KNOCK OVER THE FLIGHT/CAGE, CHEW THROUGH, CLAW THROUGH, DIG UNDERNEATH, ETC. It may take about a week to acclimate them to summer weather, but they can adapt with a good set up and the proper food, water, shade and safety from predators and the elements.

[Sasha2]

Okay thanks.Food water and shade is a given of course. I just needed to know how to go about this.Seems rather stressful to be moved in and out every day for a week but If thats what I need to do then I will.

[dan78]

Hi Sasha when acclimating a new bird for an outside aviery time of year is essential spring is best. Time of day is also essential for placing birds in an aviery morning is also best. Spring is the best time of year as the days are getting longer and the weather isn't to hot or cold and morning is best so the birds have all day to get used to where food and water is and try to find a nice place to roost. If your considering placing them out soon I would wait for a better day which isn't so hot, placing water up on wire as well as down on floor will allow birds to find water when they need it as well as food being the same. Try to find a large dish for water and food to be placed oj the floor and once birds are accustomed to their surroundings then you can slowly change them to what suits you best. Being summer you will have to give them space and not annoy them to much as stress from heat as well as new surroundings can knock them off.

[Sasha2]

Our springs are nasty, well most years its storms and more storms and then can jump or dump 20 degrees in just a few hours.Kansas weather is unpredictable on a good day, especially where we live..This spring would have been a good one as weve had very little rain and very mild weather but unfortunately that means a hotter summer.


Ive checked the ten day forecast and its going to be in the 90's all the way through, 70's at night.So I imagine by August we will be getting triple digits.This is really depressing, Ive worked so hard to get this aviary together and now I cant put the birds in it without risking their health..
I should have saved myself the trouble and built it inside.

[Rispa]

Maybe you can use the parts of your outdoor aviary to make an indoor aviary.

[wellingtoncdm]

Is there anyway to winterize the aviary? Both diamond doves and zebras are fairly hardy.

[dan78]

Is there a stretch of weather that will be in the low 90's not above 95, they may well be alright in that heat but getting higher may become to much to soon. Is the weather dry heat or humid heat as dry would be better. You could put them in after summers heat spell and condition them for a winter so in fact you could be putting them in there as late as Sept. Don't think that you have wasted your time on building your aviery it just means your waiting for the perfect time to place them in there.

[Sasha2]

Its humid heat around 60 percent and mid 90's all week..
I was planning on bringing them inside in winter and keeping them upstairs in our mostly finished attic.IT stays around 50 up there all winter.The winters are just too brutal.I had to bring in my chickens one year and keep them in the hall(gross) it was below zero for several days in a row.
OF course this last winter was super mild and we barely got in the 20's.
I built the aviary right onto the side of the front porch so I would have to completely disassemble it to move it inside...
I guess Kansas weather is just not friendly for those outdoor animals.I personally dont mind sitting out on the porch in the evenings and reading..