FINCHforum

Helllllo again! First off found this on craigslist, and in much need of a couple of cleanings I couldn't pass it up. However, I must say I am nervous we just moved everyone outside into it. I hear of tons keeping them outside, I guess I am just very worried about the weather & predators. So gonna post some pictures of what you all think if anything to be on the safe side. They are covered, and we have a ceiling fan that gives a slight breeze. It also has power so thinking for winter a cover for the sides and maybe a night heating bulb. Anyways, tons of pics + a video and suggestions very very welcomed! Thanks guys and gals!!
After cleaning


The Video - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 9120537812

Looks beautiful, great pictures!

WOW what a find!! Love it!

GREAT find!!!!!!

Great find, I cannot comment too much on predators and such as you get different types than what I deal with.

However the aviary looks great and the birds happy.

The only thing you could possibly do is put it on wheels, if not already, with breaks . That way if you do have an issue with anything you can simply roll them indoors and take them out during the day or good weather.

monotwine wrote:Great find, I cannot comment too much on predators and such as you get different types than what I deal with.

However the aviary looks great and the birds happy.

The only thing you could possibly do is put it on wheels, if not already, with breaks . That way if you do have an issue with anything you can simply roll them indoors and take them out during the day or good weather.

Thanks! Yea it is on wheels =D

Is the porch screened in? If yes between the screening and hardware cloth you should be fine from predators. Hawks, snakes, rodents and raccoons are the biggest problems. Snakes and mice may be able to get through 1/2 inch mesh. Hawks can panic the birds and chase them from side to side. I put large potted plants around two sides of my outdoor cages to add some privacy. The drawback is snakes climb well.
You can tarp the aviary and add a heat lamp or as stated above roll it inside.

Wow that's really nice. I always check craigslist cause you never know what you'll find....

Try a light motion detector to scare off nocturnal rodents. Worse come to worse, I've heard of some outdoor bird aviary owners creating a perimeter electrified fence (easier than you think. Just youtube it). Those two would help make me sleep well at night.

Beautiful birds and setup btw.

wellingtoncdm wrote:Is the porch screened in? If yes between the screening and hardware cloth you should be fine from predators. Hawks, snakes, rodents and raccoons are the biggest problems. Snakes and mice may be able to get through 1/2 inch mesh. Hawks can panic the birds and chase them from side to side. I put large potted plants around two sides of my outdoor cages to add some privacy. The drawback is snakes climb well.
You can tarp the aviary and add a heat lamp or as stated above roll it inside.

Yes it is only thing that's missing is the door since it was down when we bought the house. But fixing that next weekend. We do have flood lights in the back yard as well, leading up to the area where the birds are. Glad you all like it. I love it! The only bad thing I can say is it doesnt have a lot of arm movement for wanting to place things where I want exactly. I would love if the whole front came off or opened. Which could be changed if needed. But hey they seem so much happier today, which has put me at ease a little bit. But I think one of my males is gonna have to go. I keep watching 2 of them cause I am trying to see which one it is causing it. It's either the very cheeky pied male or my cfw. I didn't think fighting would be an issue with all the room. But I watched them today and it's almost non stop chasing. Grrr.

great find!

Great find, I love your zebras they look great!

Finch Haven wrote:

wellingtoncdm wrote:Is the porch screened in? If yes between the screening and hardware cloth you should be fine from predators. Hawks, snakes, rodents and raccoons are the biggest problems. Snakes and mice may be able to get through 1/2 inch mesh. Hawks can panic the birds and chase them from side to side. I put large potted plants around two sides of my outdoor cages to add some privacy. The drawback is snakes climb well.
You can tarp the aviary and add a heat lamp or as stated above roll it inside.

Yes it is only thing that's missing is the door since it was down when we bought the house. But fixing that next weekend. We do have flood lights in the back yard as well, leading up to the area where the birds are. Glad you all like it. I love it! The only bad thing I can say is it doesnt have a lot of arm movement for wanting to place things where I want exactly. I would love if the whole front came off or opened. Which could be changed if needed. But hey they seem so much happier today, which has put me at ease a little bit. But I think one of my males is gonna have to go. I keep watching 2 of them cause I am trying to see which one it is causing it. It's either the very cheeky pied male or my cfw. I didn't think fighting would be an issue with all the room. But I watched them today and it's almost non stop chasing. Grrr.

try to observe them for couple of days or more... maybe they are trying to get their territory, but if you think the bickering is to much then you can take the bully out. and try to put some more artificial or live plants near the nest. so they have their extra privacy when pair occupied the nest, in this case less territorial fight.


question: what is the size of your aviary? (length, width/dept and height) how many birds/pairs do you have in there? what mutations?

you inspire me to make a DIY aviary of my own. i have here an old computer table/stand. i can imagine i can make this as a aviary. plus




tnx.

Wow, that looks fantastic! Would love to have something like that.

Your birds look really happy too, and you have it set up nicely.