Aviary, Full spectrum lighting, and Weather.

[LuxandLolita]

So you all know i have been wanting to build an aviary.
Since Lolita's death, i have been thinking. In the summer, is it alright to build an aviary that is only for the outside? of course, i will have to watch for predators, insects, all of that, but when it is warm, i could give them the aviary for the summer and in the winter they can be in their usual cages?
I want to give them the best now, and full spectrum lighting is just one step further into getting Tahny out of the red zone for egg binding. i won't let this happen again.

[DanteD716]

I think an outdoor summer aviary is good. A mid/late spring- mid fall might even work. 3/4 of the year outdoors! BUT, I think it is too much of an effort for 2 finches. Plus I would not flight Tahny and Lux together, becuase they could have nests hidden or in unreachable places where they could lay

[LuxandLolita]

i know, it would not even be a real aviary but more a large flight? I want to use it for the cockatiels as well, i just want at least a chance to get my birds full spectrum lighting.

[DanteD716]

Do you want the cockatiels with the finches?

[LuxandLolita]

not in with them! i mean maybe i can make a larger aviary and split it(with wood our plexi glass) and keep the tiels on one side. i just want them to get what they need.

[DanteD716]

Hm, I think maybe build a large flight for the teils, and buy a cage for outdoors for the finches.

[LuxandLolita]

Why not just build a big one for both of them? but separated?

[DanteD716]

Because it is more work I think, but you could try a big one!

[LuxandLolita]

that's what i was saying! To make a gigantic one(not really gigantic) And make notches down the middle to slide a thin piece of wood down the middle or something.

[Ria]

Kaite, what about just taking their cages outside for the day, bring them in at night? that at least gets them some sun NOW, rather than waiting till you could build a flight. plus, if they would stay outside in the flight all the time, you have to have plans for a sleeping area that will be warm when the nights get chilly.

[MissEdie]

Do you have full spectrum lighting for their cages now?
If not you can buy them for the inside. If you want. I just Googled it and here is a full page of them,if you want to get some for the inside.
Full spectrum lighting for birds

I have 8ft long ones for my 8ft aviary, but you can get them in different lengths

Hope this helps

[finchmix22]

Katie
I roll my double flight cages outside in nice weather and roll them back inside when they've had enough or it starts to get dark. BUT, I have to be around to prevent predators and move the flights so they don't end up in the sun as it moves during the day. I put them near some trees in my yard and half the flight gets full sun and the other half shade. I check every so often, as I'm cleaning the house or doing yard work. If they flight is getting all full sun, I move it to get partial shade. That way, they choose if they are in the sun or not.
My finches love it, but I have to watch for cats, hawks, and other predators that roam around when they hear or see the finches. I think it's too tempting sometimes. LOL.

[LuxandLolita]

Completely forgot about this..and now i can't do anything for any of my birds.
Now it's cold as well. So there's no use until i can get some FSL light bulbs. grah!