Building an outdoor aviary - what to do/not do

For questions about finch enclosures (cages & aviaries).
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Stephanie
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Building an outdoor aviary - what to do/not do

Post by Stephanie » Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:38 pm

In the next few months I will be setting up/buidling my first proper, big garden aviary :D. I want to learn from those who have gone before me, so please tell me what you like/what you regret about how you built yours...

What are you really glad that you did?

What do you wish you had done?

What would you definitely do next time if you could?


Thanks :)
S.
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SamFoy
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Post by SamFoy » Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:20 am

Lighting - I used a 15' light rope that is looks like Christmas lights. It comes in different colors and is usually used as assent/patio lights - not real bright, but is just right for attaching at mid-level for a night light.

Mesh wire - Paint the wire with a rag roller on both sides with an outdoor acrylic black paint. This makes the wire almost disappear when you look through it.

Safe room - Don't crowd yourself and make doors swing into each other. This is the room you will used for preparing food, storing nest boxes, nets , water controls, seed, and the big one - I like to view my birds up close from this spot. This room can also be modified as a winter warm area. Oh, don't forget to make room for a quarantine area or hospital cage.

Have fun - plan things out on paper. Drink plenty of water during the hot days your working on the aviary. I had my only heat stroke 6 years ago today( July 4th) when I broke that rule of thumb!!!!!!!!!!!

Splitting the aviary - Luckily I thought ahead and placed posts and supporting beams where I could easily split off and make more than one cage within the aviary. This is a good idea if you think you might want to try different size, color, or male/female birds in the future. Parrots and finches should have their own area.

Watch for pesticides and fertilizers that could blow into your aviary. Check with neighbors to make sure they knew you have birds and be careful too.

I know this is silly, but my birds don't like me wearing a hat when I enter their area. They could care less if I run the lawnmower all day, but it's the movement of things that them freaks them out.

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ruth
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Post by ruth » Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:50 am

Make sure that you can reach everything. My husband, (who made my avery) is 6' 3 and I'm 5'1 so I find it hard to check the top of the built in box for eggs.

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poohbear
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Post by poohbear » Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:27 am

Hiya,
SamFoy is of course talking about an adjoining birdroom...a good idea depending on the climate where you live and whether the birds will need winter quarters.Painting the wire black is essential..it makes a heck of a difference when viewing your birds.

There are a hundred different things to think of...it depends what you are going to keep.An aviary that can be divided is a good idea...then you don't have so much worry about which you birds you keep and the ability to seperate troublesome pairs.The overall look of the aviary will not be altered by having seperate inner flights.

If attached to a birdroom...access to the aviary can be from inside,then you have no fear of escapes,and no need for a safety porch.

If you have mice and rat problems where you live,it's essential proper foundations are built to keep them out.Plants can always be kept in pots.
Give us a few more clues what you have planned....size...with or without attached birdroom...open, or partly roofed, etc.
Paul.
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