Storm-proofing an aviary - how?

[Stephanie]

Hi

I'm planning my aviary and wonder what experience any of you have had with hurricane/storm-proofing them?

A severe storm can rip the roof off a well-built house that has stood for years; the loss of birds from an aviary this way would be devastating. I've even heard a bird keeper describe how his aviary was pulled up out of the earth by extreme winds and ended up down the street - birds all gone, of course .

Can you recommend any special construction techniques, or do's and dont's? My aviary will be about 3m x 4m, with about 40% of the roof fully covered.

Thanks!

[adamharbeck]

We used to live in the North-West where tropical cyclones were a real issue. My dad welded our steel-framed cage to the cyclone-proof patio and taht kept it in place during a few severe storms. An good way of securing aviaries, sheds, caravans and even houses is to pass a couple of chains over the top and securely peg the structure to the ground.

In southern areas it may be advisable to situate the aviary in the lee of a wall/building so it is sheltered from prevailing winds.

Aside from ensuring teh cage stays put, you should also consider how the birds will cope with severe winds and ensure they have adequate shelter. That being said, you dont want to crating a sail to catch the wind.

[mickp]

my aviary has survived 100 to 120kmh winds without moving, all I did when pouring concrete for the foundations was to have a few deeper sections and put threaded bar into the concrete before it had set, then I put the aviary frame over the bar and bolted it down.