Aviary build

[Jaydabug]

Hello, My name is Robin and I am new to the forum and to having Finches. I purchased my first pair of Zebra Finches about 3 weeks ago. Last Sunday I found that they have 4 eggs now. I have been doing research and my husband is going to be building me a aviary in my office and we are having problems figuring out what type of mesh/screening to use. We have read not to use galvanized material and need to know what other's are using and where we can find this material. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Robin(Jaydabug)

[cindy]

there are a few options, they make a mesh covered in a pvc coating, comes in black or green and you can find it at hardware stores or feed stores.

We went with a plastic black mesh on mine since I have a bad reaction when I get scratched with the metal mesh. The plastic is study enough for finches and washable.

If you do use hardware cloth soak and scrub with a soft brush the zinc powder coating off with white vinegar and water, rinse well.

[Sally]

As Cindy has said, the plastic mesh works just fine for an indoor aviary. Outdoors, you have to have metal to keep out predators, but indoors it is not necessary. You will want to get the 1/2" x 1/2" size mesh, and you can find it at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier for members to suggest where to buy supplies, etc.

[cindy]

this site might help too... gives you come ideas on wire and doors.... https://www.wingzstore.com/

[cindy]

forgot to mention, some roll out paint across onto the wire mesh to seal it so it does not rust and it looks nice... this is fine for finches but not some of the hookbills that climb the cage sides and chew.

Use a paint that is lead free and child safe, water base. (spray paint is fine, some include the primer in them but needs to be aired out well before using around the birds.... maybe 3 to 5 days outside), wash your wire first and sun dry to make sure it is clean before painting it.

[Dave]

Plus, it is a lot easier to see your birds if the mesh is dark, and there is a light inside the aviary.

[cindy]

I use a 5 ft long shop light with a daylight bulb in it. It sits on top of the aviary

[Jaydabug]

Thank you to all that responded. We was talking about the plastic mesh but was scared that they might pick thru it. Live in central IL and the winters can get cold. Was already thinking about using a shop light and add a heat bulb.

[cindy]

The thicker plastic mesh the finches can't pick through it, I have had bourkes, owls, javas in the aviary (javas separately) and no one picks through it, also the hole are 1/4 inch... if this is indoors it will be fine. They make a thin deer mesh don't use that the plastic is weaker.

If outside use wire.