FINCHforum

Ok, here I am again. I am getting down to the end of my construction and have some questions about the inside of the aviary.

Here's what I'll have: 2.5'x7' and 8' tall (inside dimensions) aviary, and I'm starting out with 2 red-headed parrot finches that I will want to eventually breed.

Here's what I'm wondering:

1. How do I provide enough perches without taking away from their flying room? Is there a general rule to go by? Should I lean toward more perches (at varying sizes/heights, etc.) or lean toward just the minimum so they have more room to fly?

2. How many nests should I provide them? Or should I not provide nests at all at first until they are acclimated to their new home? Should the nests be at varying heights, too or just at the very top or something else?

3. I read that finches can become acclimated to withstand a wide range of temperatures if they are healthy. Mine will be just coming off an airplane and will be in a new place, so what temperature should I avoid? Its been dipping into the 50s at night here in Central Florida, but it should be warming up very soon. Should I provide a heat source at first or will the birds be fine in 50 degree temperatures? I'm not so concerned with daytime temps. Its been in the 70s.

Sorry this is so long. I really appreciate everyone's advice!

Hi Steph,

This is what I have in my aviary. Perhaps it will give you some ideas.

My husband made the stand perch and I have different types of perches all over it. They love it. They have these trees to hide and perch in at night. The long one is just a branch from a tree in the yard and we made it into a swinging perch and the round one I bought at a bird mart last year. It hangs in the middle. I think that is their favorite place during the day.
I put them at each end so they can fly back and forth.

Parrot finches do not sleep in a nest, so I would let them get comfortable in their surroundings before I put any nest up and then I would give them a choice of about three different types. I have a pair of parrot finches and they laid eggs one time in a wooden box nest.

I don't think you have to worry too much about the weather with them. They are pretty hardy birds. I just wouldn't let it drop below 50 before I gave them a little heat. You will love them. They are very comical birds and very busy birds. They will love the room you are providing for them. They love to fly and need alot of space. Congrats.

Hope this helps.

Not much to add to the last reply where ever you put your feeding bowls or what ever your using don't have anything above the bowls or cups help keep the poop out.
As for the heat I don't think you need it but if It seems A little extra chilly today just put one of the heat bulbs shining toward one end of the aviary let them choose if they want it or they will perch away from it. Try to have A lot of places they can hide,plastic or real ,if real have one in aviary and one for backup for when they have tore one up then switch them out