Aviary Flooring

[Matthias]

Considering the size of the aviary just over 3.5 metres in lenght and 1.5 metres in width and 2.2 metres high i was considering putting in about 1.5 feet of soil for the flooring. Any feelings about this ?

[Gráinne Barrett]

It's whatever you feel yourself! I'm sure soil is good though in some way

[finchmix22]

Matthias
I'd be careful about using soil as that attracts mold and bacteria when wet. I assume this an outdoor flight. So, I'd suggest using a different bottom, such as paver stone with sand underneath them, which would drain well in rain and not collect as much moisture.

[Rox]

I have soil/dirt bottoms for both of my aviary's. The one aviary is planted, so the soil just gets turned over every now and then (bird poop is great fertilizer!). The other aviary has a dirt bottom, which has become compacted. I sweep this out weekly. I prefer having a natural bottom in the aviary as I keep waxbills and they love scratching around in the dirt looking for bugs etc. It's a much more stimulating environment for the birds.

Just ensure you put your birds on a worming schedule, as they could pick up worms from whatever bugs make their way into the aviary. Otherwise you should be fine

[monotwine]

The aviary floor is also dependent on your environmental conditions and end requirements (or your choice of birds requirements).
An ideal aviary floor is well drained, easily cleaned and doesn't harbour any build up of bacteria / mould etc.

If you don't overstock the aviary a dirt floor is not too difficult to look after. If it gets too soiled and wet, then hygiene becomes an issue.

Ideally you need to decide what you need to place down. Options include:
Dirt if it naturally drains well,
Pavers / concrete if you need a solid base,
Solid base then overlaid with dirt / floor dressing (wood chip etc),
Crushed stone
natural dirt covered with a thick layer of well draining river sand.

Those are what come to mind.

[monotwine]

Oh and also to take into consideration any possible wildlife (e.g. mice etc) that can burrow into an aviary via the flooring choice.
Solid concrete won't allow them in via the floor opposed to say a dirt floor.