outside vs inside in FL

[sgolds]

I've decided to pick up a new cage and separate my zebras. I have a large front porch, which is covered, and am I'm thinking of putting them out there.

Is there anything different I need to do for them out there? Summer in Fl, it gets hot, but not too hot on my porch since it's sheltered. But I'm wondering about all the bugs, lizards and frogs out there..... Is there something I should do for them out there?

[Ginene]

This is a great thread...there are many people in Florida with outdoor flights & aviaries that have to take different precautions due to weather and pests. Cindy would be a great person to give you input. I have read shade, plenty of fresh drinking & bath water as well as mesh to keep out mosquitoes/snakes are important. Hopefully you will get some outdoor bird people to help out soon. Best of luck with your new set-up

[cindy]

Ginene, is correct about the need for protecting your birds from mosquitoes. Not only are your birds a captive host for female mosquitoes to feed off of but often they will in the heat of the day seek shelter in shade which can be nest boxes or wicker nest. The young babies are vulnerable in the nest as well. Pet birds housed outside can get West Nile Disease so using a screening on the porch or placing a frame with lania/pool screening around the cage would be helpful. http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-he ... -birds/937

Depending on the type of cage you are using you need to take into consideration certain animals and snakes getting in easily. The typical 30x18 cages can be easily manipulated by a hungry raccoon. The bar space in any cage is also a concern regarding snakes getting in, they can squeeze through, eat their fill and not be able to get back out. Hanging the cage waste high or higher is helpful, just not right up against a wall since rat snakes can stiffen their body and crawl or extend up to get in. A friend just had this happen the snake got into the enclosure, got into a nest box, constricted a grass keet and ate all the 5 week and a half old babies, could not get out...she found it in another nest box within the enclosure. I had a corn snake curled inside a java enclosure (AE flight cage) when I housed them outside. Extended it's body up and into the cage....no birds were harmed thankfully. (this was within my patio and pool enclosure).

The best bet to keep predators like snakes, rats and mice out is the 1/4" galvanized metal mesh enclosure with a secure door.

Giving them proper shelter from winds and rains we have had lately is also a must considering the storms we have had and will get that are typical this time of year. Some have been pretty intense.

[sgolds]

Hmmmm, I'm thinking they will be staying indoors. lol

My porch is rather large, and stays dry, but unfortunately it's not screened it. I hadn't thought of the mosquitoes. They would be eaten up out there! Looks like I will be looking for another pace here indoors.

Thanks so much for the info.

[Corkysgirl]

Yes, my daughter had a real issue with mosquitoes and snakes in her aviary in Florida outdoors also. There is no guarantee inside an enclosure because snakes seem to find a way in somehow...and we all know mosquitoes are insidious!

[MiaCarter]

I second the concern on the snakes.
I have a covered chainlink dog run alongside the house and the snakes always go in there to escape the sun. We tried screening the lower portion but they'd still find a way in.
It was supposed to be a spot for quick potty runs, but the snakes have totally ruined that as I need to go out and ensure it's clear before I let the dogs out. Only black racers and other harmless ones so far, but there are plenty of toxic snakes in the area.
I'd be really nervous about the birds with the snakes so perhaps indoors is better. Definitely cooler.

[wildbird]

Hawks are another concern. I've had them hit the window with me sitting right in front of it & my birds next to me. They have also hit the screen on the porch when my birds are in a cage out there They are never on the screen porch unless I am at home & when it gets hot, they come inside, never outside at night.

[RockinCanary]

Interesting thread. I live in Ontario Canada where our summer can be as warm as 30 Celsius and the winters as cold as minus 30 celcius. During the summer months I keep my Zebras in a double flight outside. I do not have them in any type of enclosure. Just outside on my patio. I have had no problems with mosquitos or snakes or any other type of predeators. They love it outside.

[cindy]

Different areas of the country have different species of mosquitoes...Florida has over 40 different species, we also have a rainy season.

[Prism]

Interesting thread.....I live in OH and in winter when I am constantly flustered about keeping enough heat and humidity for breeding, I envy those keeping birds in FL. I could not deal with snakes though! Ewwww! I'd keep your birdies inside. I'm sure they are living the good life there!

[Toddmin]

I haven't had snakes bother my doves in the outdoor aviary, but I sure have had a lot of hawks try to get them. They will often sit on top of it, trying to stir up the doves. The doves have been safe so far, and I shoo the hawks away when I see them, but I do worry!

[MiaCarter]

The hawks are scary.
One time, I was outside running around with my little chihuahua and I suddenly noticed the large shadows on the ground. We were being circled by about 5 big hawks.
I scooped him up *fast* and ran inside!

I used to live in Boston, and I would have left them outdoors during the summer up there no problem.

But Florida is just crawling with critters! It's nuts! Nothing like the northeast.
We're also maybe 75-100 yards or so from a wildlife preserve at the end of the street. So we get lots of creatures coming out of there.
My husband saw a cougar once, so I know they're out there. That's the only creature that really frightens me.

[cindy]

Mia...I had a bobcat walking the top of the privacy wall behind my house, the coyotes and snakes frighten me the most. We have plenty of these!

[NewTampanian]

Hello all! I myself live in Florida, (Downtown St Pete) it seems that my birds do soooo much better outside. Granted I agree that the mosquitoes are horrible but I'm lucky enough to have a screened in front porch which prevents that predicament entirely. I actually tried to put my birds inside and they just seemed depressed. The moment I put them outside they just lit up and were chirping, singing, and doing everyday bird activites, I would think that I'll have to bring them indoors around December and January, our coldest months.

One thing that I thought was interesting was that my birds have attracted the wild monk parakeets and black faced conures. They're so pretty, and even though they are an invasive species, I couldn't be happier to see them free and happy.

[wildbird]

New Tampanian, mine like being outside on the screen porch better too. They also like to go for a ride in the van. When they are inside they tend to sleep a lot. Part of that might be that I need to change the lighting. I see you have only one Java. They get very lonesome with just one. Are you going to get another one?