Growing plants up the side of an aviary - nibble prevention?

[Stephanie]

I want to grow some plants up the sides of my outdoor wire aviary. The problem is that finches nibble the heck out of any new growth they can reach, so I need to somehow provide a climbing support for the plant a couple of inches off the wire. How do you think this can be done, simply and neatly?

I'm fine with the birds nibbling a bit through the wire - I actually like them to have this opportunity. But when vining or creeping plants grow on the actual aviary wire, the birds inevitable kill them or at least prevent them from ever getting hold. So the idea is to support the plants just off the wire, so they can grow well despite some distal nibbling!

Thanks for your ideas

[finchmix22]

Stephanie
First, I'd make sure whatever plant you choose is not considered toxic or potentially dangerous for finches. That said, you could put garden stakes with mesh attached, then plant them next to the aviary, but not touching the aviary mesh. That way, they'd grow on the mesh with the stakes and have a chance to develop. Can you post pics of your aviary? I'd love to see your setup.

[Stephanie]

Sure, I have a video from last year: http://youtu.be/amktKfqcolg

I want climbing plants in three places - the back, the left, and on the right just by the door.

[monotwine]

Depending on the plant species, some really climb quickly, and grow quickly enough to handle nibbles, while others not.
I would suggest trying self-supporting vines, the types with tendrils for support instead of the twining stems. Like say a Granadilla. They will support themselves and the stems should initially be far enough out of the reach of the finches.
Alternatively like you mentioned you could try string a seperate support trellis and allow the climber to climb this and slowly once its establish move towards the aviary mesh. By then it should be big enough to handle pruning.
You could probably make something that looks neat or near invisible with a very fine net (the type they use for veggies).

Stunning aviary by the way. Looked lovely in there.

[Sam007]

Stephanie
Very nice aviary. I enjoyed watching the video. Thanks for sharing!

[Stephanie]

Aw thanks

I think I need to come up with a way to attach horizontal thingies to the wire, so I can then affix a vertical thingy to them .

Maybe the 'long bolt + nut + two large washers' arrangement that's used to attach artificial perches to parrot cages - several of those, then string wire between them.

[MariusStegmann]

I have Morning Glory growing up the side of my aviary. This happened by accident. This plant is a vigorous grower and has to kept in hand. Birds are ok with it and does not eat it.

[monotwine]

Stephanie
Nuts and bolts sound rather like a lot of work

All you need it a space between the cage mesh and the climber. You can have a trellis leaning up against it, or simply attach a trellis with a spacer cube behind it to create the space you need.
Bamboo makes a very nice slim line trellis.
Or you could securely "plant" two support poles the width you would like, string horizontally (or across diagonally to make diamonds) with high gauge fishing line and the climber will grow up. You only need a few centimetres between the climber and the mesh.
You need not bolt it to your aviary, unless that is easier for you.

[MariusStegmann]

Stephanie I see that you are in Sydney. I thought that Sydney more or less that the same climate as Cape Town, South Africa. Gouldians don't make it in Cape Town during the winter an open aviary. The wet and wind gets them in the winter. Aviaries have to be very sheltered during the winter to keep gouldians alive. Perhaps your Aussie stock are hardier than ours, or you keep your gouldians inside for the winter?