New Finch Mansion!

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:49 am

hi tammie
if you use the plastic netting where do you attach your perches etc! just curious

ken

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:54 pm

I didn't use the plasitc mesh, I have the green vinyl hardware cloth. My perches are all the manzanita perches that attach with a bolt, washers and wing nut. My aviary has a solid back wall, so most of my perches are on it. I just drilled a hole, inserted the bolt and then screwed the washer and wing nut on the backside of the plywood. They work fine on the mesh too.

Like this,

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:08 pm

hi tammie
thats a great idea with the washers on the end....i may fix some on my aviary wire like that so that the birds can have a different place to perch on a night time

ken

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:39 pm

I'm sure your birds will enjoy having a different view on the world.

Finchlet · Post by **Finchlet** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:49 pm

Yea! I found a place that sells black vinyl coated wire mesh.
http://www.louispage.com/wwm_vinyl.htm
I have requested prices from them and also asked if they will sell in quantities less than 100 foot rolls. I'll let you know what they say.
I am debating between 2 sizes: 19 gauge 1/2 x 1/2" wire, and 16 gauge 1 x 1/2" wire. Basically, thicker wire with bigger gaps in between, or thinner wire with smaller gaps. Any input as to which would allow the birds to be more visible? I looked at the plastic mesh that a local hardware store carries. It was really thick and brittle, so I wasn't to happy with the was it looked. The wire definately allows for better viewing, and like Tammie did, you can attach perches to the wire

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:56 pm

I think I'd go with the 1/2 x 1/2 the 1" seems a little big and maybe the smaller finches like zebras could stick their little necks through the gaps? or maybe I'm paranoid lol Let us know about cost etc when you find out, I bet they don't ship to Canada though

Finchlet · Post by **Finchlet** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:01 pm

The bars on the flight cages I have are about 1/2 inch wide. I don't think they can get their heads through. I was just wondering which would allow the birds to be seen better. I just checked the bars on the flights, and they are actually a thicker gauge than the 1/2 x 1" wire. I will ask them about shipping to Canada for you when I hear back from them. Maybe if I do end up having to buy a 100 foot roll, someone would be interested in the other half of it.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 8:47 pm

hi finchlet
1" x 1/2" is small enough for zebras,thats what i ahve on my aviary and there had been plenty of youngsters flying around in there without getting through .if you had strawberry finches or goldbreasts then i would say go smaller

ken

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:09 pm

lol if you end up w/ scads of the stuff maybe you can ship me some, I'm sure you ship to Canada lol!

Finchlet · Post by **Finchlet** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:15 pm

Yeah definately! I will let you know what they say. I'd imagine I won't hear anything until Monday. In the mean time, I've been searching for a good deal on the acrylic glass. I've emailed this place in San Diego. I'll report back on that too. They have plexiglass in every color under the sun! http://www.rplastics.com/plasticsheet.html

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:22 pm

Wow! I'd totally make a purple cage! lol, what do you need the acrylic glass for?
I had an idea if you're thinking of backing, they make plastic sign board, it's white and super cheap but it's washable and durable, if you're looking for something to use as either backing or the bottom, it's not transparent, but it's like 1/4 the price of plexiglass and it's smooth plastic so it's easy to wash.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:28 pm

You use the plexi for the bottom half of the aviary walls. This way you can still see the birds, but it contains the mess.

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:53 pm

ah that's a good idea! My aviary is going to be raised off the ground to lower the temptation of my cats lol so I didn't think about that aspect.... maybe I'll have to put a bit of plexi at the bottom to keep them from making a mess. By the time you all have finished your aviaries I'm going to have so many good ideas! Thanks guys!

Finchlet · Post by **Finchlet** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:08 pm

Well I've finished painting the screen doors. Here is a pic of what they look like now. I used a water based wood stain, and a couple coats of water based poly sealer. Next, I need to construct the custom panels for the entrance while I wait to hear from the plexi and wire people. (not to mention save up some $$$)

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:47 pm

Stain looks good. Now comes the real work. ;)