PVC-coated (plastic-coated) wire mesh/hardware cloth

[steph]

Hi everyone!
My husband and I are building our first aviary. Its going to be located in our screen porch (we're in Florida, so its warm enough), and it will be about 8' long x 8' tall x 2.5' deep. We are almost done framing it up. The next step will be for me to paint the wood frame and then we will attach the hardware cloth. I really want to use PVC-coated hardware cloth, but I can only find it in green (other than the floppy stuff).

Does anyone have a source for black plastic-coated hardware cloth? I will take some pics when the sun comes up

[franny]

Sorry I can't say where you might find the black, but personally I think the green is really good for "disappearing". Would make it easy to see the birds. I once screened in my balcony, to keep in my blind cat...but it wasn't allowed in the rental I was in. I painted the chicken wire green, and it was almost invisible from the ground (I was on the second floor). Anyone who did notice it, thought it was strawberry netting, so noone complained.

[steph]

Thanks for the reply, franny. I didn't know that about the green mesh "disappearing". Good to know.

I was also considering the black plastic netting (just plastic, not plastic-coated wire). Anyone have experience with this? The aviary won't be outside in the yard, but in the screen porch, so I think it will be safe from harm.

[B CAMP]

Why not the regular hardware cloth very easy to paint and the birds would show up a lot better with black wire.
Even in florida you will need some heat for them.

[franny]

B Camp has a point. I used a roller to paint the wire green. It was quick and easy. It would probably be cheaper to get the plain hardware clothe and paint it yourself, too.

[steph]

I didn't know you could paint regular hardware cloth. I was reading the Finch Info Center about how galvanized wire mesh is bad because it contains lead and zinc. So, I can just paint it with a paint roller? That would be ideal!

B CAMP - I'm getting my first birds after the last frost date so that I won't have to worry about heating for a while. I will be more concerned with getting them through our sticky summer! I do plan on providing extra heat during winter, and I will have fans for cooling over the summer.

[poohbear]

Use the galvanised wire...it's cheapest and easy to paint black with a small roller...It makes a hell of a difference and will show the birds off without the relection of bare wire.
Ignore the stuff about zinc poisoning etc...finches don't chew on wire like a parakeet might...Even so I've never heard of a 'keet coming to any harm in a galvanised aviary.

[steph]

Thanks for the info! I am happy to know these things.

And here's the picture I promised...the wood lying on the floor is where we're adding a safety porch.

[mickp]

that is going to be a nice size. and plenty of space around it so you can extend it later

[B CAMP]

steph
That looks like its going to be a nice big aviary,very good keep on the lookout for for some nice tree branches for you perches.Thats big enough for some nice plants also ,have you checked out some of the other members aviary's in the gallery might get some more good ideas

[franny]

Thanks for the info! I am happy to know these things.

And here's the picture I promised...the wood lying on the floor is where we're adding a safety porch.

Why not inset the safety porch about 6 inches into the aviary? Then you won't be blocking the patio door, and they will still have the full length to fly.

Also just noticed that the safety catch should also maybe be framed in about 6 inches lower at the top. Having the door a wee bit shorter than the rest of the aviary just makes it a little less likely that birds zipping around up there near the top, will fly in to the safety catch. Then it's less often you'll be trying to scoop them out of that tight space before you can get out.

[steph]

My picture is a bit deceving. It looks like the safety porch would block the sliding glass door, but actually that side of the door in stationary. It opens from the other end, so it wouldn't be blocking the entrance into the screen porch.

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!!

[franceska]

Use the galvanised wire...it's cheapest and easy to paint black with a small roller...It makes a hell of a difference and will show the birds off without the relection of bare wire.
Ignore the stuff about zinc poisoning etc...finches don't chew on wire like a parakeet might...Even so I've never heard of a 'keet coming to any harm in a galvanised aviary.

Picking up an old thread here...

So, you think galvanized (zinc) wire could be okay with finches? More opinions and experiences on this?

I have only had my birds indoors until now, since Sweden doesn't have the ideal climate for exotic finches. However, the summers ARE really nice and I believe it would make a bit difference to my birds health and welfare if they could be outside this part of the year. Galvanized wire is BY FAR the cheapest and even best looking alternative for the bird pavillion I have in mind - but I definitely don't want to put their lives in danger. Some small parts of my indoor aviary (the ventilation parts) are made from this wire, and even though they spend some time around there I have never seen the birds "chew" on it.

[B CAMP]

Galvanized is the best to keep your birds safe from preditors,and painted like Paul said

[lovemyfinch]

Wonderful set-up Steph, your finches will have plenty of room to fly.