BirdChannel Forum / Bird Breeder Community / Aviary

inside aviary

birdlover54 — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:29:26 GMT

can you use a chain link dog kennel for an aviary or does it have to be a welded wire mesh kennel?

My small outdoor aviary.

Sasha2 — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 06:28:03 GMT

I recently built this on our screened in front porch.I have two pair of Zebras and a pair of Diamond doves in it.They all seem to get along with just a few squabbles between male Zebbies now and again.
Im hoping this winter when the birds are indoors to add on to the aviary and make it bigger.

7x4x2

Bird Channel aviary

Tikobird — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:25:05 GMT

[font=Arial Black][size=5][/size][/font]How do I get friends on here, and can you tell me how to build my aviary? I have no idea how to put an African grey in it.

Can I forget how to upload more pictures...I don't see an edit place, or upload listed.

I would really appreciate some help. It's been over a year since I've been here.

Outdoor Cockatiel Aviary

Dove-Love — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:10:33 GMT

Okay. I would like to create an aviary in my backyard for a dozen cockatiels. I live in northern California. And when I say Northern, I mean San Francisco is considered southern California to us. However, we aren't very close to Oregon. It gets down to 30 degrees f here at night, so we're definatly providing a heat lamp. We plan to shelter them from the rain at all times. Is this good? What wood should I use? What about fencing? Any tips? What plants would be safe? Should I change the above description? Thanks in advance. I'm just looking for opinions and general help.

Two male macaws one enclosure...

bobcatluv19 — Wed, 30 May 2012 01:46:32 GMT

Hello Everyone! So first things first... I work for a non-profit feline conservation center. I just got the job a few weeks ago. They have two macaws on site. (Both male. Ages 16 & 12) These two have been residents since 2008. No one has really worked with them and they are very aggressive. I've made it my personal goal to ensure them a better quality of life. The owners of the facility are kind loving people but the cats come first. Need to know anything about exotic cats, I.e. leopards, jaguars, tigers, fishing cats, etc. No problem. Parrots, not so much. Now that you know some background I fill you in on what they are currently housed in.

They currently have a enlsoure plenty big. I actually go in everyday and rake it. They have a "den box" with top, bottom, and side. In other words fully enclosed, with one entry hole. They do sleep in the den together. They are very aggressive when you get too close. For example when I check on their heater, which is inside the den. They are separated from the heater by a metal grate. I think it might actually be a door off an old cat carrier. We have a problem with ground squirrels. The enclosure is lined with cinder blocks. The squirrels just burrow through the hole of the blocks or just squeeze through the chain link to get inside. So some squirrel proofing would be great. They are in this enclosure all the time. As they cannot be handled (at the moment) I will worry about perch placement in the future. So, my first main concern is fixing the den issue. I'm afraid they might think they are mate and need to protect the nest. Again, I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing. Any ideas or advice are greatly appreciated!

Tips on building an aviary

CinnyLuver — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:07:59 GMT

I am planning on turning a large walk in closet into an aviary for my 4 tiels and maybe the green cheek. I need some tips on how to make it and I need a price estimate. The floor is tile, and I have a full spectrum light to put in.
What kind of wire should I use? (I prefer cheaper kind) I was thinking I could get a glass door and then switch the glass with wire.
How do I put perches in the wall?
What do you recommend using for food and water dishes?
How much will it cost to do all this??
Thanks in advance.

Getting an Aviary & Super excited!

sweetpea1713 — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:50:51 GMT

I loved looking at everyone Aviary on here. It makes me so excited for setting up my own. My Friend has one that is two carports wide 20 X 20. They are leaving the country and couldn't take their birds. They gave me their Amazon Jade along with their aviary who is my birds sister. This weekend we have been working on moving their aviary to my place. I can't wait to get it set up and for Jade to have her aviary back! I will post pics but i don't think i will have it all set up for a couple of weeks...

budgie aviary

Barefoot Parrot — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:18:24 GMT

I have an un-tame budgie, and his mate just died recently from malnutrition, and when he did have a mate they would never really play, they would just sit on the perch and be scared. I was thinking that if we built them and outdoor aviary that they wouldn't be so stressed by being in the house with humans. They would be able to be outside all day in the summer, would they be able to in the winter? They would have a smaller area inside that would be connected to the outside. I wouldn't put him out suddenly in the winter, I would put him out in the summer. Would he be able to survive in the winter with a mate? They would have a little nest house to shelter from.

Avairy for 3 Cockatiels,

coco91352 — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:55:46 GMT

Hello, I have been reading alot of the posts, but can't seem to find one for cockatiel, or for Sacramento California weather, I want to build one for my 3 Fids and Would like some ideas, for the size and what would be the best wire, or what ever for them, They like it outside alot now but are in smaller cages, and want to make something so they can all be together and be up higher if they want, plus being in the sun seems to mellow them at times, Any and all help appreciated! I live in Sacramento California and don't have a large back yard, No Cement bottom either!!! Thanksfor any and all help!

New Aviary

BigSam — Wed, 18 May 2011 07:00:37 GMT

Hi all,

I have been entertaining the idea of building an outside aviary for my peach faced lovebirds, approximately 5'L x 3-4'W x 3-4'H. Now I am no carpenter by any means but I was planning on building it out of 2x4's and using hard wire cloth. I know some birds are different and such materials are not acceptable, however for lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ would this be okay?

Sam,

Pictures of our new 20 X20 aviary

sweetpea1713 — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:58:44 GMT

A friend gave us their aviary. We spent one day digging it up, the next day we took the pins out and cut it down the middle, on day 3 we were able to move it with the help of some good friends =) We can't wait to clip it back together and get it all set up for the fids. Below are some pics of the big move. Need to go to my Facebook though....not enough space for photos on here copy paste link, i fixed the photos so everyone should be able to view them. =) If you are not a facebook user be sure to click the arrow at the top right of screen to view all photos.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?fbid=2048814980427&set=a.2048814860424.2127337.1246048258&type=1&theater

PVC frame aviary

RedDragon1288 — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:08:25 GMT

Well the question I have asked my bf is since we can't afford pre-made aviary and making a wood frame aviary gave Ruby mites last time. What if we use PVC to fame the aviary? It's light weight easy to move and cheap. This is just an idea for now but I'm wondering if it's practical?

Large oversize Walk-in Aviary

jcw232000 — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:55:50 GMT

Hi all,

Where can I purchase or find out how to build a large oversize aviary.

Large enough to have a pond and walk in and have a pond type area.

Preferable a zoo type aviary positionable to have lawn type chairs or something of that sort .

Your Aviary

CrazyParakeets — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:04:25 GMT

Just curious...

What type of aviary do you have? What size? What birds do you have in it?

Safe Wire

Dawnielle — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:06:11 GMT

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh8/R-202024092/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I saw this wire at Home Depot. It had much smaller 1/2in sq holes or 1 in sq holes but made by the same company. It says it is vinyl coated. Is that similar to the coasting for smaller bird cages. How would I find out if it is bird safe? Thank you for any help.

Planning for winter - help with outdoor aviary heat

Christy — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:45:21 GMT

I’m new to the boards and this is my first post so please bear with me :)

I’m in Central California and I have a 16'X26' outdoor aviary, that’s made out of a steel carport/building.

I have been covering the whole building in clear sheet plastic that comes in the big rolls. This works really well except for those really cold nights. When it is really cold I hang heat lamps but I don’t think that this is effective or safe. I thought about getting the ceramic heat emitters that are used for retile but was really curious as to what other people had done.

I have a little bit of room that I can convert to a heated area.

Best Birds to Keep in Aviaries

Whitefrost11 — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 07:46:33 GMT

So I am getting 5 Aviaries and I need help choosing what species to use and what sizes their aviaries need to be. Any help at all is GREATLY appreciated!

Aviary #1
15 Zebra Finches

Anyone know what a good aviary size would be for them?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Aviary #2
15 Parakeets

Again, Anyone know what a good size aviary would be for them?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Aviary #3

SPECIES, AMOUNT, AND SIZE OF THE AVIARY PLEASE
---------------------------------------------------------------
Aviary #4

SPECIES, AMOUNT, AND SIZE OF THE AVIARY PLEASE
---------------------------------------------------------------
Aviary #5

SPECIES, AMOUNT, AND SIZE OF THE AVIARY PLEASE
---------------------------------------------------------------

Please No Zebra Finches, No Budgies, No Congo African Greys,

Gouldian Finches, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Conures, Parrotlets, etc are all acceptable with me.

I am looking for aviaries with pretty birds. If you guys choose small birds, assume that I will be buying 10-15. If you choose medium (like conures) assume 2-5. And please dont choose big birds because I am getting a Congo African Grey and that alone is a huge responsibility.

-Thanks, I know this looks long but theres only a few simple questions

UPDATE:

I guess I just want my yard to be pretty. I want friendly birds that will get along well together within the aviary, will produce a nice chirp, maybe even sing, talk, or whistle. And I guess thats kind of it. I want the birds to look good too. Is that what you meant? I was thinking maybe a conure aviary with 4 in there. They are gorgeous and sounds like they will be a good addition to the home. What do you guys think? (Still have to fill in 2 more aviaries)

birds for aviary in Phoenix, AZ

sandraleeinaz — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:50:26 GMT

I am building an aviary 8ft in diameter and 7+ft high. I live in the Phoenix area. I am wondering what kind of birds I can put in my aviary. I will be installing a mister and will provide shade. I know that lovebirds will winter over in Phoenix, but I would like to put some other colorful birds in with them. I don't know what birds would be a good mix. I have had lovebirds and cockatiels as indoor pets in the past but never mixed any breeds together. I like the colors of the eastern rosella, but can they go in a aviary with other birds? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!-Sandy

More For A Hyacinth Aviary

Kelly & Joe — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:23:37 GMT

OK.....after input from all of you (thank you), it seems that the stronger the wire the better, but 8-10 gauge wire should be sufficient. The best, I am told, is stainless surgical steel. Yes, more expensive to purchase, but likely the strongest one can buy and will probably last the longest.......so the long term cost may not be much higher than a standard wire cage.

Now the next question. I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the outdoor aviary will have a shade roof, providing shade for the upper area of the cage, and a misting system will be installed to lower the temperature and provide increased humidity, the sun's rays that will be heating the lower part of the aviary, create ambient air tempertures as high as 115 degrees F. I am now concerned that the sunlight may heat the steel to a temperature that could burn the birds when they touch the cage. I"m embarassed to say that I am only assuming that stainless steel will absorb more heat than powder-coated wire....but don't know that for certain. Do any of you know the answer to this?

Comments??

Thanks again,

Joe

Wire Weight - Aviary

Kelly & Joe — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:49:17 GMT

Is 12 gauge wire, generally, heavy (strong) enough for a Hyacinths' aviary? If not, what is recommended.

Thanks,

Parakeets and Finches in the SAME free fly room?

SteveD — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:18:09 GMT

Any info would be appreciated!

I have a very large free fly bird room all set up with Parakeets at the moment.. 8 birds...

I would like to add Finches as well, however I'm not sure if that's a good idea or not.. Anyone have any experience with that kind of situation.

The room is approx 20ft long x 10ft wide.

Also.. the Parakeets love the freedom to come and go, but they don't ever, , use a free standing tree, , lots of hanging millet and toys, and a homemade gym with toys and millet as well.

Should I remove the cage altogether and replace that space with another tree or perhaps some dowels as perches at different heights?..

Again, any info and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

Dumb new guy question

oldiron — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:04:54 GMT

Where can I buy wire panels for outdoor aviaries? I need 1/2-5/8 spacing in a 12 ga wire. I have an African Grey and a Sun Conure that I would like to build an outdoor flight cage for. I live in Central Texas where it is fairly dry so a powder coated wire would probably stand up as well as stainless.

Every thing I have seen on the net has been kits including the frames. I work for a gentleman who owns an auto racing fabrication shop so it would not be a problem to build a frame from either steel or aluminum angle but welding up the cage panels and powder coating them would be a major pain.

nice pictures

AMARU — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:42:04 GMT

we wanna see more photos

Pretty Panels

AvianRVT — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:35:06 GMT

My boyfriend is a welder and suprised me with this beautiful aviary he built for my birthday. He cut designs into the metal with his plasma cutter and made each panel of the aviary a theme. The aviary has 6 panels, with 4 of the panels representing seasons, and one panel representing night and the other day. He even powder coated it for me. I think he should make more and try selling them. It is lovely in the backyard and my African Greys have a really good time out in it.

Aviaries -Building Questions...

Cayenne — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:02:43 GMT

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-housing/bird-aviaries/build-outdoor-aviary.aspx

This article says to use galvanized hardware cloth when building an aviary... I thought that was bad? But I've also heard that you can eliminate the toxicity of galvanized wire by bathing it in something... vinegar, prehaps?

I'm curiouse, because I would love to build an outdoor aviary for my budgies.... and my dad wants an outdoor finch aviary... But if I did it, I wouldn't want to have to spend hundreds of $ to make one.

We're located in the Seattle area, by the way...

Outdoor Aviary Heating

Kelly & Joe — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:20:09 GMT

My question has to do with heating.

I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have two Macaws [Red Front, age 13 months; Greenwing, age 5 months) and two Caiques (ages 13 months and 48 months). They are kept in an outdoor courtyard - caged at night and part of the day. The courtyard is 25' x 18' and is protected on 4-sides by 15' walls. The top is completely open to the elements. We have an automatic awning that covers 80% of the courtyard. It's main purpose is to provide shade from the sun in the summer.

The winters in Scottsdale can see temperatures as low as 25-30 F at night. The average is probably 30-40 at night and an average of 50-65 F during the day.

Questions:

Aside from protecting the birds from the elements (rain and wind etc) which we do,

1. What can I do to provide sufficient warmth during the winter nights?

2. If I provide heat, what should be the target minimum temperature for good health?

3. To achieve the targeted minimum temperature, my plan is to provide individual heat sources for each cage vs. attempting to heat the entire open area. In this regard, what do you recommend? Electric Infrared Spot Heaters? Heat lights of a different type? Something else? Please let me know (if you know) where I can purchase the products you recommend. While budgets always exist, please don't make recommendations based only on economy or cost. Operating efficiency is reasonably important, but I am more concerned with getting the correct heat supply versus saving a few dollars.

Thanks,

Joe and Kelly

Outdoor Aviary in Virginia

skinsey — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:23:54 GMT

I recently moved to Virginia from California. I raise ringneck doves. I bought a beautiful 8' octagon aviary which the birds love. However - I've struggled to keep them dry. Use tarps but because the roof does not extend beyond the cage the water runs down and in. Winter is coming and I am beginning to panic. I've considered acrylic panels (way expensive) - clear plastic (how to attach) - heaters (great but still need to protect them from wind, sleet, rain etc. Tarps are not a good solution because they block the sunlight.

Please help!!!

Sharon Kinsey

How do you build an aviary

Shasta — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:59:06 GMT

I would like to build an aviary for my Lovebirds,Cockatielsand Parakeets for the spring and summer my grandpa may build it for me and my friend would help to I now you have to septerat the lovebirds and cockatiels but can the parakeets be housed whith the cockatiels.I would aso like to have plants in the aviary.

Our Aviary

FoxersArtist — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:16:19 GMT

It isn't much and we are hoping to expand by building a whole new building on the property, but my guys seem to love the bright colors and it is nearly soundproof so they don't bother anyone when they decided to let loose. They have all gotten larger cages since these photos were taken, but you will have some idea of what it looks like.

Left to right: Cockatiels Cooper, Ash, GingerAle, Luke

Red Lory Orbit standing in front of his mural

-Anna

Bird Kindom

zimbasmom — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:37:23 GMT

Oh course I had to feed the Lori's

This is the main aviary

ibis nesting

dust bath

When you have time check out the web site and the virtul tour is pretty neat. All of the birds are free flying, except the macaws.

http://www.niagarafallsaviary.com/

The last time I went home to Buffalo for a visit one of my must see places was Bird Kingdom, it is Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada

I have more pictures but wont bore you with them, the ones on the web site are better anyway.

K&T Mom & Dad if you have not been there it is worth the hassel of getting over the peace bridge.

Too Cold?...

Conure — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:14:25 GMT

Hello! I was thinking about an outdoor aviary for the summer, I think my birds would like some fresh air and more room to stretch their wings. It can be pretty cold in Oregon so I'm nervous about putting them outside. How cold does it have to be to kill a bird (3 cockatiels and 2 budgies)? It's not too bad in the summer here (mostly), about 75 degrees. How hot can be without killing a bird?

Outdoor Aviary

Kelly & Joe — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:53:34 GMT

We, currently, have a 10-month old Red Front Macaw. In July or August 2008, we will be bringing home a newly weaned Harlequin.

We were contemplating purchasing a 5-foot diameter, hexagonal aviary and wondered if it could be home to both parrots.

Pros and Cons ???

We'd appreciate any input you may provide. Thank you.

outdoor cage

kazoo — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:20:10 GMT

I want to build an out door cage for the macaws as their previous owner had had them outside on a regular basis. He had put them in a tree next to his deck while outside and let them stay, and they got used to being outside all the time. Unfortunately with me, I am not willing to let them stay in a tree and am in the process of getting them used to a harness (my index finger is still numb from a nasty bite last month) so thy can get out. Mr. Blue will leave the perch while we are right there and try to leave my deck. I think making a cage they can spend a couple of hours in will benefit all of us greatly. I want to make sure that what ever we put up will withstand Connecticut weather. It will be put up within our fenced in yard on our grassed area, next to our deck. Any ideas from anyone who has done this would be greatly appreciated!!! Murphy and Mr. Blue would love it, too!

Building an aviary

ditty — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:10:04 GMT

I have decided to build an outdoor aviary for Yoshi. I am drawing up some plans and have looked at prev threads about building them as well as BC info. I would love to have a concrete slab for a floor but I don't think hubby would go for that. I got to get him on board with me building an aviary outside in the garden period! lol

Do you think if I placed a raised platform with ceramic tile on top it would work for the floor? Then it is easily cleaned. Also the wire could be attached below the floor to the platform. Let me know what you think.

I just hope Yoshi doesn't give me a complex as he did putting together his playgym...he sat on his cagetop looking down at me saying "uh oh" over and over again. Hey Yoshi no comments from the peanut gallery this time!

bird room help

javi — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 09:07:22 GMT

i am putting in am offer for a house today. 1800sq. it has three rooms and i want to make one a bird room. the issue is that it has wood painted panel and carpeted floors. i am gonna put up wall panels that are easier to wipe clean, but i am nervous about the floor. i cannot afford to change the floor with other things i need to do. i was thinking of cutting plywood to the size and shape of the floor. then putting something on the plywood or maybe varnashing it to make cleaing easy. what are your thoughts on this. how have y'all done your bird rooms. i also want to add that i have already purchased several playgyms that will be in the family room so they can get lots of love. so show me pics and tips and ideas ya got

loves me birdie Kaylab

Cage of Death?

Tay — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:23:43 GMT

I've had this massive flight cage for years.
We first kept guinea pigs in it, next day, one died.
Then we kept a galah in it, but we think some kids down the road scared it to death with sticks and it died. I've kept two button quails in it, one died for no reason at all like the guinea pig. We've kept quite alot but I cant remember much, but none of them are alive today.

Is there something wrong with this cage?
we are moving house soon, and its my decision to leave it here or take it.
Its a great cage, its so big.

Could it be something to do with the metal? It was given to us years ago, and it looks home-made, because the pull-out bit of metal on the bottom is actually an old metal poster for orange juice.

Its got horizontal and vertical bars, but I have no idea what they're made of, some metals are toxic to animals I've heard. Is there anyway I can test it without killing an animal?

I really dont want to leave it, Im just trying to figure out it's "curse"

Aviaries in seattle

arman — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:52:49 GMT

I live in seattle, WA and was wondering if there are any parrots or finches that I could put in an outdoor aviary. The birds wouldn't be able to come in during the winter but they would be protected by siding from rain, hail, snow, and wind. I wanted to have birds like society, zebra, gouldian finches, doves,Rosellas, lovebirds parrots, parrakeets and other singing or colorful birds. What would I need if I built a low cost one. your help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Pond in the aviary?

Kiwi — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 16:48:44 GMT

I'm in the middle of building a new aviary for my finches. Its quite large and I'm keeping it natural looking with plenty of plants. I like the idea of putting in a small pond for the birds to enjoy only I have no idea how to go about it...

gjc aviary

gjc — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:07:48 GMT

Brought home some baby finches!

macawlover2 — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:00:51 GMT

Ok, I volunteer and clean three aviaries at a nursing home three times a week. After watching their behavior (the finches' behavior, not the residents!) I've noticed that about 90% of the babies that are hatched there are pushed out of the nest at about 2 weeks of age. So, I've started taking them home and hand-raising them myself! I did this last year as well, and successfully raised 5 finches.

One of those finches that I raised became very bonded to me, and would fly into my hands or shoulder whenever I walked into the room! Her name was Angel, and she loved to get neck scritches and would fall asleep on my finger! Unfortunately, she broke her neck right before she was about to wean...

So, what I'm asking is, does anybody have any tips for hand-raising finches?