500x300x300cm Tropical Aviary Stocking.

[Toivo]

Hi all, this is my first post on this forum but i'm currently planning a large ish aviary. There will also be a roughly 300x150cm pond on one side with some large but not massive freshwater fish like uaru cichlids and geophagus, i'm also hoping to keep a pink bellied side neck turtle and/or a reeves turtle too. There will be dense vegetation and a large canopy of tropical trees for birds. I would like birds that for the most part won't destroy plants too.

Some birds I definitely want are
Kakariki
Chinese Painted Quails
Neophemas
Crested Wood Partridge
Maybe California Quails

I also would like some other parrots or parakeets, maybe Musk lorikeets and some other tropical birds
Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[SailBoat]

Depending on where you are located in this huge World it may or may not be recommended as the many of the Parrots and Birds you have listed are not able to tolerate cold temperatures.

Plus, the combination of a pond and an aviary, represent an open invitation for raptors, snakes, reptiles, dogs, cats and larger versions as you a providing a near dinner table for those creatures.

It is also important to remember that the materials you choose to use must be bird safe as heavy metals are commonly used to limit rot or rusting.

Far more investigation is recommended.

 

[LaManuka]

In addition to @SailBoat's most excellent advice, I would personally caution against having lorikeets in the mix with the other birds that you've suggested, simply from the perspective of lorikeets and their very specialised dietary requirements. Being nectar eaters their food is full of sugar and isn't so good for other birds to be consuming it. And consume it they will, cos you should see the lengths my birds will go to to get at my lorikeet's food!! Also it's good for lorikeets to eat a seed diet, and again, they WILL eat seeds even though they're no good for them. So if you do want to keep lories you'd be better off keeping them separately.

 

[Toivo]

Depending on where you are located in this huge World it may or may not be recommended as the many of the Parrots and Birds you have listed are not able to tolerate cold temperatures.

Plus, the combination of a pond and an aviary, represent an open invitation for raptors, snakes, reptiles, dogs, cats and larger versions as you a providing a near dinner table for those creatures.

It is also important to remember that the materials you choose to use must be bird safe as heavy metals are commonly used to limit rot or rusting.

Far more investigation is recommended.

The aviary will be a temperature controlled sunroom. I will also add ventilation fans for when if when it gets to hot. Also I live in New Zealand so I don't really have any reptiles, snakes, raptors and other things apart from cats and dogs. I think I will just keep chinese painted quails, neophema parrots and maybe 1 or 2 other small species. Will the pink bellied side neck turtles be okay, they are one of the most peaceful turtles and they tend to stick to the water, rarely exiting it. I want to keep birds that won't completely destroy plants as I'm planning to build some faux trees with bromeliads and other safe plants.

Edit: would parrot finches be a good fit?

 

[SailBoat]

Since, you likely have limited experience with bird ownership. I would strongly recommend that you look at native species as your local Avian Vet will have a greater understanding of their medical needs.

The turtle(s) will likely be fine, but I know very little about them.

It will be very important for you to find an Avian Vet before you proceed any further.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

In a large enough aviary, parrot finches should be okay. If they were Barbets, it would be a firm 'no' as they are very aggressive birds.

Keep us updated! .

 

[Toivo]

Since, you likely have limited experience with bird ownership. I would strongly recommend that you look at native species as your local Avian Vet will have a greater understanding of their medical needs.

The turtle(s) will likely be fine, but I know very little about them.

It will be very important for you to find an Avian Vet before you proceed any further.

Sorry, bit late but I don't really have any native species I can keep (apart from the kakariki) as they are mostly illegal and/or endangered/threatened. Also the vets are shite here and almost none of them accept anything apart from mammals. I have lots of experience with other exotic animals like reptiles and amphibians and am looking to branch out into birds. I have a couple of friends who have kept birds for many years so I could get them to help me?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

It will be hard to find parrot type birds that won't try to destroy your
plants. They are cavity nesters and one or both of the pair excavate the cavities. At the very least they will chew on branches and eat some of the foliage. Don't use any plants you aren't certain are non-toxic to birds. There's a current thread about a member losing her birds (lineolated parakeets) within hours of nibbling a household plant that was said to be non-toxic.

 

[wrench13]

I would have issue if the birds will be able to drink from water where turtles and other reptiles are living and possibly defecating. Turtles regularly foul tanks and need the water changed or heavily filtered. Sounds like a very ambitious plan, hope it goes well for you!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

And I hear that turtles carry salmonella. I do love turtles.