an outdoor flight

[sarafigal]

I am setting up an outdoor flight for my motley flock: an older BFA, an older CAG, a GCC and a few budgies. The BFA is the Queen of the flock; her favorites are the budgies. Go figure.

Anyway, I've had their cages in and out all summer, and I want to build them a flight. It will sit next to the house on a concrete patio slab. The BFA will never fly; the others can. I'm thinking the enclosure should be 7 ft high, at least 10 feet long and 4 or 5 feet wide, with 1/2" x 3" wiring. Does anyone have advice for where to get materials? And roof suggestions?

The attached pic is the current set-up that I want to improve.
Thanks!

 

[MonicaMc]

There's a lot of places you can buy material from... depending on if you want GAW (galvanized after welding) or stainless steel. You can get materials from a local hardware store but many often do not keep stainless steel wire mesh in stock.

I have heard this is a great place to buy from online, although I'm sure there are other great places, too!
Wire mesh, Hardware cloth, Screen, Wire Cloth


And there are many companies that sell wire mesh for animals.



If the spot the aviary is going to be in is not under shade, then I would recommend a part of the aviary covered and the rest uncovered. Top could be made out of wood or something else... although if it's plastic, it may become hard and brittle.

 

[pomonabill221]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE..... be VERY aware that ANYTHING galvanized is deadly to birds!!!
Galvanized metal contains zinc!!!! and is extremely poisonous if the bird even licks the metal!
If you want to use galv. metal cloth, make sure the bird cannot get to it by building an "interior" wall of wood slats or plastic grating.

 

[MikeyTN]

You can treat the metal to make them safe!!! If I remember right you spray it with vinegar????

The one you must watch for is treated lumber!!!!!

 

[MonicaMc]

Yes, cleaning the [galvanized] wire with vinegar... although this will mean that the wire is more prone to rusting, so it needs to be maintained.

 

[MikeyTN]

There are stainless steel wire mesh being sold online that I helped someone locate awhile back. Those would actually be my choice!

 

[MonicaMc]

The link I provided sells different kinds of wire mesh and screening. After listening to Nyla (Birdie Buddy), it sounded as if the stainless steel, although more expensive, can come out to about the same as GAW wire once you add in shipping costs. GAW wire is heavier than SS, so shipping is more expensive.

I'm trying to remember another website that was recommended but I can't think of it.

 

[sarafigal]

Thanks, everyone.