Aviary suggestions

[Lakermatt]

Hi all, been thinking about trying out a outdoor area for my bird. I am going to house him inside, but have a really good area in my backyard for a good outdoor aviary. The pad measures 8 x 8, and i could do 8 feet high or more. What do you guys use for the fencing? I am going to build a 1 x 1 steel tubing frame, but what do you suggest on the wire fencing? Is there something at the local home depots or lowes you use? I heard galvanized could be used if brush with baking soda...

 

[Mekaisto]

If you do buy mesh, make sure you buy mesh panels where the wire is at least 2mm thick, not the mesh roll with thin, flimsy wire.
Galvanised mesh can indeed be scrubbed with vinegar and baking soda and then left to weather for a few months to get rid of the outer zinc. You can paint it afterwards to seal everything.

You'll also want corrugated iron (or something similar) covering the first 2 feet or so, to prevent vermin entering. If you clean up any spilled food afterwards, you might not need this.
The southern side and about 1//3 of the roof should also be covered, unless you only put him out in good weather (Not too hot or cold).

Don't forget to put a door into your equations

 

[OOwl]

I have an outdoor aviary for my birds, but after I researched building one, I elected to just buy one based on the safety factor. I've had it now for almost 15 years, so it's held up reasonably well, considering it's always been outside and been moved once. Mine is powder-coated steel, installed on a concrete pad under a covered open patio. I'm in the research phase again in choosing a new one. My existing one is 8' round one. I'm going to a larger, rectangular one. The pre-fab ones are safe, strong, and secure. I just don't think I can build anything to compare with them. I did look into the stainless fabric, but by the time I bought what I needed, it was going to be as much as the powder-coated steel one, and I couldn't figure out how I'd install perches for a hefty Grey. Good luck on your project. I'll be following it with keen interest.

 

[Lakermatt]

thanks guys. I am on the search for a good wire fence. I have a pretty good idea on what I want to do. Just want to make it safe for the bird. I plan on powder coating all pieces to prevent rust. My company gets great deals on powder coating, so I will be ok there. I am a tad worried about our hot summers. we get into the 100's here in Fresno. BUT, I am thinking of installing a mister system.. but this aviary is going to be used on a weekend basis or evening basis for him/her to get some fresh air!! who wouldn't like that???

 

[Mekaisto]

Just letting you know that powder coating itself doesn't actually prevent rust, you'll need to pre-treat with a rust-proofer or use galvanised steel

 

[Lakermatt]

so I found some material that I am thinking to use.... one is 14 gauge 1 x 2 holes, and the other is 12 gauge (thicker), but 2 x 4 holes.... both galvanized. can get it in 4,5,6, foot widths. what do you guys think? this is for a blue and gold macaw might I mention....

 

[OOwl]

Well, I grew up with a scarlet and a BG macaw and I think they would have bent that wire pretty badly. Their beaks are so strong. A friend's hybrid macaw popped the weld on her King's cage. Macaw people could tell you better but I'd be worried putting a macaw in an aviary made with that wire. Also, how do you attach a perch to that? Or would you put a play tree inside the aviary?

 

[BreakinNewz]

That wire is fine IMO, but id get it in stainless steel. Galvanized isn't good...

 

[BreakinNewz]

Here is a nice build

http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets-cockatiels/7424-outdoor-aviary-finally.html

 

[Lakermatt]

thanks for the read... I cant find stainless screen in my area at all. has anyone used the coated chainlink fencing before? this might be a dumb question, but with a 64 square foot aviary, would the bird want to chew the fencing still? or will it be just content with toys and chews? this is not a permanent thing but an afternoon outside getaway kinda thing.

 

[Lakermatt]

I am hoping you guys can help with this one... I went over to my breeders house today to pick his brain on suggestions on fencing. this is what he has. He says he bought it at a bird show in Los Angeles. I cant find it ANY WHERE!!! it is 96" tall, and looks to be 1" x 2". he says it is not galvanized. it definately looks like it, but then again he has misters around it, so it could be calcium buildup from the water. I don't think it is stainless, but maybe!! I am at a loss... this is exactly what I want to run. 8 foot wide x 8 foot deep x 8 feet tall. does anyone know where to get it? I see some aviaries on Ebay for 1200, but just the sizing I prefer... maybe I am stuck with buying instead of building. I just don't want to spend thousands of dollars...

 

[deque]

This is definitely GAW (galvanized after weld) It looks like 12.5 Gauge with a standard 1" by 3" opening. It sells for apx $550-$600 for a 100' roll. There are many companies that sell it but you would want to search for it as close to you location as possible as the shipping could run a couple of hundred more.

 

[Bartleby]

Try these guys for panels. They're in CA so shipping shouldn't be quite as expensive for you as it is for the rest of us.
https://www.wingzstore.com/diy.html

 

[deque]

I agree with Bartleby. I spoke with them several times and almost ordered, but shipping was to high for me.

Their walk in aviaries seem like an awesome deal.

 

[Mekaisto]

Try typing in 'steel mesh' or similar in Google, you should get some sort of idea of the steel vendors in your area. Then you can check their websites to see what they have available

 

[svheartsdesire]

If you read anything about Bird Rescues they build their aviaries.with GAW wire meh it is not cheap but it stands up to the bigger birds chewing...under no circumstances would I use coated wire.they'll chew the coating off and may not be able to "pass" it i'm going to attempt to post a picture of an aviary I just built...PVC pipe frame and GAW wire

 

[Lakermatt]

that is very nice!!! did you just screw the wire to the pvc pipes? also what size wire did you use? what gauge? and looks to be 1 x 2 mesh or 1 x 1 ?

 

[Lakermatt]

And what about just galvanized wire mesh fencing? I found this at a livestock place by my work. 119 a roll for 14 gauge 1 x 2.