Mike
New member
Looking for ideas and suggestions on how to build an outdoor aviary.
I'm planning an aviary in my backyard, and had more or less decided to purchase a prebuilt aviary which is 9ft long X 5ft deep X 6ft tall. It's the largest one they sell, but, I think it will just barely be large enough for my Greenwing to flex himself.
I'm looking for alternatives. We all know that cage size and lack of direct sunlight can contribute to a bird's mental state, and therefore to its general health. I think an outdoor aviary may help keep my bird healthy, as well as happy--and maybe keep him from developing a feather plucking or a screaming habit.
I've heard that everyone wants large size, beauty, and low cost. I've also heard it said that you can have any two of these characteristics, but not all three! Oh, and what about safety?
Post your thoughts here for everyone to view. We'd like to hear about materials, size, design, construction, etc.
We'd also like to hear more reality and less theory. We all know that 5mm stainless steel bars spaced 1.25 inches apart is best for a large Macaw (don't we?), but surely that isn't what everyone puts up in their backyard!
We all know that Macaws (you can tell I have a Macaw can't you) are great wood chewers. For that reason any aviary made from wood might seem to be a bad idea, but is it really? Surely, some of you have built aviaries with wooden frames and steel fencing. How did it work out?
And about that steel fencing... What type is acceptable if you're only planning to use the aviary for a few hours a day. If the aviary isn't meant to be a permanent home, is galvanized steel fencing acceptable? If so, what size openings?
You get the idea. Please post your thoughts and suggestions here.
I'm planning an aviary in my backyard, and had more or less decided to purchase a prebuilt aviary which is 9ft long X 5ft deep X 6ft tall. It's the largest one they sell, but, I think it will just barely be large enough for my Greenwing to flex himself.
I'm looking for alternatives. We all know that cage size and lack of direct sunlight can contribute to a bird's mental state, and therefore to its general health. I think an outdoor aviary may help keep my bird healthy, as well as happy--and maybe keep him from developing a feather plucking or a screaming habit.
I've heard that everyone wants large size, beauty, and low cost. I've also heard it said that you can have any two of these characteristics, but not all three! Oh, and what about safety?
Post your thoughts here for everyone to view. We'd like to hear about materials, size, design, construction, etc.
We'd also like to hear more reality and less theory. We all know that 5mm stainless steel bars spaced 1.25 inches apart is best for a large Macaw (don't we?), but surely that isn't what everyone puts up in their backyard!
We all know that Macaws (you can tell I have a Macaw can't you) are great wood chewers. For that reason any aviary made from wood might seem to be a bad idea, but is it really? Surely, some of you have built aviaries with wooden frames and steel fencing. How did it work out?
And about that steel fencing... What type is acceptable if you're only planning to use the aviary for a few hours a day. If the aviary isn't meant to be a permanent home, is galvanized steel fencing acceptable? If so, what size openings?
You get the idea. Please post your thoughts and suggestions here.
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