Kevin in Greytown 2.0

[LeaKP]

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] i think he must at least skim the headlines.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LeaKP]

Kevin’s alter-ego as a dog [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LeaKP]

At this point you are likely nearing a final location and size of the concrete pad and have likely gotten some feel for the drainage of the water.

So, we are ready to start talking about the physical Structure.

There are many options and strength factors to consider, much of it dependent on what 'covering' will be used and what weight loads need to be considered, height of the side wall, and roof style used. In the Great White North we have to take into consideration 'Snow Load' and 'Wing Strength' common in the building area.

What you need to consider is the side wall heights, style of roof, and just what Human load and /or larger animal(s) load is likely.

So, if you can provide some idea of what may need or could be found on the roof will be helpful: Number of Humans, Size of largest animal(s), etc...

Considerations for the Rainy Season. I have no idea of what you experience. I know of the issues that the USA Southern and Eastern States experience. So, if you can provide an idea of what amount of rain occurs (if much at all) it will be helpful.

Thanks you in advance...

Thank you for the continued advice creating a great visual before we even build. Regarding our temperatures and weather, it is not uncommon for us to have 40+ inches of rain per year. This year we have been struck with flooding that has devastated many villages. Much could have been avoided had the surrounding region not been as heavily deforested as they have been.

That is another subject!

Our temperatures are very warm year-round but when it rains it does cool off. Imagine South Florida without air conditioning.

There are not large animals here in the city, aside from crocodiles and hippos in Lake Tanganyika but we don't live on the beach (and never plan to, lake lovely to look at not so lovely to be near with those critters roaming around). I've attached what I found as close to what we are envisioning for the aviary. I like that it has a covered roof as greys don't do well with direct sunlight and it is in an area that is very well secured. The picture uses wood which we know for greys is akin to cutting through paper when they have a go. I will change that and use metal for security's sake. I like the flooring as well. It's tile here in this picture, I would opt for cement. Of course it would be very "pimped out" for Kevin. Kevin loves hibiscus so we will have several potted hibiscus plants we will rotate in and out of the place as well as non-toxic wood branches and natural rope mesh. I'm so excited. While this will still take quite some time to build, Kevin is fine as he is right now, but when he does get this setup, he will be so much happier.

 

[SailBoat]

There appears to be a Grey in the example photo you provided.

- That appears to be one very dangerous enclosure for a Parrot as it appears to be build with Green "TREATED" Lumber, which is loaded with chemicals that are dangerous to Parrots...

Really like the design concept!

Warning: The most common Structural Material for such enclosures is Galvanized (Zinc Coated) Steel components and as you know, Zinc is a heavy metal that is a poison for Parrots.

It you elect to enclose the entrance remember to keep that totally blocked-off area in mind as you consider placement locations.

Also, add to your list 'rain gutters' as it is no joy to be dumped on when entering the enclosure's door. Great idea for going into the enclosure as any stuff you elect to keep there is out of sight

So, for your shopping list you need to start looking for sources that sell Powder Coated aluminum sheets (color of your choice, FYI: Consider white for the roof).
- FYI: What common sheet sized are available in your area.

Also Aluminum Pipe in 50mm, 75mm and 100mm diameters and what standard lengths are available in 1, 2 and 3 meter lengths.

NOTE: The snake thing has me a bit perplexed as the side walls need to have some kind of openings for fresh air (heat) exchange, yet small enough to keep the snakes out. Perforated Panels? Hole punch size would be an issue, what would be the smallest hole size to keep the smaller snakes out?

A moment for out of the box thinking here: Hmmm, Galvanized Fencing for the outside, and Aluminum screen for the inside??? Possible something like Aluminum frames with the screen material set in it much like a window screen. If the sizes are kept common, one could allow for removal for cleaning, repair or replacement. Possibly!?!? -- Something to think about and it would also not turn this in the a hot house.

Regarding the roof, Traditional Roof Vents could be used that allow air to lift out and the interior screen (in the vent) would keep any snakes or small animals from entering from above.

Again, like your concept photo!

 

[LeaKP]

Yes it’s just the concept I like.

Rain gutters check
Non toxic metal check
Roof sheets (optional to be decided upon)
Double entry check

Regarding snake proofing, the bottom of the enclosure needs securing. Chicken wire doubled and laid and secured not to overlap but to lie unevenly making access for snakes increasingly difficult.

It also requires daily inspections and cleaning. Snakes don’t generally like humans and will usually shy away as long as we are present.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SailBoat]

Hmmm, Chicken Wire is commonly make from steel wire, then formed and then hot zinc dipped (Okay, they run the wire fence through molten zinc as it takes too long dipping (Galvanizing) it in hot zinc).

Double folded you say, does that cause the openings to be smaller? Note: US based Chicken Fencing has a 38-40mm to 50mm opening. Is that small enough to keep the snakes you are concern about out? The very few snakes we have in the Great White North also tend to avoid Humans... What they have in Florida; Not so much!!!

So, the Chicken Wire needs to be exterior to the structure and access by HRH.

FYI: Are Window Screens even common in your area? I understand that they are just starting to show-up in Europe as the 'flying' bugs begin to return after the PAST use of DDT spraying.

 

[LeaKP]

Yes indeed the wire is galvanized (sourcing from an importer). Also the wire will be laid unevenly so as to make the openings even smaller. Yes we have access to window screens but as RK has demonstrated on a regular basis, it is like cotton thread in his beak (he regularly goes into Destructo mode). One thought would be to lay the window screen an inch or so outside the exterior bars...how to do that should be challenging but not impossible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SailBoat]

Kevin’s alter-ego as a dog [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ohhh, yaaaa, I can see the likeness so clearly!!!!
Hey, just change the colors and the likeness becomes spooky!

 

[SailBoat]

Yes indeed the wire is galvanized (sourcing from an importer). Also the wire will be laid unevenly so as to make the openings even smaller. Yes we have access to window screens but as RK has demonstrated on a regular basis, it is like cotton thread in his beak (he regularly goes into Destructo mode). One thought would be to lay the window screen an inch or so outside the exterior bars...how to do that should be challenging but not impossible.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are so correct, by off-setting it, that would half the opening and keep the snakes at bay...

I'm assuming that the 'bars' you are speaking of would be like the window bars commonly used with a spacing that would keep RK's beak from the chicken wire...
Or, like the cage bars?

Mounting the bar system to the inside of the structure would keep the 'beak of terror' a minimum of 50mm from anything mounted to the exterior of the structure. Moving to 75mm diameter vertical structure would move it just that much further away and increase the structural strength of the enclosure.

 

[LeaKP]

Beak of terror!!!!

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Perfect!

Yes the bars inside and the wire offset wrapping around the outside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SailBoat]

Beak of terror!!!!

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Perfect!

Yes the bars inside and the wire offset wrapping around the outside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hmmm, Sounds like a plan is forming rapidly!
Yaaa, the 'beak of terror' just jumped into my mind, while Julio was adjusting his crop a few mm away!

FYI: My background allows me to work with mm and meters only, German based Corporate Group, with World Wide manufacturing. Nothing more enjoyable than something definite as 2450mm and working with a US based contractor that has an English (metal tape) ruler.

On a side note:
Love England, only place one can order a pound of bacon at the corner butchers, a pint of ale at the pub, drive at fifty miles per hour, but purchase petro (gasoline) in liters... With a smile on my face, I simply order another pint dark ale and with you Good Cheer My Friend!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I just love it when y'all talk science and math and building and stuff, but I confess to a certain comfort when we get back to beaks of terror. It's good to be among people who get me.

 

[LeaKP]

I just love it when y'all talk science and math and building and stuff, but I confess to a certain comfort when we get back to beaks of terror. It's good to be among people who get me.

This beak has terror I tell you. But I love him so!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LeaKP]

Just thought you all would enjoy some of the other birds here in Africa. These are flamingos at Lake Bogoria, Kenya. Look at the gams on these gals!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LeaKP]

And another from here in Burundi, needs identifying but I took this just a little ways from our house.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LucyBird]

I love flamingos! So beautiful

 

[SailBoat]

Good Lord, what a mess!!!
Julio charged off his perch that sits along my desk and placed bill on laptop screen! And, with eye's pinned, turn slowly and stated Whooo's, and quick back to the screen!!!

Oh, no question my guy caught those gams!!!

Been loving the Bird Photos this summer!!! Our Great Lakes have been a record high levels and have flooded the connected rivers in near smaller lakes wet lands drowning everything and displacing what every creatures further up rivers. The 'bug' loss has been huge, which have effected the bug eaters, which have resulted in either the loss of the migration of our birds to areas in which such food is available. We had a very still Summer along the edges of the Great Lakes.

 

[LeaKP]

Hi everyone. A departure of sorts from my lighthearted banter of Kevin aka RK aka Destroyer of shoes and furniture.

I received word that Nigel in Malawi is very sick. I’m so sad. The veterinary/avian help we have on this side is limited but he’s now admitted to a clinic for them to administer medication for what I think is an infection. Temp is high, vomiting and lethargic.

I’m so sad, keep wishing that they would’ve let me bring him here but that’s an old story.

Please remember the original grey who has still captured me. I miss his friendship so...

But I know for where he is he’s getting the best care there is. I would’ve brought him to the same place.

Will post more as I get news.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Oh geeez Lea C'mon Nigel we're all rooting for you big guy:35: Please get well fast!


Jim

 

[SailBoat]

Huge Amazon Feather Hugs and Prayers for Nigel's recovery!!!

Once a family member, always a family member!!! That place they create in our heart never goes away or gets any smaller.

Know that you and Nigel are in our prayers...