Outdoor Aviary in Miami

[Lamblion]

Hello everyone!

I have a question to ask. I live in Miami, Fl and interested in keeping a parrot outside. I'm wondering which parrot I should keep. I wouldn't want a loud parrot, I don't mind a large, nor a medium size parrot. I was thinking of two Lorikeets. Also, is it safe to even leave parrots outside? I'm looking into cages that are built to last and also good for keeping the pests away.

I appreciate your help, also if anyone is also in Miami with outside aviaries let me know. Thank you! :red:

 

[Kiwibird]

I know some people had outdoor aviaries in addition to indoor cages, but parrots really aren't suited to being full-time aviary birds. Even with a "buddy" they still need several hours of human interaction daily. They are also very sensitive to temperature extremes, and would need to come indoors during excessive heat or temperatures that dip below the mid-60's. You must also have VERY secure enclosures to protect against predators like dogs, cats (and in your part of the country) those giant constrictors.

I knew a lot of people in Arizona who had beautiful outdoor aviaries for when the weather was nice and their birds spent lots of time outdoors, but they didn't live outdoors full time (or spend nights outside). There is also no such thing as a quiet parrot, though some are more ear piercing than others. Stay away from the really big ones, because the bigger they get, the more deafening they become. Medium parrots are probably a good size range if you don't want offensively loud birds who drive the neighbors nuts.

If I may ask, what draws you to lorikeets? They have very specialized diets compared to other medium size parrot species, so that is a very big factor to consider. You also need to find 2 males or 2 females or else they will breed (which is not a good thing for anyone who isn't a dedicated, experienced breeder).

 

[June2012]

I agree with Kiwibird. Unless you have a whole flock like in the wild, they really do need human interaction. And, this whole flock would have to be the same gender unless you want breeding. Temps and weather conditions are also a problem...

But I also worry about the animals in Florida, and the possibility of your lorikeets becoming a good meal. The bar spacing will have to be incredibly small if you don't want snakes getting in there, or a cat pushing it's paws through the spacing. Baby snakes WILL squeeze themselves through tight spaces.