Outdoor aviary

[ktay021]

Hi,
We’re hoping to get an outdoor avairy for our three budgies and potentially one or two more. What other species of parrot can be kept with budgies and how big should the aviary be? Two of my budgies are 9months and and one is a bit older (not sure how old). Also would it be better to have them live in the aviary full time and have them in for bad weather (hot and cold) or put them in the aviary in the morning and then take them out in the arvo? Because there are some mice around what would be the best way to keep them away from the avairy?
Thanks

 

[SilverSage]

If you are going to transfer them be sure to do so in a secure carrier.

Use nothing bigger than 1/4” by 1/4” wire to keep out pests and be sure to leave your birds flighted so they can escape anything that might get in as well as so that they can take full advantage of the aviary.

Your birds are in more danger from hawks, cats, and similar predators than from mice. Be sure to secure the door and be sure the aviary cannot be tipped over or wriggled under by snakes, etc.


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[SilverSage]

As for what can safely be kept that depends somewhat on the size of your aviary. Budgies can be very forceful little guys, so making other species deal with them in a small aviary isn’t fair. But in a large aviary you could consider Cockatiels, process of Wales parakeets, bourkes, and other Australian grass parakeets.

One note: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF LOGIC DO NOT INCLUDE NEST BOXES!!

don’t encourage the hormonal deadly aggression that comes with providing nests. Don’t encourage pointless breeding of a species that is often thrown away, and ESPECIALLY don’t encourage the inbreeding that would come about by sticking boxes in an aviary. Nest boxes in an aviary without a very good reason are one of my biggest pet peeves.

Also DO NOT include lovebirds. Those adorable balls of cuteness will likely slaughter the rest of your birds.


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[ktay021]

Thanks for the information,
We’re hoping for it to be 1.50m in depth, 3m in length and 2m in height with an airlock. For the wire would 1cm squared be ok? Also if I put my untamed budgies in the aviary, will they begin to disregard me completely? If so should I tame the 100% first or will it still happen?

 

[SilverSage]

The taming thing really depends on how much time you are going to spend out there, your training tactics, and the individual personalities. But I would not put wild birds outside if you intend to bring them in every night since that would mean having to chase them down and catch them each night which would terrify them.


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[ktay021]

thanks again for the info

 

[SilverSage]

Sorry; wrong thread; I’m moving my comments lol

 

[SilverSage]

And yes, I made two comments in a row in the wrong thread. I’m very tired.

 

[reeb]

Yes - keeping untamed budgies outside will mean that it is not going to be the best idea for bringing them back in every evening, due to having to catch them as SilverSage mentioned.

You CAN equip your aviary well to handle the weather. My aviary has a roof as well as tarp plastic covers that can be pulled down and tied securely to protect against rain, wind or any other (possible) weather. There is also a heat lamp for the cold, and with the blinds down it’s nice and cosy. It does not snow here (lol I’m in Africa after all), and if that were the case I would be catching them all and bringing them inside! In one case I did have to do this - last year we experienced a very scary, near hurricane storm and I did not know if they would be safe there. My mum and I spent about two hours getting all twenty birds into four big cages and hauling them inside!!!

I can go take a few pics tomorrow and post them to the thread if you are interested.


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