Outside aviary for a macaw?

[hNicholeh20]

Hi! I'm new to the forum. I was wondering about an outside aviary for my scarlet. Does anyone have experience building your own aviary? I don't really know where to begin on building my own. I've done some research but I'm still not sure what to do and where to begin. As in what materials would i need and where is the best place to get the materials. Thanks in advance!

 

[wrench13]

Building a parrot cage is a lot tougher then you think. Macaws especially since their chewing ability is amazing. anything wood maybe gone in a few days. And what would you use for the bars? Cant use chicken wire or anything steel galvanized a) its zinc coated and zinc is poisionus and b) Macaws will just bite thru anything wire. If your a welder or handy at metal working, have at it. Otherwise, I dont know what you'd build it out of. Keep us posted on your progress, if you do decide to build one, heck, we could all be surprised

 

[itzjbean]

If I had a macaw, I would love to be able to give her some outdoor time in an aviary where she/he can soak up sunlight, play, fly, and just be a bird There are many good quality aviaries out there, but they can be into the thousands of dollars. Making it yourself would be a fun project, but expect it to cost several hundred dollars in materials, as well as spending many hours building and setting it all up.

Here's a site for instructions on how to build your own aviary. It can be modified several feet to accommodate a macaw. The basic principles still apply though -- you need a material a macaw can't bite through as well as won't rust, several huge wood perches for chewing and perching, food and water dishes, a roof to provide shelter, and a door to get them in and out. If I had to, I would probably just buy one meant to be outdoors.

Here's another site explain how to build large parrot aviaries

Some cool macaw-sized aviaries:

One
Two

 

[hNicholeh20]

yes Ive done quite a bit of research about it but no sites really help me out on where to buy the wire and such. The reason that they cost thousands of dollars is why im interested in building my own. But im starting to think buying a premade one might be a better way to go. i wouldn't have to worry about the right or wrong materials. but i liked the idea of making my own

 

[hNicholeh20]

yes building the structure out of wood would be a no go. ive had my guy for a little over 4 years i know lol

 

[SailBoat]

Consider using the search button, which sits along the bottom of the Banner across the top of page. There has been several excellent Posts address this question.

What building skills do you have? What knowledge do you have in material selection? Have you started with your local Zoning to see if you can even build such a structure and if you can, what are the Building requirements? What access-ability do you have to the needed materials, contractors and suppliers? Lots to think about!

To build a good Aviary for outside use requires much more than you are likely thinking of at this point. Electric Source (outlet(s) near the Aviary. Electric Lighting (yes, you will want it and its a real pain to add it later). Water source(s) near the Aviary. Proper drainage of waste as part of the design. Concrete base to prevent animals digging into the Aviary. Side walk or stone walkway to the Aviary (when the grass turns to mud, this will become clear).

Also, what about a double entry, i.e. it should require an outer door and a safe space with both the outer and inner doors closed prior to entering the Aviary. Have you considered locks of the doors to keep the Aviary as a safe place when (Not If) you leave the home with the MAC still in the Aviary.

Doing this Right, the first time, requires a ton of planning and regardless of whether it is a DIY or with a Contractor its going to cost real money!

 

[hNicholeh20]

Yes i know this. I wouldn't keep him out for good. Just a place for him to enjoy the sunlight some. Not a permanent home. Ive done research. I know. Just thought if anyone had experience building there own they could help me with what places were best to buy the materials at and maybe they had a different outlook on how to go about doing it. I know where the search button is and i have used it. Sorry if my post bothered you. I was looking for different replies than some of the other posts on here about aviaries.

 

[wrench13]

Some ideas for the cage mesh
https://www.twpinc.com/wire-mesh-material/welded-stainless-mesh/1-mesh-080-wire-diameter-t304

More industrial, but who knows...
Industrial Metal & Fiberglass Products | Direct Metals

One more, different company

Woven & Welded Wire Mesh for Partitions & Enclosures | WireCrafters