Aviary Construction – An Introduction
This is a simple look at the principals and things you should consider if planning on building an aviary.
Definition: Aviary (a·vi·ar·y) ; (n) a building where birds are kept [syn: bird sanctuary, volary] [Latin avirium, from avis, bird.]
The first design will be a standard one for those types of birds, the second will be what many parrot breeders use which are known as suspended aviaries. The choice for either one or both comes down to the individual, available money & birds being kept. Are you going to be colony breeding or only having single pairs or a mixed collection, as these needs must be taken into consideration also?
To be a responsible bird keeper all aspects need to be taken into consideration in aviary construction and the desired occupants that will be housed in them.
All the elements that need to be thought though are as follows;
- Size
- Construction
- Occupants
- Position
- Maintenance
- Cost/Expense
- Vermin proofing.
Size
This is to be based on what the builder requires and what the birds need. Aviary size is governed by the occupants and therefore one first needs to gauge what is to be kept. Some variations to this can be made if you feel that bird types may change at any point in the future.
For finches 1 cubic metre is required per pair kept. My finch aviaries are 10 cubic metres in volume therefore 10 pairs should only be kept to ensure a healthy and productive space for the occupants. This formula is pretty standard and proven to be a good guide for most to follow. Too many birds create nest building issues, fighting, food hogs, aggressive birds from stress and an overall stressful environment for all occupants.
Suspended cages are simply aviaries above the ground with all principals above apply here too. Most parrot breeders prefer these as it reduces vermin problems and makes cleaning a breeze.
Construction
Materials for aviary construction are more what the builder wants or can afford. Timber or galvanised RHS (Box) steel or a combination of both, flat steel, corrugated iron & galvanised bird wire are normal materials used. I use galvanised RHS (Box) steel as it lasts longer & doesn’t harbour pests or disease. Plus I live in termite city so therefore would be forever trying to stop them from eating the aviaries. Wood however is in most cases cheaper and easier to work with so many people choose this over metal. Ensure the timber is not treated with any chemicals, it is hardwood for longevity and the fasteners are all for external use. I have seen many an aviary made with non-galvanised steel nails and therefore rust very quickly when exposed to the elements.
Wire choice is important for a number of reasons which are listed below;
- Finer wire meshing on front, side and tops of parrot aviaries can help deter vermin and predators.
- Coarse wire meshing on the bottom of suspended aviaries helps reduce waste build up and makes cleaning easier. Although the birds still need to be able to walk around without any impediment.
- Extra strong/thick wire lasts longer and is less likely to fail. It also will take more punishment from parrot beaks and the like.
- Wire should be acquired from a good supplier to ensure quality and the security of your birds.
- and finally, should be securely fastened to avoid birds from creating holes in which to escape from.
Occupants
This will be what the owner needs to choose between and considerations need to be made if there is a chance of a change of birds that maybe possible in the future. So if that is the case smaller wire can be used as an example if parrots where first chosen then finches where then wanted later down the track. Considerations need to be made for the needs of different species and the management strategies that you may employ for them. Do you want an easy to clean area or a nice planted display aviary? Many finches prefer to be housed in planted aviaries where they get not only the security they require but access to naturally occurring live food & greens. Many parrot species are quite happy in suspended aviaries that are easy to clean and provide the height many of them prefer without the expense of excess construction materials.
Position/Location
The most important thing in relation to aviary location/positioning is any cold prevailing winds & the maximum daily sunlight made available to your birds. N - NE is the best for me on the north coast of NSW as this gets the maximum daily sunlight plus the sheltered area face south where the cold winds come from.
Maintenance
The key to a good aviary is maintenance as this ensures that problems are alleviated before they occur. Simple things like rust or rotted wood, wire condition, nest boxes/basket/sites, feeding utensils, water dishes, bathing dishes, cleaning floors/plants/feeding stations/etc… and the list goes on.
Cost/Expense
Metal will be the most expensive & wood being the cheapest and easiest to work with. In my personal opinion it’s better to save a little more and up grade to better materials as this pays off in the long term. I also like to design an aviary that can be expanded if I choose to increase my collection in the future. You will most likely need things from time to time so if you choose a cheaper item now simply up grade when finances improve. The most important thing here is to give the essentials and upgrade when convenient.
Vermin Proofing
Vermin proofing can not be under estimated as this can devastate a collection in the form of contamination, predation and loss of food. By adding a side floor footing of around 600mm deep around the entire aviary this task will be so much easier. Steel sheeting, Fibrous cement sheeting, Wire, Bricks, Hebel blocks (some say the rodents can chew through it quite easily) or Concrete are all good to use for this purpose. Rodents can be baited as long as birds don’t have access to the bait itself. Butcher birds can be kept at bay via bird netting fixed above the aviaries or full roof sheeting & double wiring.
