If you have birds as pets, but you want them to be able to stretch their wings once in a while, an outdoor aviary can give your feathered friends the protection they need and the freedom they enjoy.
If you have birds as pets, but you want them to be able to stretch their wings once in a while, an outdoor aviary can give your feathered friends the protection they need and the freedom they enjoy.
Type, size, and number of birds are crucial considerations for pet owners. Your microclimate and the ease of installation also contributes to which birdcage you buy.
No matter the aviary you choose, if you're providing your avian pals with shelter from the sun and weather, space to test their wingspan, and protection from predators, they will be happy animal companions.
The aim of your outdoor aviary is to let your feathered friends stretch their wings and enjoy some freedom. To be successful, you must pick the right size outdoor cage.
For small birds like finches or parakeets, 1 - 2 ft³ per bird and 6" - 12" of perching space is sufficient. If you have bigger birds like parrots, you should plan a larger enclosure. Ideally, you should give your birds all the room that your yard will allow.
Materials are another crucial aspect of a proper cage for your pets. Depending on your location's climate, you'll need wire mesh, frames, and possibly a heater or windows. Flooring is integral, and depending on the weather and known predators in the area, you will need hard or soft flooring.
Soft-flooring
Typically, you will lay a mesh floor so that predators like foxes cannot dig under the aviary walls and get at your birds. Over the wire mesh, spread gravel that is small enough to permit drainage but isn't tiny enough for your birds to swallow.
Hard-flooring
You can pour concrete or lay bricks or flagstones for the foundation of your aviary. A hard flooring creates a more permanent floor and a more stable aviary. It is also more challenging to construct and more expensive.
The walls of the outdoor enclosure should be mesh, and both the frame and the wire mesh between each frame should be made from bird-safe materials that are non-toxic and won't flake or chip.
The final consideration, other than protection from predators, is entertainment. A bored bird can be a destructive bird, so make sure your enclosure has many interesting, interactive additions for your birds, including mirrors, bells, swings, and beak grinding toys.
Birds need room to stretch out their wings comfortably, especially if there will be more than one bird in an outdoor aviary. The general rule is each bird should have three times their combined wingspan in space. If you have more than one bird, measure them individually, as wingspan (and therefore space) differs from bird to bird. In simpler terms, the larger the bird, the larger the space it will need. It's always best to give a smaller bird extra space than ending up with not enough space for a larger bird. Birds need space to fly even when enclosed, so an outdoor aviary should also measure approximately 70-100 inches tall. Again, this size may need to be adjusted based on the size of the birds being housed.
Most outdoor aviaries are made from a mixture of wood, metal, and mesh. Mesh is a commonly used material, as it is breathable and will stop your birds from being able to escape. It also has the extra plus of repelling even small bugs like mosquitos. Metal bars are sometimes used instead of mesh. Though metal bars will keep big animals like cats and foxes out, they pose a higher risk of smaller pesky bugs squeezing through to bother the birds. Always check whether an outdoor aviary has been treated with a water-based preservative. Not only will this measure protect the wood, but it's vital for the birds, too, as rotting wood can do damage to a bird's health.
Contrary to popular belief, outdoor aviaries can look stylish. For a modern look, we recommend choosing one that has a completely metal exterior. Silver is a basic but versatile shade that will look nice both on your patio and in a special garden area. If you want to add a touch of pizzazz, an aviary with a domed, slatted roof reminiscent of a pagoda will add some oriental charm to your garden. A wooden aviary is also good for a rustic-style garden, though remember mesh should be included to protect the birds. Concrete or brick flooring will look more attractive, but mesh flooring is best if your birds are delicate.
Birds should have a space to perch on that is large enough for a few of them. This perch space ideally should span the whole width of the aviary. These perching spots are normally installed like shelves. As well as a perching space, birds will need hatches they can open and close themselves to leave the aviary. If you don't want your birds to leave unless you let them out, they will need plenty of breathing room to stay happy and in good health. Some outdoor aviaries additionally have a space to place food and replenish water so your birds can give themselves basic needs. These should be built into the sides so your birds can easily access them. Though not included with all aviaries, consider including a separate space for your birds to breed if necessary.
