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.