Bird Aviary Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary - Pinned | Spread the word ! Bird aviaries are a fantastic way to change the living environment of your birds for the better. Aviaries can come in small varieties or massive types that are located outside or even indoors. An ideal bird aviary will vary depending on the species of your bird and the requirements of it. Assuming that you are an expert on the birds you keep as pets, it should be easy to choose an aviary to suit their needs. First of all, if you have the space required, a large bird aviary would be best. Birds love to fly and enjoy having a large amount of space to live in. It will encourage breeding, happiness, as well as the longevity of your bird. Keep in mind that hook billed birds cannot be subjected to too much dirt, this will require special flooring to protect their health. You can easily purchase or even build your own bird flight aviary for next to nothing too depending on the materials needed. You can opt for chicken wire, wood and chicken wire, or even building like structures for nocturnal birds that prefer darkness.

Some people take the route of choosing a greenhouse style bird aviary so that they may grow plants throughout the year to create a botanical environment for the birds. Most aviaries offer a fantastic way to enhance your yard or home and provide plenty of beauty for many years. They are designed to last throughout harsh weather, as well as protect your birds from the climate conditions. An outdoor aviary that is essentially “open” may not be the best option for colder climates. If your birds are tropical for example, it is crucial that you adjust your bird aviary accordingly. Indoor aviaries can be a suitable environment for tropical species if you fear that your climate is too harsh for them to be exposed. (7 votes) How To Protect Your Pet Birds Filed under: Bird Aviary - 19 Nov 2012 | Spread the word ! Bird aviaries are very important as they are very useful for your birds. Your birds can fly, be save from predators and benefit from the natural light of the sun. Nonetheless, there are also some disadvantages and risks as bird aviaries may attract diseases and attract wild birds. Many wild birds carry Psittacosis, which can lead to death throughout the aviary.

Design A Great Outdoor Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary - 13 Jul 2012 | Spread the word ! If you want to be the owner of wonderful and healthy birds, then you have to buy a large bird aviary. As summer is here, you definitely have to buy or build an outdoor bird aviary where you can keep your canaries, lories, finches or toucans. Generally, outdoor bird aviaries are larger than traditional ones, so your birds will feel more comfortable and will have enough space to fly and exercise. Outdoor bird aviaries are more natural environments and your birds are exposed to fresh air and unfiltered sunlight, which is an important source of vitamin D, so your pets will be healthy. DIY Bird Aviary Filed under: Types Of Aviaries - 28 Jun 2012 | Spread the word ! The bird aviary is one of the projects that you have to consider, if you are thinking of having pet birds. For many people, the aviaries that they can find on the market can be rather expensive and that is why the best option is to consider a DIY project.

You have two options in this case, which can very much depend on the things that you have around your house or on what you can get from friends and family, in terms of things you or they do not use anymore. You can consider the transformation of a piece of furniture into an aviary or you can make it from scratch. The easy version is the one involving the transformation of the furniture. You can opt for an old armoire, just like the one in the picture. You can remove all the shelves and can replace the glass doors with a more plastic material, so that the birds will not hurt themselves. You also have to consider ventilation spaces, food and water supplies refill paths, doors and so on. Having thought of these technicalities, you can move on to placing all the covers. Inside, you can use a variety of ropes, branches and various other materials, which may vary according to the types of birds you will have and to the elements that they usually like. Opting to make the aviary from scratch, on the other hand, can be a great solution for those who have craft skills. The developments for finalization are the same in both case.

Only here, you will have to take measurements and to construct the entire aviary on your own. Regardless of what your option will be, the DIY bird aviary is a wonderful project. You get something to do with your family and with your friends, but you will also create the place in which you will be able to admire all your future bird pets. Each of the variants involves a lot of work. You have to consider the fact that the bird aviary will be the home of some wonderful creatures and should, therefore, be designed in a proper way. You can consider some of the models that you can find online for inspiration, but the finality of them all is to be suitable for the types of birds and for their lifestyle. (4 votes) Farm Bird Aviaries For All Your Poultry Filed under: Types Of Aviaries - 10 Jun 2012 | Spread the word ! In the establishment of a farm, you have to consider all the spaces and the cages that must be built for the animals and for the birds. You have to insure a normal and a suitable amount of space, so that these can live in peace and can give all the products that you need for your farm.

When it comes to the bird aviary, many people opt for the construction or for the purchase of the smallest ones, due to the fact that they know birds tend to stick to each other and therefore they do not need very much room. However, this is a fact far from the truth. The idea is that even birds must have a certain space of their own, as otherwise they cannot survive and cannot have their lifestyle in the proper way. The amount of space that is provided for the aviary must be divided into several sections. The first one is the feeding area. It will necessitate the placement of some food bowls and water bowls from which the birds will take the necessary supplies. What is important is that you create an entrance system, through which you will refill the bowls easier and faster, without having to enter the aviary every time. The second area is the one of the sleeping cages. These are usually made out of wood and contain several baskets, according to the number of the birds, in which these can sleep and lay eggs. The rest of the aviary is supposed to form a multipurpose space. It will be the area in which the birds will require mostly sand, in which they can make resting pits and so on.

The importance of the bird aviary in the case of the farms lies in the fact that the comfort and the lifestyle of the birds is insured through it. These elements are the ones which, in reaction, lead to the proper growth of the birds and to them giving perfect natural products such as eggs, feathers and meat. Therefore, the bird aviary must be constructed in the proper way and with all the mentioned spaces included in it, so that you can be sure that you are offering your birds a great and wade space to live in and that they will offer you suitable products for the farm in return. (1 votes) Bird Aviary – The Home of Your Pet Birds Filed under: Bird Aviary - 09 May 2012 | Spread the word ! Purchasing birds as pets is a great idea, considering that these small yet charming creatures can brighten your day and mood instantly. Regardless of whether you choose parrots, pigeons, doves, finches, softbills or other bird species, you will have a great time with them. You need to provide them a great home, too. Even though pet birds are not that much trouble as dogs and cats, they still need to be properly taken care of.

This means that they have to have a place of their own, where they can spend their time in a pleasant way. And what better home for your pet birds than a bird aviary? A bird aviary can be very convenient for both you and its inhabitants. The bird aviary offer on the market is varied and provides a wide range of models you can choose from. If you live in an apartment, you can opt for an indoor bird aviary. If you live in a house with a yard, it would be a shame not to invest in an outdoor bird aviary. Not only will the bird aviary be the home of your pet birds, but it will also be an amazing decorative item that will make your garden or yard much more beautiful. When choosing a bird aviary, you also need to be aware of the materials from which it is made. You can also choose from a grounded bird aviary or a suspended one. Regardless of what you choose, a bird aviary will definitely make a great home for your birds. This is because, unlike cages, a bird aviary gives birds the chance to fly freely in a larger living space. This is why bird aviaries are also known as flight cages.

Shopping for a bird aviary can be very easy, especially now that the Internet is at the tip of your fingers and you use it for a wide array of purposes anyway. If you do not want to spend on a bird aviary, there is also the option of doing it yourself according to your tastes, needs and likings. (2 votes) Walk-in Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary - 06 Apr 2012 | Spread the word ! If you are in the marketplace for a bird aviary, then you are probably overwhelmed with the extensive selection of such enclosure put for sale. You want to give you birds the best, so the bird aviary you choose must meet their every need. One of the most popular types of bird aviary is the walk-in one. A walk-in bird aviary is very large and allows the birds to move freely and you to enter it without being uncomfortable or dealing with unhealthy body positions. A walk-in bird aviary is suited for both indoor and outdoor purposes. It all depends on the available space you have. A large walk-in bird aviary would look amazing in your home yard and will give a whole new touch and vibe to the place.

Besides it looking very good, the best thing about a walk-in bird aviary is that it will provide your beloved birds with the freedom they need. A walk-in bird aviary is attractive and spacious and has a very high quality. If you are interested in purchasing a walk-in bird aviary, know that you can easily shop for one online. Since the Internet is at the tip of your fingers, use it to search for a walk-in bird aviary and find out more information on this type of aviary. After doing an online search, you will come across numerous Internet sites and retailers which sell walk-in bird aviary models. You just need to take the time to browse through them and then find your preferred one. You can shop for a walk-in bird aviary in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, without being rushed by other customers or by pushy salespersons. You will therefore be able to study all the offers up close, until finding the walk-in bird aviary which you like best. No matter what you choose, though, you will definitely be pleased with your walk-in bird aviary, since it is weather resistant and very easy to put together.

Just place the order and your walk-in bird aviary will be shipped in no time. You can then have fun assembling it and you will finally offer your birds a nice home. (1 votes) Build a Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary - 13 Mar 2012 | Spread the word ! If you are very passionate about birds and taking care of them, then what you need is a bird aviary. In general, there are two types of bird aviary: outdoor and indoor. The outdoor bird aviary allows more space for the birds to move around and exercise, as well as offering a more natural environment. Moreover, the outdoor bird aviary gives the pet birds an exposure to fresh air and direct sunlight. Every bird aviary is different in terms of design as it depends on the type of birds you want to keep. There are several types of bird aviary. Some people like to have a patio or a solarium style connected to their house, while others go for a free standing facility. There are a few things to consider before building a bird aviary, such as height and width.

Specialists recommend that the bird aviary should be three times the wing span of the bird, six times the body of the bird and four times the full body length of the bird. First of all, like any construction, when you start to build your bird aviary, start from the bottom up. For instance, if you want to keep parrots, then you need to have concrete floors, since they are easy to clean. If you want your bird aviary to have a more natural look, you can put some sand or some gravel. After laying the foundation, you need to build the frame. The frame of the bird aviary can be made from stone, brick or plastic pipes. For the fence and the ceiling, you can use a welded-wire cloth. Again, depending on the birds you want to keep, you have to measure the wire spacing and the gauge parameters. You should choose a gauge that is very resistant and will not allow birds to break it and fly away. Additionally, you will need to incorporate a shelter to protect the birds from rain or snow. The perches also need to be from a very resistant material, such as steel or thick wooden branches. If you follow these steps, your feathered friends will surely enjoy their new home.

(2 votes) Bird Aviary Tips Filed under: Bird Aviary - 08 Feb 2012 | Spread the word ! The history of bird aviaries goes back to 1829, when the first bird aviary was built at the London Zoo. This bird aviary is considered to be the oldest cage of the kind in the world. However, a bird aviary is different from a cage, in the sense that it is much bigger and allows its inhabitants to fly in a larger living space. If you have recently acquired some bird pets, you should know that purchasing a bird aviary is the smartest thing to do. This is because birds have feelings, too, and if you just lock them up in a cage they might get depressed. Not to mention that a bird aviary will allow them to fly freely, so they will not feel like they are being captured. So, here are some bird aviary tips, which can be very useful for you. First, remember that a bird aviary needs to be cleaned at all times, as birds are not the cleanest pets in the world and they can make quite a mess.

Then, an important thing to know is that birds need light and UV rays in order to absorb calcium, which is vital for them. Calcium tones the birds’ bones and strengthens them, as well. Therefore, you must place your bird aviary near a window, if it is indoor, or in a place where the sunlight can reach it, if it is outdoor. Optimal exposure to sunlight is extremely necessary, so be aware of this fact when you are thinking where to place the bird aviary. And since I mentioned cleaning before, you should use a disinfectant product on a regular basis when performing this activity. If you want things to be easier for you, then a smart tip would be to cover the bottom part of the bird aviary with a newspaper, which you can remove every day and then place a new one. As you can see, taking care of a bird is not that easy, but it should not be challenging either, as long as you take proper care of its environment and bird aviary. (3 votes) Add to Bookmarks I am a firm believer in the fact that the good Lord has made every creature on this earth for a purpose. He has also demanded of us to care for each one and protect them as we can.

I do not think that it is wrong to keep a wild animal as a pet as long as you have the proper licenses and offer them the best possible environment to live in. Abide by the laws of the land and what-not. A planted aviary is something anyone can truly appreciate. It shows the love a person has for their birds as well as their utter appreciation for nature. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to create one, if you're willing to do a little work then you can have a gorgeous oasis for very little money. Remember, I'm cheap so I wouldn't spend tons of money on anything! There is no bird created that wouldn't live longer and be happier if they had access to plants and a near natural setting. If you plan carefully you can use plants these creatures would have access to in their homelands! This is also a great idea to utilize if you're rehabbing various other species (not just birds!). Picking a site and various other things to consider. Basically what you're doing is planning a normal garden. You do need to plan a bit more in depth though, you are going to be planting things your animals can utilize. Some plants can kill birds... Do some research to figure out what plants to avoid.

Choose an area that has no trees to fall into the enclosure. Limbs can poke through a cage and allow your birds to escape, or predators to enter. You'll provide shade with your plantings. Instead of watering your birds everyday, provide them with a well cycled pond with plenty of shallow areas to drink from. The plants you add help break up open spaces so various birds can set up their own territories. This will resolve a lot of issues with aggression, stress that causes feather plucking along with many other problems that arise with captive birds in tiny cages. Birds need sunlight or they can die but make sure they have access to plenty of shade as well. Fried chicken is only good at a picnic, and most assuredly not with a $10,000.00 bird. Getting the ground prepared. Completely clear the area you intend to build on. If possible, level it out very well and till it up nice and loose. Rake out any big sticks or anything that will hinder further plans. Use spray chalk to mark off your boundaries and anywhere you'll add gardens/ponds/housing-etc. Rake in fertilizer/compost in the areas you'll have gardens.

Build your structure as you would like making sure to create as tight a pen as humanly possible. No snakes or rats should be able to enter. Use the smallest spaced fencing/wire/screen you can get. Raccoons will literally pull a bird through anything they can reach their nimble hands through! I lost a pair of beautiful doves like this once. Tamp the ground down all around the edges of the aviary. Now is the time to add fence on/under the ground. This helps to keep rodents and other predators from digging into the cage. You may want to pour a concrete foundation and then pile your soil on top of that. Just try and think like a predator while preparing the site. Make sure to include a catch gate in your plans. It's as simple as a small room built connected to the aviary door. This allows you to enter, close the door and then open the main door safely. If a bird flies out, it is caught in a cage and not flying free in your yard! After you get the area cleared and your enclosure built it's time for the fun stuff. Though you are building to mainly please your birds, you want to enjoy this creation just as much as them.

This is your time to sit back and really figure on what you want. Are you looking for Greek ruins? Or maybe a lost paradise complete with hidden nooks and crannies? I'd go for a mix of many mysterious things. Don't feel you have to hold back on decorating. Add pillars and caves and various sized pools and ponds. Really let your imagination run wild! If you're keeping various species try making different areas (regions) for each one. Desert for the desert lovers, tropical islands for those that like that. This could be a really neat project to see how each species reacts to the different landscapes. Most birds benefit from daily dust and water baths. Make sure to include areas they can roll in clean dust and water. This helps fight parasites and keeps them cool-etc. Cavity nesters would love hollow logs and pillars to make a safe home for their babies. Parrots and Corvids love to exercise their minds, place logs and rocks that you can stuff food into. They will love to search them out! This is true of many species. Feeding the birds. I have honestly never had a bird eat something I planted and die. I'm not saying it doesn't happen but... You decide what's best for your birds.

Do a little research and find a balanced diet to plant for your birds. Remember, only seeds really isn't a balanced diet. Birds need protein in order to survive, especially nestlings! Try and let insects live in the aviary, the birds will eat them and excercise their minds trying to catch them. Now, because this is a relatively small area you will probably have to supplement your animals diets. A good thing to feed your birds is called "Egg Food". Here's the recipe I use when rehabbing and keeping birds. I feed this daily. Egg Food Diet Supplement.*-*3 hard boiled eggs peeled and crumbled finely. (reserve the shells) *-*1/2 cup of egglayers crumbles. (chicken scratch-not corn!) Dry the shells by nuking them or on a low setting in the oven until VERY brittle. Smash this into tiny pieces then mix together all ingredients. It's ready to feed! Can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Some Bird Safe Plants -Marigolds Tending your plants You will have to trim your trees and various other plants. You can not under any circumstance let them grow into the aviaries` wire/glass/mesh.

It will eventually poke through and cause holes..and devastation. The aviary probably won't have enough bird poo to fertilize the plants so you'll have to make sure to add plenty of good compost as often as needed. Unlike your regular flower gardens you need to let several of the plants in the aviary go to seed. The birds will eat the seeds. You can always plant more than one of each plant and keep the others trimmed nice and neat. If you have opted to have a solid roof over the aviary you will need to water the plants as well. Just treat them like a garden you let go to seed. In order to be the most lazy bird keeper I suggest planting a lot of drought tolerant plants. Creating and area for insects and other trace elements. Make sure to include fallen/rotting logs in your plans. Many grubs live in and under rotting wood. Grubs are baby beetles so keep that in mind when stocking your aviary with adults. Keep in mind also that some are destructive to agriculture, flowers and grasses/lawns. You can raise your own Drosophila (vinegar flies) to feed your birds, as well as maggots and roaches.

Even parrots will take some bugs to supplement their diets. Butterflies make a beautiful and interesting addition to the aviary, just don't be disappointed when they get eaten! Make sure you plant host plants for their larva. Include an area for your butterflies to get their trace minerals. Sink a dish of clay mixed with a horse lick mineral block in a protected area. Wet this so your butterflies can drink it. Just wet it, don't let it sit in water and drown your butterflies. You ever seen parrots eating clay in the wild? It is a natural way for them to bind poisons in their system so they can pass it without dying. Ever wonder if allowing your birds to have access to the right clay could keep them healthy? It's a possibility, there can be many poisons in the air/water/foods we all take in... You could even build a clay wall and watch them chip away at it, if you wanna go through the trouble. Don't forget too, birds need grit. Supply them with ground oyster shells and coarse sand so they can eat it at will. If you are keeping an ostrich/rhea or emu try for pebbles! Important! Read this!

For the best results on your aviary I suggest you build it and wait a season (year) before you stock it. This gives everything a chance to really get settled and allows the plants and insects to multiply and get a firm hold before you add predators. It will take careful planning to get the right balance in size of aviary vs stocking of birds and live food. Unless you keep LARGE birds, do not stock the ponds with bullfrogs. They can and do eat anything (birds included) they can catch. On second thought just don't use them period, even big birds have small babies! Make SURE the species you intend to keep can live together peacefully. Maybe avoid pokey plants with large spines. Special additions/ideas. Don't forget to include an area for you to sit in, a nice place to sip coffee and enjoy your birds and gardens. Keep some seed or other special treats close at hand to offer goodies to your new or old buddies. An automatic misting system can come in handy in places that are dry and hot. If you do a nice enough job and have the right birds you could even charge people to see the aviary/ries. What about a breeding program for endangered species?

Check your local and federal regulations...but this is a great idea! You could help the very birds you love so much. In the end it's up to YOU to make the right decisions regarding your birds. Remember these things.*-* Clear your ground very well. *-* Choose useful plants. How to Create an Aviary for Rescued Pigeons or Doves – Palomacy Donate/Shop Creating an aviary King pigeons are big, gorgeous, snow white, gentle birds that mate for life and coo softly to each other. They are bred for meat (squab) and most are killed as babies at the age of four weeks (to be tender, like veal) but a few escape or are set “free”. They are domestic birds unable to find food or fly well enough to evade predators. Unless they are given a home, they die. They don’t survive in the wild. There is no “free” for king pigeons so keeping them in an aviary is not cruel, it is life saving.

(And there are other domestic breeds of pigeons and doves that need an aviary home as well.) Sick and emaciated, June Bug faced euthanasia at the animal shelter but with rescue and care, made a full recovery and was adopted into a wonderful home. I met a king pigeon scheduled to be euthanized (for lack of an adopter) in an animal shelter in 2007 and after finding her a home, created MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue. Since then, we’ve placed more than 500 in wonderful homes but we’re always full up with birds in foster care. We need more adopters! It is easy to create a beautiful, charming and life-saving aviary for these birds. We would love to help you to provide a home for these rescued innocents. Beautiful and easy aviary, life-saving for 6-8 birds King pigeons, like all domestic pigeons, are calm and good natured and they excel at the leisure arts. They can live very happily year-round in an outdoor aviary (no heating or cooling required in most locales).

It needs to be predator-proof (sturdy and securely built), rodent-proof (use mesh with openings no more than half an inch), and include a sheltered corner and back area that will provide enough deep shade for all in the hottest weather and protection from blowing rain in the winter. They require about 20 minutes of daily care with a weekly aviary cleaning (figure an hour). They are quiet and peaceful and, with time and attention, most can be hand-tamed. It’s easy to create a charming, attractive and safe aviary for rescued king pigeons (or other domestics; please don’t make wild birds captive). An aviary for rescued pigeons or doves is easy to design (Illustration courtesy of Julia Green) Size Build it as large as your space and budget allow. No one has ever wished for a smaller aviary. Because king pigeons can’t be free-flown, they will spend all their time inside the aviary. Space is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a captive bird.

For your own convenience, you’ll want something big enough to walk into (easier to maintain) but, if you really want to enjoy your birds, build it large enough so that you can sit down on a chair or a bench inside the aviary and be a member of the flock. The minimum size that I recommend is 7′ long by 4′ wide by 6′ high for 4 king pigeons. An aviary 12′ long by 6′ wide by 6′ tall or more will house about 10 pigeons and you and your birds will have a lot more fun. Never say you don’t have room for an aviary This covered patio was modified to be a 10′ x 13′ pigeon aviary. This big, beautiful aviary houses 24 rescued pigeons Design Horizontal space is most important. Even birds that can’t fly well enough to survive in the wild like to stretch their wings and fly a bit so design your aviary to be as long as possible. I recommend a minimum length of 7′ (longer is better) and rectangular shaped-aviaries offer maximum opportunity to fly a few wingbeats.

Round or hexagonal shapes, while pleasing to look at, have to be very large to offer the same opportunity. Pigeons are ground feeders and will forage (and strut and flirt and bathe and socialize) on the ground but they also will fly to and perch in the middle and upper reaches. I recommend a peaked or sloped roof to prevent rain from pooling on top and because the birds will enjoy roosting up in the “attic”. Leave at least some of the roof as mesh rather than solid to let in sunshine, rain, moonlight and air circulation. An aviary can be built by a do-it-yourselfer or with the help of a hired handy person A lost racing pigeon inspired this lovely aviary (big enough for 4 birds) Location When locating your aviary, I suggest choosing the site that offers you the best view of it while also balancing the needs of the birds and your neighbors too. Pigeons are quiet but they do coo and so you’ll want to consider the sounds they make when locating the aviary. Pigeons have poor low-light vision so a bright location is preferable. They enjoy sunshine as well as rain and so I like aviaries that get both.

(It is important that their nest boxes stay dry.) Designed to share a window for maximum fun People lose themselves while enjoying their birds Rescued pigeon Gem inspired Shae to build this aviary Foundation/Ground Cover An aviary can be built onto a cement pad, pavers, a wooden floor or on earth. It should be easy to keep clean, provide good drainage, and protect against rodents and predators that will try to dig or chew their way in. Unless the floor is cement, the entire bottom of the aviary should be lined with hardware mesh (half inch openings or less) to keep rodents and predators out. The mesh should be covered by wood, earth or drain rock as standing on wire is harmful to their feet. My backyard aviary is a converted patio and so the bottom is cement. That’s fine for the birds but it would be easier for me to maintain if it was drain rock. With cement (or wood or tile), the bottom needs a daily poop scraping. If your aviary floor is covered with a few inches of drain rock (3/4″ or larger, also called “washed rock”), then it only needs occasional raking and/or hosing for maintenance.

The drain rock is fine for the birds’ feet, is clean (no mud) and acts as a natural filter for waste. (Pea gravel is sometimes used but it isn’t recommended because some birds will over-indulge their desire for grit and eat too many pebbles.) Eight inches of 1.5″ drain rock over wire makes a great aviary floor Construction An aviary must be rodent and predator-proof and even the most urban or suburban of neighborhoods have at minimum cats, birds of prey, rats and raccoons that will have to be kept out. (Some environments have lots more wildlife to guard against.) The aviary needs to be built sturdily. Raccoons are incredibly strong and tenacious and, if they locate a weak spot in the design, they will work on it night after night until they get in. On the other hand, if the aviary is well-built, predators will stop testing it and leave your birds to live in peace. And your aviary needs to be sealed completely with wildlife-proof mesh with openings .5″ or smaller. The size (and strength) of the mesh is important. If the openings are bigger, you’ll attract mice and put your birds within claw’s reach of all sorts of animals.

Online searches of aviaries will show pictures of aviaries made with chickenwire or chain link but they don’t show the carnage that predators cause by reaching through those too-big openings and tearing birds apart while still “safely” inside. Also, mesh openings bigger than half an inch is inviting every mouse in the world (plus any petite rats) to move in make themselves at home forever. It’s much easier to build the aviary rodent and predator-proof than it is to go back and patch one that wasn’t. Only use mesh with openings half an inch or smaller! 16 gauge half inch hardware cloth is recommended Always secure every lock and latch. Raccoons are very clever and deadly Weather & Shelter I live in San Francisco and MickaCoo volunteers have foster aviaries throughout the Bay Area. Our weather is mild. The pigeons’ aviaries need to provide a sheltered corner that offers access to deep shade (to guard against overheating) and protection from driving winter rains. They love the rain and not all of it needs to be kept out but their nest boxes must stay dry. Depending on where you live, you may need to provide extra protection from weather conditions.

MickaCoo does ship pigeons to long-distance approved adopters throughout the Continental US and we have rescued king pigeons living very happily with adopters in AZ, CO, OH, IN, GA, TN, WI, CT & NY (so far). Dawnelle’s aviary house 4 king pigeons in Petaluma Cheryl’s aviary keeps her pet and foster pigeons happy & comfortable Nest Boxes Your king pigeon aviary will need nest boxes. These are for nesting and being cozy rather than nesting to breed babies. MickaCoo does not support breeding because there are “surplus” pigeons being euthanized every day for lack of homes. Nest boxes are provided because pigeons are cavity nesters and they love and need a cubby-hole type nest area. A nest box can be as simple as a basket or wooden box. Nest boxes can be purchased ready made or built along with the aviary. When pigeons become mature (between 4 and 6 months of age), they court, choose a mate and select a nest box in which they’ll build a loosely constructed nest. The hen will lay a pair of eggs and the couple will take turns sitting on them.

We provide fake eggs which are substituted for the real eggs (for pigeon birth control). Perches Pigeons don’t climb like parrots do (and they’re fine with galvanized wire). They need open space to jump or fly up and down from perches. They also really enjoy shelves to lounge on. Situating perches near the aviary’s mesh walls will give the birds an easy view out and allow you a close look at their beauty and personality. I recommend using natural branches (approximately 1-2″ diameter) because their size usually varies from tip to trunk and it is good for bird to be able to vary the grip of their feet. Food & Water Pigeons love water and will need fresh, clean water every day for drinking and for bathing. I use clear, plastic containers because I love to watch their happy pink bathing feet dancing in the water but you can use ceramic casserole dishes or large plant saucers. The water should be between 2-4″ deep and changed daily. It’s best to provide two water sources and I recommend getting duplicates of whatever containers you use so that one set can be cleaned and dried while the other is being used.

Pigeons are ground foragers and their food dishes should be on the ground. I recommend one dinner-plate size dish (with ~1 cup of pigeon feed) for every four pigeons each day. Feed can be purchased at feed stores and is a mix of different types of peas, corn, oats, safflower, milo and other grains. It can be stored in a rodent-proof, moisture-proof container. An extra treat of a planter of lettuces or parsley or dandelion greens or spinach or wheat grass will be appreciated. Whatever type container you use, make it something non-toxic. Mirrors Pigeons have been proven to self-recognize in mirrors (along with elephants, dolphins and chimpanzees) and they enjoy them very much. I think they use them like we use TV. We know TV isn’t real but we still get emotionally engaged in what we see and are entertained by the experience. I recommend securing a full-length mirror horizontal to the ground and enjoying the show. Maintenance The birds need clean food and water dishes every day. Once a week, a poop scrape of flat surfaces and hose-down will keep your aviary clean and your birds happy. I use a paint scraper and a dust bin.

(The poop is world class for composting.) Keeping your aviary uncrowded will help keep it clean and healthy too. Miscellaneous King pigeons are generally calm and easy going. You don’t need a double-door to keep them from flying out (but do be conscientious about keeping the aviary door closed). You can mow your lawn, blow your leaves, play with your dog and let your cats hang out in the yard- all without frightening king pigeons. They understand the difference between inside and out and they don’t worry about what goes on outside the aviary. You can also be creative. It’s easy to repurpose a shed or play gym into a wonderful aviary. And, if you’d rather rescue doves or homers or rollers, you can still use this same design to create your aviary. Doves, homers and rollers are smaller and so you can scale down the size of perches and nest boxes but they’re better and more active flyers so they’ll appreciate the fly space. And you don’t need a “trap” (the door that free-flying pigeons use to exit and enter a pigeon loft) because rescued pigeons and doves can’t be safely free-flown.

That’s why they need you to create them a lovely, charming and life-saving aviary. Recommended Links & Resources Keeping an Outdoor Aviary : Birds.com: Online Birds Guide with Facts, Articles, Videos, and Photos Leave a Comment Many bird enthusiasts around the world have found creating outdoor aviaries a truly rewarding experience. A variety of birds can be kept in an outdoor bird aviary and it is a great option if you are interested in breeding and rearing. There are however, numerous considerations when it comes to keeping an aviary and it can be a lot of work. The first thing to consider is what bird species you are planning on keeping in your aviary. Are you interested in keeping more than one species? You will require a larger area if you are keen on keeping several species so as to prevent conflict and unnecessary stress. You must also be careful only to mix social species and avoid keeping hookbills with passerines. Many pet bird species will cope in an aviary. However, some species may require sources of warmth and lighting during winter months. Where should an aviary be situated? Choose a level area that is sheltered and easily seen from your house.

You may also consider placing the aviary somewhere where your neighbors will not be disturbed, otherwise you may get complaints. Good drainage is also important for your aviary. It is advisable to install a safety porch entrance way, so as to prevent any of your precious birds from escaping when you enter and exit the aviary. A separate sheltered room that the birds can access at any time is also a good idea. Concrete makes a good floor surface as it is easy to clean and disinfect. The size of your aviary will be determined by the size and number of the birds you will be keeping. For example, if you want to keep finches and canaries you need about 1 or 2 cubic feet for each individual and 6″ to 12″ of perching space for each bird. After your aviary structure is up you can begin adding aviary equipment, such as hoppers, mineral blocks, seed trays, perches and so forth. Keep several drinkers and feed cups or trays in the aviary so as to reduce competition. Don’t place any trays or hoppers under perches as they will be messed on. Aviary plants can add a nice touch. Be careful what plants you get and ensure none are toxic for birds.

Shrubs can be used by smaller birds for nesting. Annuals give the aviary a splash of color and draw yummy insects for the birds to devour. It’s a good idea to keep the plants potted so they can be removed whilst the aviary is being cleaned. Indeed, keeping an outdoor bird aviary can be very pleasurable and a great way to enjoy the delightful antics of birds. Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City | Utah - on FamilyDaysOut.com Tel: 801-596-8500 Directions If you listen closely, you can hear the birds all chirping away at 589 East 1300 South, which is on the southwest corner of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. Liberty Park is accessible from 900 South, which is the northern entrance of the park. Parking is available outside the main entrance to the grounds. Where are we going today? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No wait, it's hundreds of birds! Tracy Aviary is eight acres of beautiful flora which is home to over 400 stunning, cheeky and chirpy birds.

The fascinating exhibits are year round, so you can ensure you can keep coming back to learn more. They hold entertaining bird shows, as well as allowing you to get right up close with the Sun Conures - a super exciting experience where the birds eat right out of your hand! If you talk to them, you never know, they might just understand you! If you loved this hands on experience, you can get close to the funny looking but super cute Pelicans, and feed them their very fishy meal. There is also the South American Pavillion where you can witness dozens of beautiful and colorful species, each with their own stories of their journey. Can you guess what a Keel-Billed Toucan looks like? Twit twoo! Twit twoo! If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will love the Owl Forest. Which owl would you pick to attend Wizard School with? Here you can learn the habits and nature of these silent nocturnal birds - unless you stay up past your bedtime this might be the best time to see them for yourselves! A very important education for kids is the Rare Bird exhibit.

Here they will understand why some bird species are falling numbers, and have become endangered, and why it is important for us to all keep our planet happy and healthy. There are special events always taking place across the year, from scheduled bird walks to adventure summer camps, so keep an eye out for those! Keeping the Flight/Aviary Clean Keeping the Flight/Aviary Clean > Housing & Environment Keeping the Flight/Aviary Clean Because disinfectants become less effective in or are completely inactivated by the presence of organic debris, all objects you wish to disinfect must be scrubbed clean and thoroughly rinsed before applying an appropriate disinfectant. 5 Powerful disinfectants only need to be used regularly while a disease threat is present. If your birds are healthy, frequent cleaning of their enclosure, perches, and dishes with detergents reduces the need to use disinfectants. 5 When using disinfectants, stronger solutions are not more effective, but in fact may have increased toxicity.

5 For instance, chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite, sold under the brand name "Clorox") is a fantastic disinfectant for general use as it is effective against most bacteria, but it only needs to be used in about a 5% solution (approximately ¾ cup bleach in 1 gallon of water). Bleach is corrosive, will not work if organic debris are present, and it should only be used in well ventilated areas. For more information on this chemical as well as other disinfectants commonly used around birds, please refer to the table 4 below. For small enclosures: wash dishes daily, replace the cage floor bedding daily, scrub the cage (including perches and accessories) weekly, and disinfect monthly. For large enclosures: wash dishes daily, clean the floor weekly, scrub the enclosure (including perches, and accessories) every two weeks, and disinfect monthly. Note: Cleaning and disinfecting must occur more frequently if a disease threat is present. Adhere to the following steps when disinfecting any enclosure: Remove all birds from the enclosure before using any disinfectants on it.

Make sure you have placed the finches in an area with a separate air source so they do not come into contact with any of the disinfectant's fumes. Only use disinfectants in well ventilated areas, and follow the label instructions to ensure safe use. Scrub and rinse all surfaces until they are physically clean (free of organic debris [feces, urine, exudates, blood, bedding, food, and dust] and detergent) prior to applying any disinfectant. Make sure that any items you use to physically clean the enclosure are made of materials that can be disinfected. A good choice is a plastic scrub brush, a bad choice is a sponge. Select the proper disinfectant, dilute it properly, and make sure it remains in contact with the surfaces to be disinfected for at least 30 minutes. 4 Soak dishes, perches, and other accessories for at least 30 minutes in a properly diluted disinfectant solution. 5 Rinse all surfaces, dishes, etc. THOROUGHLY until they are free of disinfectant residues. If necessary (i.e.

if a disease threat is present and you know that you must disinfect against several different pathogens), apply a second, appropriate disinfectant that is effective against whatever the first disinfectant was not effective against. Never use chlorine-releasing compounds and formalin (formaldehyde) together or immediately after each other because their combination may form a hazardous carcinogen. 4 Again, leave the disinfectant applied for an appropriate amount of time and rinse thoroughly to remove all residues. Allow everything to dry (preferably in the sun) prior to returning the birds to the enclosure. Tip: Spraying Pam cooking oil on the cage bars will make the next cleaning easier. Do not forget to clean the bird room or the area around the birds' enclosure! If indoors, vacuum the floor and spray the vacuum's bag before and after use with a disinfectant to kill viruses. 5 Make sure the room has adequate ventilation, and be sure to replace the air filter regularly (if a central air system is installed). Dis infectant Forum Has this article helped you? Please consider making a donation to keep FinchInfo.com online and growing!

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Question: An aviary is a place to keep what?
Answer: Birds