Aviary Floor Types

[Lorna 0]

Have just ordered a proprietary brand aviary, 2.45 long x 1.23 wide by 1.800 high & embarking on the adventure of having a good number of budgerigars, having previously only had one or two in a cage previously.

The aviary is to be sited on our outside, raised, covered deck, this is an area I can see from the kitchen, is next to our pool & where we frequently relax. So it is the best possible position for us to see & enjoy the birds. This is both protected but open to lots of fresh air.

Alternative locations aren't in the equation.

Because the deck is timber boards, 90m.m. wide with 10m.m. gap between them it would seem that the choice of floor within the aviary is limited. Steve (hubby) is thinking rubber mat as this will be reasonably easy to keep clean, is non slip, meets the need to stop seed falling through the deck & hence attracting vermin & (seems to us beginners) practical.

 

However we are really interested to read what others use in similar circumstances & what you think of the proposed rubber matting.

[renee 0]

Have just ordered a proprietary brand aviary, 2.45 long x 1.23 wide by 1.800 high & embarking on the adventure of having a good number of budgerigars, having previously only had one or two in a cage previously.

The aviary is to be sited on our outside, raised, covered deck, this is an area I can see from the kitchen, is next to our pool & where we frequently relax. So it is the best possible position for us to see & enjoy the birds. This is both protected but open to lots of fresh air.

Alternative locations aren't in the equation.

Because the deck is timber boards, 90m.m. wide with 10m.m. gap between them it would seem that the choice of floor within the aviary is limited. Steve (hubby) is thinking rubber mat as this will be reasonably easy to keep clean, is non slip, meets the need to stop seed falling through the deck & hence attracting vermin & (seems to us beginners) practical.

 

However we are really interested to read what others use in similar circumstances & what you think of the proposed rubber matting.

 

The reason why most people end up putting their aviary on a concrete slab or concrete pavers is that they get an invasion of either mice or rats. Mice wee on the seed and the budgies die, rats attack the budgies and savage their little bodies.

 

A rubber mat would pose no problem to rodents - but a rubber mat on top of pavers .... now there's a solution!

Edited October 13, 2009 by renee

[GenericBlue 0]

wouldn't the budgies chew and digest some of the rubber this in turn causing them to get sick

[**KAZ** 0]

I suggest investigate the ingredients of the rubber matting first. A lot of rubber gives off vapours especially in warmer weather. Lino for instance has formaldehyde as one of its key ingredients. So it pays to check and be wise before the event.

[Lorna 0]

Have just ordered a proprietary brand aviary, 2.45 long x 1.23 wide by 1.800 high & embarking on the adventure of having a good number of budgerigars, having previously only had one or two in a cage previously.

The aviary is to be sited on our outside, raised, covered deck, this is an area I can see from the kitchen, is next to our pool & where we frequently relax. So it is the best possible position for us to see & enjoy the birds. This is both protected but open to lots of fresh air.

Alternative locations aren't in the equation.

Because the deck is timber boards, 90m.m. wide with 10m.m. gap between them it would seem that the choice of floor within the aviary is limited. Steve (hubby) is thinking rubber mat as this will be reasonably easy to keep clean, is non slip, meets the need to stop seed falling through the deck & hence attracting vermin & (seems to us beginners) practical.

 

However we are really interested to read what others use in similar circumstances & what you think of the proposed rubber matting.

 

The reason why most people end up putting their aviary on a concrete slab or concrete pavers is that they get an invasion of either mice or rats. Mice wee on the seed and the budgies die, rats attack the budgies and savage their little bodies. :angel:

 

A rubber mat would pose no problem to rodents - but a rubber mat on top of pavers .... now there's a solution! :sad:

 

The aviary does have a steel channel, as part of it's construction, around its' base. Therefore any rodents would have to either chew through the timber decking that the aviary will sit on or through the steel channel.