After Christmas we will (hopefully) be beggining construction on the outdoor budgie aviary and I just had a few queries.

 

Firstly, concrete slab base or leave as is (i.e. 'dirt floor')? I'm leaning towards concrete as I know dirt can be a haven for bacteria.

 

Second, I've read that in some concrete mixes there are certain 'ingredients' that are toxic to birds, if this is true, what should I be looking out for?

 

Lastly, some of the budgies kept indoors at the moment are actually the first members of my 'outdoor flock'. As they have been indoors for a couple of months, should I gradually introduce them to being outside, or with the warmer weather, would they be alright going staight from indoors to outdoors?

 

Any other suggestions for building/making the aviary as safe as possible for my budgies would be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

After Christmas we will (hopefully) be beggining construction on the outdoor budgie aviary and I just had a few queries.

 

Firstly, concrete slab base or leave as is (i.e. 'dirt floor')? I'm leaning towards concrete as I know dirt can be a haven for bacteria.

 

Second, I've read that in some concrete mixes there are certain 'ingredients' that are toxic to birds, if this is true, what should I be looking out for?

 

Lastly, some of the budgies kept indoors at the moment are actually the first members of my 'outdoor flock'. As they have been indoors for a couple of months, should I gradually introduce them to being outside, or with the warmer weather, would they be alright going staight from indoors to outdoors?

 

Any other suggestions for building/making the aviary as safe as possible for my budgies would be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

 

Oh, how exciting!!! I have an outdoor avairy, so I'll do my best to pass on what I know/have learnt etc...

 

Definately concrete. My floor is pavers on soil, and is kinda hard to keep clean. Concrete would be eaisier to keep clean, but not sure about risks etc...

 

As to your indoor budgies going outdoors, I guess it depends on the budgies. I would prob give them some outside time in their cages, just to get them used to it. I'm sure they'll be okay though. I have soft lighting on my avairy, to help my new tiels settle in. Mite be an idea too. I'd also make sure when you put them in, do it in the morn, so they have all day to sus it out and then be okay for the night.

 

Make sure you have a safety door... so a door which leads into a small section, then another door into the avairy. This means the budgies can't get out when you open the door as you have two. I learnt the hard way! I think some people have those plastic strips hanging over the one door if the don't have a safety one... apparently this will stop MOST birds from flying through them.

 

I'm not sure where you are building your avairy, but mine used to be under a big Gum tree. This was great as it provided shade in summer and warmth in winter. This has now been removed and the avairy gets really hot. I'm thinking of putting up a shade sail. Possibly consider this when building.

 

Um... if you buy a ready made metal avairy or avairy panels... make sure you leave it up in the elements to weather before putting the birds in, or if you can't wait, like I couldn't, you can wash it down with a vinegar solution. This makes it safe for your birds.

 

Anything else, let me know... I'm sure others will have more ideas to. Can't wait to see the pics as it gets built and when its finished... yay

Maesie has given some really good advice as usual

Concrete is best. SOIL floors increases reinfestation of worms and when wet makes coccidiosis a definite problem. Also rats and mice dig tunnels into the aviary through soil floors.

If you are worried about the concrete ( although it is fine really ) ...I know a show breeder who has tiled over her concrete floor and spreads child safe sand over that. Quick sweep and clean and its done.

Safety doors are a MUST have. I dont believe in the plastic strip door thingys as when you think about it...as you go through the strips arent down and in place anyway. If no safety door, another good remedy is to get one of the mosquito net things on a hoop ( that people hand from the ceiling over beds ) .....attach it above your door, step into the net area and through. When not in use just put it up out of the way on top.

Location and shade are very important...trees, shade sails, or a double roof with at least 6 inches airspace for airflow helps.

Covered roof with an overhang to stop wild bird droppings and disease.

 

Edited December 20, 200717 yr by KAZ

Thanks guys .

 

Yep, I'm very excited (if not a little bit impatient (Laughing out loud)).

 

Well, I'm definitely going with concrete.

 

My budgie's already have about an hour or so supervised outside time most days, so I'll probably start increasing that (if it's not too hot)

 

The safety door is already part of the design.

 

As for shade, the aviary will be built in the fernery, which is inclosed for the most part (it's a rather weird design (Laughing out loud)), so the budgies will have both sun and shade throughout the day.

 

It's going to be 'built from scratch', my grandpa (who's a wizz at woodwork, though I may be a bit bias), thinking aloud one day said, "i'd like to have a go at building an aviary", well I wasn't going to let an opportunity like that pass! :(Laughing out loud):

As far as I know it's going to be built from untreated pine, aluminium sheets for the top and to create an inclosed section and wire mesh (all of which I'll give a scrub down with vinegar solution).

 

Edited December 20, 200717 yr by Bec Sta

Thanks guys .

 

Yep, I'm very excited (if not a little bit impatient (Laughing out loud)).

 

Well, I'm definitely going with concrete.

 

My budgie's already have about an hour or so supervised outside time most days, so I'll probably start increasing that (if it's not too hot)

 

The safety door is already part of the design.

 

As for shade, the aviary will be built in the fernery, which is inclosed for the most part (it's a rather weird design (Laughing out loud)), so the budgies will have both sun and shade throughout the day.

 

It's going to be 'built from scratch', my grandpa (who's a wizz at woodwork, though I may be a bit bias), thinking aloud one day said, "i'd like to have a go at building an aviary", well I wasn't going to let an opportunity like that pass! :(Laughing out loud):

As far as I know it's going to be built from untreated pine, aluminium sheets for the top and to create an inclosed section and wire mesh (all of which I'll give a scrub down with vinegar solution).

 

 

Nicey!!! Sounds fantastic. Go Grandpa Have you got any sketches? I'd love to see them. I'm excited for you. If your budgies are used to having a bit of outside time already, I'm sure they'll be fine. I guess if you're a little worred when it comes down to d day, you could let them spend the days in there and bring them in for the nights (if you can catch them without stressing them). I prob wouldn't bother, but if it makes you worry less, go for it. They'll love the freedom though!!! It's also fun to poke little treats throughout the avairy for them to find as they check out their new 'pad'

Go grandpa indeed (Laughing out loud), I was ready to start there and then.

No sketches yet, it's all in my head at the moment, but I plan to do some soon.

 

Hmmm, the treats thing is a good idea! A budgie treasure hunt .

Sounds like a fantastic christmas present .

You could put tin around the base of your avairy about 900mm high to keep out those pesky rodents.

Friends of mine used mouse wire on their entire avairy but have now found it to be hard to clean as all that down feather gets stuck in the smaller wire.

Im designing a new avairy also , Isnt it exciting!!

your plans sound great. how exciting