Hi folks,

 

I have a large aviary (2.7m long x 2.4m wide x 2.1m high) that I house 2 pairs of Princess Parrots in. I hope to breed them in this aviary this spring. I also have 2 budgie breeding cabinets that I'm having trouble finding a place for. I was wondering if I could put them in the parrot aviary? Would the budgies breed in the aviary with princess parrots around them? Conversely, would the parrots be put off breeding by having budgie breeding cabinets in their aviary?

 

Apart from the obvious issue that the parrots may chew on the cages, what other problems can you see with this setup?

 

Cheers

 

Tony

Edited May 6, 200916 yr by cranberry

Is there a way you could section off a small part of the aviary, as the budgies really wont like the parrots climbing around on the breeding cabinets?

Is there a way you could section off a small part of the aviary, as the budgies really wont like the parrots climbing around on the breeding cabinets?

 

Not really without a fair bit of work.

 

I've had budgie breeding cabinets inside my budgie aviaries before so thought this wouldn't be that much different.

It really depends on the birds, both inside and outside the cabinets. If the birds outside the cabinets are calm and not likely to harass then they might do okay. Also the budgies inside the cabinets need to be calm breeders that wont be bothered if a larger parrot happens to look in the cage. I guess unless you try, you wont know. the budgies wont breed if they are not comfortable.

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try to keep them outside if I can find a spot under the verandah.

I find that breeding cages in an aviary is no good. The birds in cages will try and jailbreak all the time to be with the other parrots.

And the budgies would not like the big parrots climbing around on their cages.

I have princess parrots in another aviary and I have my budgies. I would strongly suggest that the budgies in breeder cages in with the princess parrots would be stressed by the inquisitive clambering over their cages that the parrots will do. The princess parrots noise will frighten them and the fact that a larger parrot flies up to their cage and clambers over it would put any budgie off romance. Any room in a bedroom or garage for the breeder cabinets ?

I have spoken to the minister for civil planning and she has "allowed" me to use a spot against the wall under our pergola. It should be well protected there and I will probably be able to stack 6 cabinets once I get them organised. My only concern is that I will probably need to lock the sliding wire doors on the cage fronts as once they are open the birds could easily escape to the outside world.

It's always risky breeding in the open with no safety enclosure. i get birds getting out when changing food or checking babies etc. Can you go on ebay and buy a second aviary to use as a breeding room. Adelaide ebayers have a few aviaries at the moment for a change.

Locking cage doors is a must. Also when checking nestboxes on an open patio area, many birds take the opportunity to escape through the nestbox door. Drill a hole through sliding door and into the box and put a nail in there as a locking pin. Only inspect nests if you have a net over the entryway while you check.

I have hinged nestboxes that open from the top. Unless they are mighty strong birds they won't be able to open it from the inside.

I have the same nest boxes.

The chance is extremley unlikley that they break out, but I have a breeding shed anyway.

I used to have my breeding cages open in a patio and never lost any birds. Peg or tie all the doors shut and you should be right. Make sure no wild birds or rats get anywhere near the cages, that was my problem. Had so many pigeons stressing out the birds.

Thanks for the advice. Patio it is then with all cage doors locked.

 

No problem with pigeons or wild birds as it's too close to the house. They wouldn't come that close.

 

We have a cat that keeps vermin in check and the cat knows she can't touch our pet birds. We have a hand raised cockatiel that she doesn't even look at.

I have hinged nestboxes that open from the top. Unless they are mighty strong birds they won't be able to open it from the inside.

That wasnt my point....I mean escapes when you are checking nestboxes. Very common.

For that I will take the cage down and bring it inside.

For that I will take the cage down and bring it inside.

It is not a good plan to move breeding cages around mid breeding. Can cause you all kinds of problems with parents abandoning eggs and chicks due to feeling vulnerable from disruptions. As suggested before...simple solution...put a birdnet over the entry to the nestbox while you check it.

Thank you for the tips. I will do that.

*** UPDATE ***

 

I've installed the bank of 6 breeding cages I just purchased inside my large aviary that houses 2 pairs of Princess Parrots. My other 2 cages that I mentioned earlier were simply making too much mess under the verandah and I figured another 6 would make a huge mess. Seed and feathers in general living areas is not a good look.

 

What I did to protect the cages and budgies from the parrots was to hang a sheet of fly screen over the front that covers all the cages. The parrots don't even go near it and are not interested. So I think this will work. When I need to service the cages I just flip the fly screen over. I will bring the other 2 breeding cabinets in as well and place it on the other wall so I can breed my Gouldians. At least they will be nice and warm there.

 

So I guess I have made maximum use of my space. One largish aviary housing 3 different species of birds all in separate areas. I guess the proof in the pudding is if/when they decide to breed.

 

I can post some pics if anyone is interested.

yes please!