I'm building an indoor aviary at the moment (actually turning one of the rooms of the house into an aviary). It measures approximately 12ft (tall) by 10ft (wide and deep). We've already done the roof and a bit of one wall, so there's still quite a bit to go. I'm basically looking for any ideas to do with the construction and even things I can add in. There is already the wooden frame and cement as a base, I'm using a sort of AC sheeting for the walls (though they could possibly be chewed, I used them as a wall for another small indoor cage and had no problems in the years I kept budgies in it, also will be covering any and all areas that could be chewed such as the edges).

 

I've already got a tree stump that has been carved at the top, and I'm going to use it as a sort of bird-bath/waterfall. I am going to have it as a planted aviary, as my dream pretty much has always been to have birds in a huge aviary that is as natural as possible, as much as outside in the wild without the predators and illnesses.

 

So growing trees inside, sand for the bottom (cement is underneath)...what else? Any improvements?

 

Thank you, any replies muchly appreciated.

 

 

Hmmmmmmmm......... I have an idea for it, but you might not like it, Dracaenas are incredibly easy to grow, and are definitely safe for budgies to eat. I also have an interesting idea that I only just thought of (literally), if you got a really thick and hollow branch, you could cut half of it so it's a hollow semi circle, hang it from the roof, and plant an overhanger (I think it'll look pretty cool). Also some bird safe moss might be nice And try and get plenty of eucalypt branches in there (With the leaves on). And buying a dwarf bottle brush might be something to consider (Budgies are addicted to the flowers)

 

 

 

Hope I helped, and good luck

Hmm sounds cool, could you elaborate more on the 'overhanger' idea? (I can't really get a mental picture of it )

 

You have any ideas if there are any types of moss that is bird-safe? I quickly googled it but couldn't find any...

 

Already bought some eucalyptus trees to actually grow in there!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for those ideas, certainly have given me somethings to think about! Looking forward to anyone's opinions, the more the better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would love to see some pictures. Just be warned you should try and set-up some type of enclosure/seperator to let the tree's re-cooperate, budgies will chew through and kill it in no time. What are you doing for air flow? and sunlight?

One of the walls (the one facing the outside, obviously lol) is going to be made of mesh. (I've also bought two big UV lights, not sure how useful they'll be but just in case the wall wasn't enough or didn't end up being possible)

 

I'll have to buy a clear plastic shade to put over it though, when there are storms or when winter arrives. By The Way, if anyone knows of a site where I could buy some of those (since the room is about 10ft wide and 12ft high I'd probably need a few) relatively cheaply that would be nice.

 

 

 

 

I know they'll absolutely demolish the trees--having a world of fun with it, no doubt--so I've bought quite a couple and was thinking of rotating them to allow the trees to recover.

 

 

 

 

Camera currently has run out of charge, plus lost the cable so it may take a while. Been taking regular photos with my iPod as the construction continues however, to have a good record of the progress.

 

Also: Thinking of buying some maidenhair fern, and either hanging some basket/pots...or I have another idea but no good way I know of to implement it; I want to have some sort of frame over the roof or part of the roof, where vines or ferns will grow and hang down?  

Edited February 27, 201213 yr by Jen144

This is basically the idea:

 

 

And as you said you were thinking of some hanging pots, then this would be great in my opinion

Edited February 27, 201213 yr by Flip-trainer

You have no idea how fast a budgie can decimate plants in an aviary..less than a week down to stubs and nothing.

You have no idea how fast a budgie can decimate plants in an aviary..less than a week down to stubs and nothing.

 

 

hehe I do, I put in a paper towel that had the longest grass imaginable (seed) and Sparta ate (yes ate, because there was nothing left but the paper towel) the whole thing in around 7 minutes, and there was a lot of paper towel

What I'm saying, is that the hollow branch can serve as a giant perch as well

A big hollow branch perch will invite nesting.

A big hollow branch perch will invite nesting.

 

 

Not if it's filled???

Filling a hollow log with dirt can be harmful as it can grow bacteria.

 

 

And if they are going to destroy the plants as quick as they do, then you will have to replace them every week.

Which could amount to a lot of money

 

 

 

I agree with Maddy. I must say you are also getting some advice here from people who arent experienced as well.

 

Forget the planted aviary idea..............if you saw the fully planted aviary I inherited when I bought my previous house and what it looked like a week later...................you would not even consider trying to put plants in an aviary. Bring branches in a couple of times a week......peppermint tree, gumtree, bottlebrush and hibiscus. Have lots of toys, rope perches and coloured bangles hanging off perches.

No logs...they will even try and nest in those no matter how much of a hollow or impression in them.

What I'm saying, is that the hollow branch can serve as a giant perch as well

No Flip........................any kind of a log will encourage nesting and breeding and fighting over it too.

And as you said you were thinking of some hanging pots, then this would be great in my opinion

NO again..... not a good idea at all.

Its great to have ideas and opinions but these have to have a good solid grounding in experience and knowledge.

 

Thinking of buying some maidenhair fern, and either hanging some basket/pots...or I have another idea but no good way I know of to implement it; I want to have some sort of frame over the roof or part of the roof, where vines or ferns will grow and hang down?

Birds will nest in the baskets of these plants IF they plants last long enough and arent eaten.

 

I've already got a tree stump that has been carved at the top, and I'm going to use it as a sort of bird-bath/waterfall.

make sure you have no babies in an aviary with a waterfall or pond as they do drown.

 

So growing trees inside, sand for the bottom (cement is underneath)

How can you grow trees in side ? with cement underfoot and a layer of sand ? What about sunlight ?

 

Can you please show what you mean by "inside" ?

Thanks Kaz, great to have another opinion too.

 

Okay in regards to growing plants inside an aviary with a cement floor, what I meant was that I would have trees (obviously not huge ones) inside pots. That way there is no need to have a dirt floor (an idea I don't much like due to bacteria etc), and the plants can be taken out if needed. One entire wall of the room is open to the outside (with a mesh covering) and thus sunlight is not an issue. A plastic sheet will be installed on the outside so I can cover the wall if it rains, or when winter approaches and it begins to get cold, to stop the wind.

 

Also with them eating the plants--I fully realise they will do this and mainly want to allow them some to gnaw (not expensive ones) and tear apart because they love doing it. Another vague idea, and one that sounds increasing good, is to have most of the plants not in the aviary and prune them, giving the branches to the birds.

 

 

So no baskets with plants in it. Good to know.

 

And with the waterfall, it is only about 2 inches deep at the most, so it's more of a small shallow pool for them to bath in. I shall remove it if there are babies or young fledglings present, thanks.

 

 

 

 

As you have shot down most of the ideas, what would you suggest instead? Keeping in mind I would like the aviary to be as natural and full of things to keep the birds amused (despite them being destructive little creatures)?

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

As I have already suggested

Bring branches in a couple of times a week......peppermint tree, gumtree, bottlebrush and hibiscus. Have lots of toys, rope perches and coloured bangles hanging off perches.

 

as far as trees in pots goes..I brought some branches into my aviary yesterday........within seconds the bark was gone off those branches and the birds had it down to wooden inner section within 5 minutes. Today theres not much left. The bird like to eat the bark off a trees or sapling as the lysine in it is good for them.

 

Like I said....cut branches and add 2-3 times a week. It will look natural and give them what they need. You wont be able to keep up with the ongoing costs involved in replacing plants they destroy.

 

Also with them eating the plants--I fully realise they will do this and mainly want to allow them some to gnaw (not expensive ones) and tear apart because they love doing it. Another vague idea, and one that sounds increasing good, is to have most of the plants not in the aviary and prune them, giving the branches to the birds.

 

also already suggested.......see above.

 

One entire wall of the room is open to the outside (with a mesh covering)

what kind of mesh and how have you addressed the access for rodents and predators from outside to inside ?

Is this a covered in patio you are talking about ?

Got any photos ?

Edited February 28, 201213 yr by **KAZ**

No photos as of yet, will provide at the nearest opportunity. The kind of mesh? I bought a 30 metre roll of 'aviary mesh'...the normal size of mesh that I've always seen (don't know exactly how large that is?) For predators from outside--I'm putting a double layer of mesh with a small gap inbetween to stop hawks from getting at the birds. Difficult to give you exact measurements as it hasn't been built yet, but I have a lot of experience keeping hawks from getting the birds...Have a number of ones that tend to visit every few months!

 

For rodents--That is a little more difficult and an area I would very much like advice in. Keeping mice away from the seed is quite a task...

 

Sorry about you having to repeat yourself regarding the putting in branches etc, just trying to clarify and ask everyone's opinions whenever possible.

 

No, not a covered patio. Basically, I'll be pulling down that section of outside wall of the house to put mesh over. It just faces the yard (between west and northwest approximately, if that helps)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honestly a mesh wall with a plastic covering is better than the wall that is currently there. We live rather rural, and our house may be (accurately!) described as a shed--large in shed, and even normal house, terms however. Open-plan, you could say. Mesh and a covering when it is cold is infinitely better for the birds than what is current: Cement-rendered hessian cloth basically stapled to the wood frame, constantly dropping dust and obviously not very healthy for birds' lungs or to chew.

Best way to protect from rodents and snakes getting in is to tin halfway up about 3 feet....half tin half mesh.

 

and using feeding platforms if you arent sure you have acchieved rodent free.

Cool, thanks. Any other ideas?

 

I am thinking of purchasing this: http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-15040432-Wi_Fi_Remote_Wireless_IP_Camera_One_Of_The_Smallest_Wireless_IP_Camera_(Ai_Ball)

 

To put in a nestbox, this would be a great tool in personal research, accuracy of breeding records of that pair, and early detection of any problems (like a chick not being fed) without having to disrupt the pair if they are the kind that do not tolerate that. And besides all that, I think it would be pretty cool to be able to see what is going on in the nest. Anyone else done this?

 

 

Jen read the article Care of Baby Budgies in the nest...in our faq section. Its essential that nests are checked twice daily once chicks arrive. You dont allow a female who "doesnt like to be checked " to have her way. You simply MUST nestcheck regardless of the hen not liking it.

Its your responsibility as a bird owner/ breeder to do these nestchecks without fail so you can see whats what.

A camera in a nestbox must be able to view accurately in the DARK and still give you enough detail to see the things you would see for yourself with proper nestchecking.

Dont mean to burst your bubble but you may find it just wont do what you hope it will.

 

You are colony breeding ?

Edited February 28, 201213 yr by **KAZ**

Oh yes, I know this and do check every day. This would merely be for research or such, not as a replacement for regularly checking nests. It does have infrared/night vision, otherwise yes it would be rather useless.

 

I am just thinking it would be cool to observe them without interrupting, although I think that it wouldn't be terribly exciting watching her incubating the eggs lol, but perhaps once there are chicks. Also help in identifying an egg-eater or one that just accidentally breaks eggs maybe.

 

Colony breeding--Nope, not going to breed in this aviary. Planning on putting breeding cages in the side area so the birds can hear their flockmates.

Edited February 28, 201213 yr by Jen144

I am making something rather similar soon. I plan to double wire the areas of the aviary which are open to the outside.

I understand that some types of wire mesh are not safe for budgies even though they are described as 'aviary wire'. Could someone please tell me which kind of wire is safe? Thank you.

Getting back to greens in the aviary, here is what I am trying.

I had some extra dog dishes,2” by 6” diameter that I converted into planters by drilling a hole in the bottom for water to drain. Then I filled them 2/3rds full with dirt and planted leftover parakeet seed.

 

Then I made a sturdy frame and covered it with wire, (1/2”x1”) left over from another project.

 

The idea is to start the seed with the wire on to so the greens will grow up through the wire. When the green are 2-3 inches above the wire, put it into the aviary. The birds will mow that lawn down to just below the wire. Then I’ll remove the dish and let the seed grow some more.

 

Just an idea now, who knows what it will turn out to be?

Bill

Good thinking Geb, I think it's a great idea You should get a few more dog dishes so that you can have spares, so you can just switch them over from time to time