How to guide to building an aviary. [Archive]

ETAHoffman

03-08-2008, 11:33 AM

I've built several outdoor aviaries and lots of indoor, breeding, cages. If I can offer any assistance, I'll be happy to. There IS a thread here somewhere where people show their cages/aviaries. I've posted photos of mine several times.

Perhaps they'll give you some ideas.

I use 2X2 pine for the frame(s). After painting the frames, I attach 1/4 X 1/4 inch hardware cloth to the frames. Then, I bolt the frames together with carriage bolts. That makes the basic aviary. Then, I decide on the roof and whatever I plan to do to cover the sides and back.

Your "frames" can be whatever size YOU decide. Remember, however, the hardware cloth comes in set widths and, if you can plan your aviary based on the width of the hardware cloth rolls, it will save you a lot of time, and cuts/scratches, if you don't have to cut the cloth. When I use 48 inch width cloth, I make my panels 48 inches wide. When I use 36 inch, I make 36 inch wide panels. etc.

If you do use hardware cloth and the cage/aviary is to be outside, be sure to use 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Mice CAN go through 1/2 inch openings. (They collapse their skulls and go right through. I've seen it. In fact, while relocating my flock years ago, I had my hens in a 1/2 X 1/2 inch hardware cloth cage and mice got in one night and killed about a dozen English hens. That was a hard way to learn the value of 1/4 inch cloth!) Also, you should wash the cloth in a solution of hot water and baking soda to remove the acid wash put on it at the factory.

Meanwhile, here's a photo of one of my small aviaries. It measures 6 ft. long, 6 ft. high, and 3 ft. deep. All sides, top, and bottom are covered with hardware cloth. You'll notice some Quakers in this one.

If I can help in any way with more suggestions and/or photos of my aviaries during construction, let me know. I'll be happy to.

Tom in Miami

http://i29.tinypic.com/5bp4km.jpg

Gilraen Took

03-12-2008, 02:40 PM

Ooohhhh, this is exactly what I need! I'm planning on making a cage for my girls, since I'm putting an open topped fish tank in my room soon, and can't have them flying into it while I'm at work >_>

Anyway. . . How do you get the hardware cloth to lie flat? I've used it on my rat cage and the thing I hate is that I STILL can't get it to lie flat on the wire(and am not about to spend a month trying to wire it tighter. . .) Also, how do you make the doors?

Also, for my 3 little runts, I was thinking about 48x24x48" for the cage, would that be big enough for them?

ETAHoffman

03-13-2008, 12:05 AM

Since the cloth is rolled when you buy it, simply roll it, gently, in the opposite direction. Also, as you tack it down with wire staples, pull it tight. I think the size cage you mention should be more than adequate for only three birds.

The doors.... First I build the frame for the side or front or back. Then, within the opening I decide to use for the door, I simply measure the inside dimensions of that opening and cut the wood accordingly for the door. Here's a better view of the completed cage shown in the other photo but without the perches, roof cover, etc. Perhaps that will help some more.

http://i28.tinypic.com/21mu3av.jpg

BUUZBEE

03-13-2008, 12:27 PM

I thought i'd add some pics of ours too. Built sort of like ETA's. Remember, we are in so cal and dont need a seperate enclosure for the bird in the winter. We just board up 1/2 and add a heat lamp.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/BUUZBEE/Aviary%20and%20Cages/aviary-1.jpg
brand new

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/BUUZBEE/Aviary%20and%20Cages/CIMG0421.jpg
shades down with the old winter box, but now we just board up 1/2.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/BUUZBEE/Aviary%20and%20Cages/CIMG0425.jpg
heat lamp & box

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/BUUZBEE/Aviary%20and%20Cages/CIMG5853.jpg
additional door added to quicky add fruit kabobs or change the cuttlebone

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/BUUZBEE/Aviary%20and%20Cages/CIMG5851.jpg
ladder perches, and they have 4 boings

The aviary is made out of Redwood 1x1's 5x3x7 Length x width x height. The screen is 1/4'' hardware cloth. Lots of extra pieces of wood have been added as they really enjoy chewing the wood! LOL

califjewls

03-13-2008, 12:59 PM

Buuzbee do you do anything special in the summer time? I am in northern cali and as you know it gets HOT! Do you use a mister, etc?

You two have given me the desire to build now! lol Oh and Buuzbee and/or ETA what do you use for the base and bottom that is easy to clean? Oh and how do you waterproof the wood safely??

Thanks for your help! :-)

Gilraen Took

03-13-2008, 01:07 PM

Slight change of plans, sort of. We found some mesh(supposedly. my boyfriend found it, don't know if it is galvanized, if so then it's back a few steps :rolleyes: ) that is 30" and that we'd just have to cut 2x to make a 48x30x30" cage. Would that be good? It'd be wider and the same height as what they have now. Should still give them a bit of flight room, right?

BUUZBEE

03-13-2008, 02:28 PM

Buuzbee do you do anything special in the summer time? I am in northern cali and as you know it gets HOT! Do you use a mister, etc? We have a fan that's on a timer and goes on from about 8am to 8pm depending on how hot it is. We also have misters on a timer that come on for 10-15 minutes every hour from 11am to about 5pm

You two have given me the desire to build now! lol Oh and Buuzbee and/or ETA what do you use for the base and bottom that is easy to clean? Oh and how do you waterproof the wood safely??Mine is on a wood base on rollers so it can be rolled around the patio. Then on that i put sand, it gets shop vacked out every month or two. Mine doesnt get rained on where its under the patio, but there is one leak above it so we put that corrigated plastic sheet ontop, plus that helps keep in the heat in the winter a bit more.

Thanks for your help!
your welcome :)

tstmard

03-13-2008, 04:59 PM

This is such a helpful thread to me. I'm planning to build a indoor cage as well as an outdoor one. Would you suggest using sand in the indoor one too? I'm still debating to do a grate style bottom or an open one with something in the bottom.

ETAHoffman

03-21-2008, 03:39 AM

My outdoor aviary has a wire bottom. Same quarter inch hardware cloth as the sides,top,front, and back. It is raised off the ground; sitting on flagstones. I also put some flagstones under the cage in case I need to step inside for any reason. The wire makes it so easy to keep clean. I simply spray with the garden hose when necessary. Also, any seed that falls through sprouts and the birds can eat the greens that grow up through the wire.

I simply use newspaper on the floor of my indoor aviary.

softie

03-21-2008, 03:56 AM

Great outdoor aviaries :) I'd be only lucky to have one in the future :)

Eikoden

04-11-2008, 02:26 PM

What type of paint do you use?

Grean Feathers

04-14-2008, 12:25 AM

I have been building up my aviary and was wondering if Linseed oil / flax seed oil. Is safe to use on the wood to seal it. I know the birds are going to try and peck and chew at the cage. Also Texas has many problems with termites and ants. I have been reading on it and it says its all natural and is even made into pills to take as dietary supplements. I know they make Linseed oil stain just don't know if it is safe for the birdies. What do you guys think?

If anyone information on linseed oil would be great. :1zhelp:

Budgietom

04-14-2008, 12:29 AM

WOW nice aviary Green Feathers.

Grean Feathers

04-14-2008, 12:43 AM

Thank you!
its only my second one. Still learning.

prettybird1212

04-14-2008, 12:44 AM

im building an indoor one similar to those. going to be on wheels botom will be screened in and have a wooden pull out tray i can use to keep poo out of reach.

oh I will google the linseed oil for you~

prettybird1212

04-14-2008, 01:02 AM

from what I read, linseed oil contains lotsa chemicals that are dangerous and known to cause cancer, plus they don't protect the wood very well and it is better to use in paintings not to mention that it takes months before you can actually use something coated in linseed oil

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inflin.html

my budgie billy

04-14-2008, 02:41 AM

Do you know if they sell hardware cloth in England? As i have been interested in building myself a big cage and an aviary for along time.

prettybird1212

04-14-2008, 06:27 PM

I will google it...

nope, i didn't get any good results. I would call your local hardware store and ask if they have it

Zippi

04-28-2008, 09:49 AM

Some really neat ideas here..I do plan to build a large cage/aviary for indoors so my guys can have room to spread their wings even when I do not have them out to play. Necessities will be to have it on wheels, and to have some sort of sliding tray ( I assume stainlees steel is fine) that comes out of the bottom for cleanup purposes. :)

Kelsy's Budgies

05-04-2008, 09:22 AM

Here is a site with some different ideas

http://www.lostmymarblz.com/fd-aviaryshowcase.htm

vidiae

08-19-2008, 10:30 PM

I was under the impression that hardware cloth was bad to use.

http://www.avianweb.com/buildingacage.html

Is this webpage wrong?

prettybird1212

08-20-2008, 12:43 AM

yeah, hardware cloth is the best your gonna be able to get (unless you can find and afford stainless steel)

NayNay1978

08-22-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi Everyone !!!!!

I am really interested in building an indoor Aviary. I want one that is like the natural wood look in the pics. I would like to know if anyone can tell me is that too big for a two bedroom apartment and if it's too big for 8 keets, but I do plan on getting more ?:budgie::S

Kayla♥Bug

11-18-2008, 03:22 PM

I am also wanting to build an indoor aviary for my birds. I have only 1 keet at the moment, but I may be getting 2 more soon and I would like to get more so I can make a good flock. I really liked the design of the one that has the heat lamp on the top of it. Is there any step by step instructions as to building one? I am not the best builder so I am clueless as how to go about making one.

BUUZBEE

11-18-2008, 03:52 PM

I think your talking about mine?

I think hubby has more info on our budgie website WWW.BUDGIELOVE.NET or its on the live cam page in the Q&A area http://partzdude.camstreams.com/

gazelloo

11-24-2008, 10:25 AM

thanx a lot, for this great topic

rockyhorse

11-28-2008, 09:16 PM

Hi, does anyone have actual plans for an outdoor aviary? I want to build one with the dimensions of 4'W x 6'L x 6'H. I am definitely NOT a carpenter but can try anything. My main concern is the door area. I want to be able to walk in to clean and change things but don't want the birds to fly out. Is a flight door necessary or can there be just one door. I live in San Diego and the cage will be in the patio. No direct sun, except in the early morning. I just need some kind of guide to follow ie braces etc. Thanks, Rockyhorse

rockyhorse

11-29-2008, 12:43 AM

A big thank you to all who sent info. Much appreciated!! ETA I have been looking at your aviary many times and that is just about what I want. What kind of paint did you use? So wish me luck and I will refer back to you as needed. Well I also have a few ideas to pass on. I have found that a 4X8 sheet of Melamine works really well for the aviary to sit on as mine (current aviary) also has wire on the bottom. I found out by mistake as I was reparing my horse trailer and had a few big peices left over and didn't want to have to go anywhere to get supplies, so I layed the melamine on top of a piece of plywood. It can be washed or rinsed off easily and is very malleable but very strong. I use pine shavings to cover the wire and put them about a 1/2 a foot deep. The 'kids' love to play in them and they can chew and eat to their hearts content. I also use my shop vac to clean out the shaving about every other week. I use the shavings that they sell at Walmart in the pet section. One bag lasts for 2 cleanings. My current aviary is 3'W x 4'L x 5'H.

ETAHoffman

11-29-2008, 09:16 AM

Re your door question. Several solutions. First, of course, would be a second door so you'd have a "safe" area but that takes lots of extra room. I use the smaller door, down low, on my outside aviaries because birds have a tendency to fly up and there is less chance of them flying down and out the smaller door. It does make it a little difficult to get into the aviary, at times, however. I've seen people use material, like an old sheet, clipped to the cage, like a curtain, to prevent escapes. Temporary and easy to use.

I have my outside cages sitting on patio blocks. Like cinderblocks. That helps keep the wood from being exposed to too much dampness. Can't use pressure treated wood, of course, because it is treated with cyanide.

Paint. I've been using BEHR Premium Plus exterior semi-gloss enamel.

You asked about plans for a 4X6X6 aviary. Remember, your hardware cloth comes in widths of 24", 36", and 48". Being lazy, as I am, I normally try to avoid having to cut more than necessary. So, I build my frames to fit the width of the wire. Right now, I'm building a small cage for a pair of Quakers that is 24" high X 24" deep X 48" long. It will hang on my fence.

Hope this helps.

rockyhorse

12-02-2008, 09:49 PM

Hi has anyone used polycoated hardware wire for your out door aviary? It is available at my Home Depot and is a nice shade of green. I thought this might be better than the galvanized wire. Thanks your your input. Rockyhorse

ETAHoffman

12-03-2008, 09:43 AM

The polycoated wire does look a lot nicer but remember, it is COATED and budgies are chewers. I don't know what damage the material might do to the birds but you can be assured they WILL chew the coating off. I don't think I'd take the chance. Perhaps someone else here has some experience with that kind of cloth. Good luck.

BUUZBEE

12-03-2008, 12:46 PM

I use the smaller door, down low, on my outside aviaries because birds have a tendency to fly up and there is less chance of them flying down and out the smaller door. .

this is how ours is too :)

Cassidy

02-06-2009, 12:05 AM

i want to make a out door avairy. But i am in IL so winters are brutial and summers are very warm. I also want to make one in my room!!! Huh please msg me on my page about this!

SA Show Budgie

12-16-2009, 02:01 PM

Hi Tom,

I am wanting to build a budgie avary to house possibly 6-12 English budgerigars and I was wondering, what type of insulant could I use to protect the budgies from thunder storms and for that amount of budgerigars, what measurments could use.Unfortunately, I have very, very limited space in our garden and I was wondering if there was a nice size I could put there.

Thank you,
Chelsea in South Africa

Budgerigarluv

12-17-2009, 09:17 PM

Wonderful avieries! All though I don't need one, this post could come in handy in the future.

hoji

02-05-2010, 06:31 PM

I'm coming to the end of my building, phew, and I think I'd like to paint the wood to seal it and make it easier to clean. I have some American Tradition (Home Depot or Lowe's, I don't remember which) that I would like to use. It is acyrlic, says it is low odor, creates an easy clean finish, etc. It is pretty much regular interior flat wall paint. Looking around the interwebs I'm not finding any definite info. on what's okay and what's not.
What do you think? (Once again, I'm looking for informed opinion, not speculation.)

tjswife02

02-22-2010, 01:31 PM

WOW!!! This thread REALLY makes me want to break out the power tools and get to building!!! Hmmm...payday is next Monday! I might just have to buy myself some materials to give Guido & Sally an even bigger cage!!! :) Might be a good project for my husband, too. ;)

Would you guys recommend similar set ups for an indoor aviary?? I live in South Dakota and it is FAR too cold outside for an outdoor one, even in the summer evenings and mornings.

Parakeet Momma

03-13-2010, 10:28 PM

This is very helpful. My dad finally got all the tools he needs for a full workshop, and now we can properly build an indoor habitat for the budgies. There's a slight difference that has to go in to mine: a divide for the safety of two birds that keep trying to kill each other.

Cloud and Bop are very hostile towards each other, and just the other day Bop tried to get in to the nesting cage...that did not go down well.

I have an 8X10 room and they get about 6 of it on one side but I don't like the size of their cages anymore. Especially after seeing these pictures! Wow, what great talent and ideas.

I live in Canada though, so mine has to be inside, because it's dry and cold here a lot of the time, we get maybe a month and half of good weather. The weather changes every five minutes here too so one minute it could be raining, the next snowing. And now we have what's called "Plow Winds" that come through with the Chinooks at about 100 KM an hour...so there's no way in heck I could put them outside! lol :D

What I would like to know, come to think of it, is would you recommend chicken wire? I'm thinking of the smaller holes that they can't stick their heads through and hang themselves with.

And the last question is about the paint..is it non toxic that you used and what was it called if it is?

Thanks!!

PM

gallyash

07-20-2010, 09:02 AM

I must put up pictures of my aviary but at a quick look i cant just upload them of the computer:S

TheDragonslayer

09-07-2010, 03:50 PM

I have been planning an aviary for my current 1 budgies. I have gone through four designs now; use the front porch with minimal construction, build a new building or use an exixting 4 by 8 foot structure. I can rebuild the platform and use the old walls and just wire it with 1/4 x 1/4 hardware cloth. I can add to the structure and make it 8 x 8 and use three 46 inch wide by 52 inch high recycled aluminum thermal window and a 73 inch metal door with a window in it. The back 4 x 8 would have solid walls 6 to 7 feet tall. I also have an extra asphalt surfaced parking spot that meets the south and east exposure and could erect the same 8 x 8, but use pressure treated as the base plate, level it and put on the sill plate and walls. The inside dimensions of the sill plate would be 88 inches across in both directions and I was going to fill that space with concrete paving blocks that are 5.5 inches square and thus would fit 16 blocks to the side or 256 blocks and be tight ( I already have the blocks ) The blocks would rise to the halfway point of the fir sill plate and the birds would not access the pt wood. I want to use 3/8 plywood for the walls and the roof. My spouse thinks that I need to put wire beneath the blocks and on all the walls on the inside. I think that the plywood should be fine and that since the surface under the blocks is solid that nothing can get in. Building the structure on the asphalt with the blocks requires the least amount of new purchased material and would only require me buying 4 sheets of plywood and 4 pt 2 x 4's for the base plate. Please tell me what you all think. I am tired of drawing out plans over and over and want to settle on one so that my birds can go into an aviary. Sorry for such a long post.

Martin

LoveAllPets

10-14-2010, 02:02 PM

Im going to make one except I live in an apartement so I'm going to make a large indoor one with the help of friends,wish me luck!!!

bjohn

10-14-2010, 02:24 PM

This is my effort My son did the building it's 12ft long 6ft by 6ft h & w

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1249/4606191527_f22d288fd6_o.jpg

CaptainCarebear

10-14-2010, 02:48 PM

Brendan, I will forever have to tell you just how lovely I think that is :love: How are the budgies enjoying it?

bjohn

10-14-2010, 03:13 PM

Brendan, I will forever have to tell you just how lovely I think that is :love: How are the budgies enjoying it?

Thanks Becca, no things are not going great.
I've lost 3 beautiful birds over a period of a month.
No know reason just went out in the morning and they were dead on the bottom of the aviary which is very upsetting.
I am in the process of major changes within the aviary feeding, cleaning, disfecting, perches are all being looked at and changed around.
It's been over a month since one died, so fingers crossed,
Hope all's well with you and yours.

Sweets

12-01-2010, 08:49 PM

Does anyone by any change have step by step instructions on how to build an aviary. I am looking to build something about 4-6ft high, 4-6ft Wide, and 2-3ft deep. If you have any suggestions at all or if you have anything that could help I would greatly appriciate it... I am new to building so anything would help.
And I am not set on size so if someone has something close to this I would be happy with that too.

Thanks soooo much,

Sweets
lacysweet@comcast.net

MySweetBudgies

02-22-2011, 09:18 AM

Hi,

Cool! This is great info! I too am looking into building an aviary. I can hardly believe it but my hubby said I can. I have a some questions please.

What is the best type of wood for the parakeets? I know they like to chew on wood so I'm concerned they would chew frames and then if were damaged too much I would have no idea how to fix it. And do I have to look for wood that has no treatments on it?

To finish the wood, is water based wood stain safe or what type of paint should I get? Or is leaving the wood bare best?

I have a 20' x 12' wide screened in porch and I want to build a 4' x 8' x 6' aviary with a narrow door. how many parakeets do you suggest can fit in that size aviary? I'm not too set on the length of it. I wouldn't mind it being a little longer. I have 8 parakeets so far but more will be coming next year. I'm working with a bird breeding friend to get some new babies for him. I want to tame the babies with love when they are old enough to be handled and then give them a place to fly and play so they become strong and healthy. Of course I'll probably fall in love with some of the babies and they'll be new permanent resisdents. Also my pairs will be put in the aviary so they can rest and fly. No breeding boxes will go in the aviary. Just a place to play.

--- Kimberley Smith (Florida)

hrosec

03-04-2011, 08:57 PM

Hi,
I was thinking of building my birds an outdoor aviary. But could I have an outdoor one in colorado?

canada94

03-18-2011, 06:02 AM

Some fantastic pics on here guys, keep em cummin.

Kevin

Noah'sGal

04-06-2011, 12:34 PM