An aviary can last 20 years and will be required to house birds safely and comfortably enough to encourage them to breed so it is worth planning properly. Although the exact aviary design will be tailored to the types of pet bird being kept, there are some general principles that drive its preparation and design.
Main Components Of An Aviary
An aviary will normally include:
- A bird shelter - this is the area where birds are encouraged to roost and to be fed, so it should be well-lit and under some form of roofed area. The roof could be plastic but if so, should be of an ultraviolet-resistant type.
- The bird room - this houses breeding cages and often also acts as an equipment store.
- The flight - the area of the aviary where birds are able to fly most easily.
- A porch - the entrance, best designed as a porch or corridor with doors usually placed at each end as a precaution against birds escaping.
Aviary Design Considerations
Aviary size depends on many factors ranging from space availability, budget, bird types and numbers through to security and safety aspects as well as possible effects on the local neighborhood. It is advisable to check whether any planning permission is required.
Regarding size, the old maxim of "the bigger the better" applies, especially to the flight area. It is a good idea to visit other aviaries to help formulate ideas and answer any queries at the planning stage.
The aviary is best situated well away from sources of any sudden or marked changes in light and temperature, out of draughts or wind and not under any overhangs such as trees.
Security of location and the aviary itself will also be factors. Security is needed not just from human intruders but also possible predators such as cats, mice, rats, etc.
It may also be desirable to be able to view the aviary and flight from the keeper's house.
Materials will normally be weathered wood coated with non-toxic preservative, wire mesh of a size that will prevent birds escaping or getting their heads stuck and some form of roof which might have areas of wood, mesh, plastic and roofing felt. For some bird types, for security and construction reasons, metal frames are more appropriate than wooden ones.
Concrete floors are normally preferable, being easier to clean than alternatives and hence better to avoid bird disease. Gravel can be used but is much harder to keep infection-free, though concrete slabs beneath perches do help.
The floor should also slope away from the shelter as an aid to drainage. Drains and guttering will be required.
Raising the sides of the aviary by mounting them on top of rows of bricks not only improves appearance but also prolongs the life of the frame and acts as a barrier to rodents.
A major design consideration is the amount of human intervention envisaged for inside the aviary. Some birds react badly to humans walking through areas, especially the flight and the shelter and when breeding. This should be allowed for in the placement of doors, other access points and internal objects. Sliding doors may also be appropriate within some parts of the aviary.
Heating and lighting also need thought regarding type, placement and access to their power sources.
Building and Finishing the Aviary
When building the aviary, the overriding concerns are the security and strength of the frame. Hence a foundation on which to lay the concrete floor will be required.
All fastenings will have to be strong and secure, so if using wood, rather than simply fastening, shaping it into joint through which bolts can be screwed will make the frame so much more robust, especially as cross-pieces and strong brackets are included.
For bird safety, there should be no sharp protrusions of fastenings, mesh or edges.
Internal arrangements will be largely determined by the type of birds being kept. Some birds, due to their breed or as individuals, are destructive to different objects and materials so some experimentation might be required.
Natural perches, whether branches or natural wood, may be most appropriate for an aviary. It is a good idea to place perches away from doorways and at opposite ends of the flight, with one under cover, and to keep the flight area as unrestricted as possible.
Toys are appropriate for most types of aviary bird but, like any internal plants, should be selected with care.
It is advisable to put bolts on any internal doors to prevent birds escaping.
The overall appearance of a bird aviary might be stark, so dressing with plants, flower beds, etc., merits consideration when building has been completed.
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