Building an outdoor aviary

I've been thinking on building an aviary onto the front of our house for summer, we farm and have acres and acres of woodland that I can get the lumber from (we have our own mill) What would be a safe cage wire? I'm REALLY excited about this but the bird's safety is key. I figured they'd enjoy a large aviary and being outside with sun and a breeze in a flock setting with branches and toys etc. Or am I just romanticizing this? Any tips/info would be much appreciated! We have outdoor farm kitties (spoiled as they are they still have a prey drive) I was thinking, have bird safe cage wire on the inside then putting screen on the outside to prevent wild birds, cats, racoons etc from annoying/getting too close to the birds. Also something to consider would be the winds that we get up here on the ridge..... Solid roof or wire? Half and half?
Just brainstorming here, any input/advice from others who've built their own aviaries would be greatly appreciated. I've got another question but for now I think asking the 2nd question would be putting the cart in front of the horse

Sunset_Chaser said:

I've been thinking on building an aviary onto the front of our house for summer, we farm and have acres and acres of woodland that I can get the lumber from (we have our own mill) What would be a safe cage wire? I'm REALLY excited about this but the bird's safety is key. I figured they'd enjoy a large aviary and being outside with sun and a breeze in a flock setting with branches and toys etc. Or am I just romanticizing this? Any tips/info would be much appreciated! We have outdoor farm kitties (spoiled as they are they still have a prey drive) I was thinking, have bird safe cage wire on the inside then putting screen on the outside to prevent wild birds, cats, racoons etc from annoying/getting too close to the birds. Also something to consider would be the winds that we get up here on the ridge..... Solid roof or wire? Half and half?
Just brainstorming here, any input/advice from others who've built their own aviaries would be greatly appreciated. I've got another question but for now I think asking the 2nd question would be putting the cart in front of the horse

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I have similar, lots of land, raise chickens...have dogs (3) and built a 12 x 14 x 9 feet high gazebo with concrete rubberized painted floor. I used 4x4 corners, 3 2x4x 12 feet length wise, then lattes wood outside all the way around. Then screen that you would use for screen windows all around. The rafters are slightly raised on one end by 4 inches for rain and have ribbed fiberglass green roof panels. This keeps the sun out and they still have fresh air and able to see. Ropes and perched attach from the rafters. Have a wooden shelf with battery powered boom box, and table and chairs in their to sit with birds. Quite fun!!

Would a wood floor be ok (raised off the ground a few feet) or is concrete a better choice? Do you leave your birds in the aviary all the time or just during the day?

You should take some pictures, Hawk! I'd love to see it. And Sunset, I'm so jealous that you have that much open space! Take loads of pictures when you start building, that way I can live vicariously through you

Chantal, so far no building has commenced. Just trying to get some ideas from others right now. My biggest thing is the wire/mesh. Is there anything out there that is bird safe?

Hawk said:

I have similar, lots of land, raise chickens...have dogs (3) and built a 12 x 14 x 9 feet high gazebo with concrete rubberized painted floor. I used 4x4 corners, 3 2x4x 12 feet length wise, then lattes wood outside all the way around. Then screen that you would use for screen windows all around. The rafters are slightly raised on one end by 4 inches for rain and have ribbed fiberglass green roof panels. This keeps the sun out and they still have fresh air and able to see. Ropes and perched attach from the rafters. Have a wooden shelf with battery powered boom box, and table and chairs in their to sit with birds. Quite fun!!

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What type of lattice did you use? Did you use aluminum or fiberglass screening?

I know that GAW is commonly used for outdoor aviaries by zoos, rescues, and other large accommodations. Many have been using it since the 70's, and though it is galvanized there have been few (if any) reports of poisoning. I honestly think if has to do with whether your bird is inclined to climb on the wire and chew it or not.

There's also things such as zoo netting, zoo wire, etc. that you can look into. I know in the UK they also do things called aviary panels, but I have yet to see anything of the sort here in North America that's similar. Ideally, SS wire would be best, but it's ridiculously expensive. Alternatively, though just as expensive, you could contact a steel fabricator/welder and see if they would commission the work for you.

I'm having trouble finding cage wire that isn't galvanized, even searching for ss cage wire online isn't giving me the results with pricing................. I think I read somewhere that you can un-do the galvanization process by soaking the wire in vinegar or something. Is this true? First choice would be a non-toxic cage wire of course... Thoughts?

You can definitely "remove" or wear down the galvanization, yep. It's basically forcing it to weather out. It takes awhile, and it's a bit of a gritty process. Personally, after reading about the GAW, I think the risk is very small, though there is still risk. If you're concerned, then I'd buy GAW wire and then just treat it. It'd take a long time, but it'd put your mind at ease if you can't find SS wire. SS is about $25 per foot.

Here's the company I'm going with for my stainless steel wire:
Welded Stainless Steel Wire Mesh from TWP Inc.
These guys sell aviary panels:
https://www.wingzstore.com/aviaries-cages/aviaries-flights.html?p=2

There's a Facebook group, Home Aviary Designs, that has tons of ideas and supply resources as well, it's definitely worth a look.

Awesome! I actually just learned about these two sites while looking out of curiosity. I'm happy that they ship the SS mesh to Canada, too... now I can actually plan out my aviary expensive wise even though I won't be able to build it for awhile

Bartleby said:

Here's the company I'm going with for my stainless steel wire:
Welded Stainless Steel Wire Mesh from TWP Inc.
These guys sell aviary panels:
https://www.wingzstore.com/aviaries-cages/aviaries-flights.html?p=2

There's a Facebook group, Home Aviary Designs, that has tons of ideas and supply resources as well, it's definitely worth a look.

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Oh wow this second site is perfect. Im not handy, and these prices are not bad at all. Not a bad size for my size bird too. THANKS! I will definitely save up for of of these!!

Sunset_Chaser said:

Would a wood floor be ok (raised off the ground a few feet) or is concrete a better choice? Do you leave your birds in the aviary all the time or just during the day?

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Painted concrete is my choice....easier to clean the bird poop up. My birds are out there 3 to 6 hours a day in spring and summer. I don't leave my birds unsupervised for too long....Just never know. I have coyotes around here, so I won't leave them on their own.

I have a 3 season glassed porch as well if the weather gets a bit nasty.