Concrete or Blue Metal Gravel as flooring in bird aviary???

I'm going to be building an aviary but unsure of what to use as flooring. I read that Blue Metal Gravel is great for aviary floors?

I also read that concrete is supposedly preferred because it is "super easy to clean"? I fail to see how that could be possible??? The reason I say this is because concrete is porous so poop and liquids are going to saturate it!! So when I go to mop the concrete... well it's not going to work so well unless the concrete is coated to make it non-porous in which case I don't even know if that is bird safe for my tiels?

I've posted a few times on this forum for pis of self built bird aviaries if anyone here built one but have yet to get any

I can't even seem to find pics of Blue Metal Gravel anywhere being used in actual aviary... but I think I would prefer to have a thin layer of that vs concrete...

Understanding that you have already stated your preference and your support for that preference, it makes little sense for anyone to response, right?

Tropical said:

I'm going to be building an aviary but unsure of what to use as flooring. I read that Blue Metal Gravel is great for aviary floors?

I also read that concrete is supposedly preferred because it is "super easy to clean"? I fail to see how that could be possible??? The reason I say this is because concrete is porous so poop and liquids are going to saturate it!! So when I go to mop the concrete... well it's not going to work so well unless the concrete is coated to make it non-porous in which case I don't even know if that is bird safe for my tiels?

I've posted a few times on this forum for pis of self built bird aviaries if anyone here built one but have yet to get any

I can't even seem to find pics of Blue Metal Gravel anywhere being used in actual aviary... but I think I would prefer to have a thin layer of that vs concrete...

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SailBoat said:

Understanding that you have already stated your preference and your support for that preference, it makes little sense for anyone to response, right?

Tropical said:

I'm going to be building an aviary but unsure of what to use as flooring. I read that Blue Metal Gravel is great for aviary floors?

I also read that concrete is supposedly preferred because it is "super easy to clean"? I fail to see how that could be possible??? The reason I say this is because concrete is porous so poop and liquids are going to saturate it!! So when I go to mop the concrete... well it's not going to work so well unless the concrete is coated to make it non-porous in which case I don't even know if that is bird safe for my tiels?

I've posted a few times on this forum for pis of self built bird aviaries if anyone here built one but have yet to get any

I can't even seem to find pics of Blue Metal Gravel anywhere being used in actual aviary... but I think I would prefer to have a thin layer of that vs concrete...

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Excuse me? What doesn't make sense is your reply which I also found to be a little rude. I posted of course as I am needing to hear advice from others who are far more experienced with aviaries than myself. By me simply stating that THINK I might prefer one over the other is rather irrelevant. I must also emphasize the word I "THINK" I would prefer the gravel (if you reread my initial post)... that implies someone who is unsure.

He's kinda right, your post did make your preference quite clear.

I would posit - if you're so worried about concrete being porous, just how do you perceive rocks which have even bigger gaps between them?

How about using concrete with sand over top? That way it's almost like a litter box. Here's some helpful links I found....

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First, Thank-You Chris!

I had read your Thread Several Times prior to Posting - both times, now.

Over my long life, I have specified both concrete and gravel for a wide cross-section of Industrial, Civil, and Residential applications for interior and exterior usages, in high-traffic areas, high-load applications, chemical exposure applications and frost /freeze to high temperature applications.

With the exceptions of those applications that had specific Engineering, Government and/or Legal 'Code' requirements. If a consumer was as clear as you are in their preferences, I would yield to they preference with a caveat, that their preference would not be my first choice.

I provided you that caveat in the form of presenting to you the clarity of the preference you made. There comes a time in which arguing a point has little merit. And, for me that was such a point.

FYI: I have provided detailed build recommendations for several builds over the last six months for Parrot Forum members.

If I had so chosen to be rude. I will assure you that my use of rudeness is as course as a deep cutting rasp.

Enjoy the build!

chris-md said:

He's kinda right, your post did make your preference quite clear.

I would posit - if you're so worried about concrete being porous, just how do you perceive rocks which have even bigger gaps between them?

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Gravel is replaced on regular basis, concrete is not. Hence the gravel would not need to be mopped in the same sense that concrete would therefore whether the gravel is porous or not is not as much of an issue as it is with a solid concrete surface that is so porous it would be difficult to mop properly. I do not know as of yet which flooring I will use or which would work best however.

I will again reiterate... my initial post most certainly did not state a clear preference (I stated I "THINK" I prefer... which clearly implies uncertainty!) and, yes, I did feel the response to my post was rather rude. End of story.

Interesting use of 'Words' to deflect, mis-direct, and cloud:

" (I stated I "THINK" I prefer... which clearly implies uncertainty!) and, yes, I did feel the response to my post was rather rude. End of story."

You have the right to 'believe' and 'feel' whatever you wish. Right up to the point that the 'rights' of the other person begins!

If clarity has been redefine as 'rude.' So, be it! But, to my understanding it has not been redefined. You have the right to 'believe' and 'feel' whatever you wish.

Enjoy!

SailBoat said:

Interesting use of 'Words' to deflect, mis-direct, and cloud:

" (I stated I "THINK" I prefer... which clearly implies uncertainty!) and, yes, I did feel the response to my post was rather rude. End of story."

You have the right to 'believe' and 'feel' whatever you wish. Right up to the point that the 'rights' of the other person begins!

If clarity has been redefine as 'rude.' So, be it! But, to my understanding it has not been redefined. You have the right to 'believe' and 'feel' whatever you wish.

Enjoy!

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Your initial response to my thread was clearly to post a downright snotty remark rather than something helpful or productive. Seeing that I am pushing 40 years of age life is simply too short to deal with people who insist on being UNPLEASANT.

Tropical said:

Your initial response to my thread was clearly to post a downright snotty remark rather than something helpful or productive. Seeing that I am pushing 40 years of age life is simply too short to deal with people who insist on being UNPLEASANT.

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You are 100% correct with: "life is simply too short to deal with people who insist on being UNPLEASANT."

Enjoy!

Without getting into the philosophical debate...concrete can be sealed, which will make it rather impervious to poop. Also, there is a paint-on or mix-in waterproofing material you might consider. I forget the trade name...it reacts over time with the setting concrete to fill in the pores and make the concrete waterproof. I didn't find out about it in time to use it in our basement walls so I had to go with a paint-on product. If you use that and seal the concrete, or maybe just seal the concrete, you should not have any problem with things soaking in. And it will be fairly easy to wash it clean with a hose if you're outside.

I don't know what the metal gravel is...I found an australian term blue metal that refers to basalt grave, so I'm going to assume it's just some kind of stone and not an actual metal. I don't know about that...you will get the inter-stone spaces filling up with poop, in a sheltered environment that might encourage the growth of organisms which might then waft up onto the birdies. Even if it's changed regularly, you'd have quite a lot accumulate. I saw a rescue in northern California where the owner puts sawdust down, then just goes in and picks up the clumps, like a cat litter box, to save time. They have a lot of birds and need to manage them with few people. I could see that...the poop is probably visible on the dust or shavings, and wood being absorbent would dry out the poop which would inhibit bacteria.

I have never built and aviary and can't offer any actual experience, but have seen many concrete floors that are shiny and nice, and had a concrete/aggregate walkway that was sealed and remained pristine for many years. Good luck... if you do the sealed concrete and decide it's too gross, you could always throw some gravel down on top of it.

Woah woah, no need to start a flame war you two . SailBoat, the way you phrased your response could easily be perceived as being rude. However, I'm sure you were just telling Tropical to go with their gut, as they seem to have a pretty could idea of what to go with. However, I understand why Tropical posted this, as they'd like advice from those who have experience with this sort of thing, even if they already seem to have their mind made up.

And Tropical, I understand why you're upset. SailBoat's response did seem a bit abrupt and perhaps condescending, but I'm sure he didn't mean it that way. When you're communicating through typing, anything you write can make you seem like a callous, antisocial jerk. So next time it might be a good idea to point out that what someone wrote sounded a bit abrupt, and that hopefully they aren't trying to pick a fight with you.

Now you two give each other a hug :3. And before anyone says anything, I'm treating you two like adults who are going to get in trouble with the mods soon for bickering like a couple of budgie hens; I'm not treating you like kids.

Anyways, Kentuckienne makes some good points. I'd probably go with concrete and find some sort of non-toxic sealant to use on it. Then, if you want, you could get some pea gravel to put ontop of it. Every couple of weeks you could scoop it up, dump it in a solution of bleach, put it on a tarp in the sun to dry, then put it back in the aviary. I don't know, maybe see what different zoos do.

I was thinking of doing an epoxy concrete sealing or polyurethane sealer or polyurea and polyaspartic floor sealers.. too many to choose from!... as I heard that is what is used in garages or pool patios since it makes concrete non porous I hope that is not toxic to birds?...

This aviary will be on my balcony on 2nd floor where I have no access to a hose so I would only be able to clean the concrete with a mop. I have never cleaned bird seeds and tons of bird poop before like that on concrete and hope that if it happens on sealed concrete it makes it MUCH easier?

I am concerned how gross the concrete will look in a short period of time if there is no type of gravel or whatnot as "bedding" on top of it.

I have yet another problem... seeing that I live in Florida it is going to be a nightmare taking the aviary apart until the hurricane passes because I don't think it could hold up to a hurricane I guess I will worry about that when the next hurricane might strike.

I cannot wait until I can afford to move out of Florida I am beyond miserable living here and 'Nut is driving me CRAZY with his constant squawking screams every 3 or 4 seconds... he is just insanely hyper active. He needs to be outside in some sort of an aviary where he can fly around and play without getting into trouble.

The concrete floors I've admired were first stained in mottled shades of brown, then sealed with a polyurethane finish made for concrete. They were glossy and smooth and easy to maintain. My friends have this floor all through their house, and it's the only thing that holds up to big dog toenails. I've also seen the same flooring in Bass Pro Shop. You could always stain it with white, black and dark green blobs all over. Oh, come to think of it, there is an epoxy coating made for garages and one for refinishing Formica countertops. It's a colored or white base, and while it's still wet you toss handfuls of pigment thingies on it. It makes a durable, scrubbable finish that will hide any inadvertent sins in mopping.

Kentuckienne said:

The concrete floors I've admired were first stained in mottled shades of brown, then sealed with a polyurethane finish made for concrete. They were glossy and smooth and easy to maintain. My friends have this floor all through their house, and it's the only thing that holds up to big dog toenails. I've also seen the same flooring in Bass Pro Shop. You could always stain it with white, black and dark green blobs all over. Oh, come to think of it, there is an epoxy coating made for garages and one for refinishing Formica countertops. It's a colored or white base, and while it's still wet you toss handfuls of pigment thingies on it. It makes a durable, scrubbable finish that will hide any inadvertent sins in mopping.

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I would hands down prefer (sealed concrete) if I was going to have aviary where I could clean it by blasting it with a hose but I can't do that in my condo... but I'll still try that sealed concrete out (I have to educate myself more on which sealant would be best... I guess polyurethane finish?)... then if that doesn't work out I can try that gravel stuff.

I just hope I don't get in trouble with HOA if someone sees a big bird aviary on my balcony

I might just be a real big idiot for thinking it'll be fine. I have a black colored screened in balcony so that makes it harder to see what is on my balcony... hoping that will be enough! :26:

This aviary almost looks "invisible"... love this aviary... I wonder what that is that they have as bedding... I can imagine all the fungus/mold and cockaroachs that would love to house under that in swampy humid bug infested Florida yikes!

I forget the specifics, but a Florida aviary lost several birds because bugs came in on rats or raccoons or possums or something, so it's a real worry. You should be able to mop the concrete, no problem. How heavy is the base going to be, and what's the weight rating per square foot for your floor?

Kentuckienne said:

I forget the specifics, but a Florida aviary lost several birds because bugs came in on rats or raccoons or possums or something, so it's a real worry. You should be able to mop the concrete, no problem. How heavy is the base going to be, and what's the weight rating per square foot for your floor?

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That's a good question, I'm not sure. I'll have to figure all that out. :34:

Someone told me I should just convert my entire balcony into an aviary... but then my tiels would chew through the screen and chew on the toxic stucco etc. I'm not sure how I would turn entire balcony into aviary without using an actual aviary...

I know I've posted this on forum before but here's my balcony... or I should say 'Nut's balcony... a big reason I got this condo was because it had a balcony for 'Nut otherwise I can't concentrate or get any work done :26:

Great space! I wonder...most of the parrots I've known hung out in one part of the cage most of the time and don't use much of the space. Has anybody ever made a parrot habitat out of multiple largish cages connected by passageways so the parrots could go back and forth? One cage for food, one with toys, etc?

Kentuckienne said:

Great space! I wonder...most of the parrots I've known hung out in one part of the cage most of the time and don't use much of the space. Has anybody ever made a parrot habitat out of multiple largish cages connected by passageways so the parrots could go back and forth? One cage for food, one with toys, etc?

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That is an interesting idea ... all I know is I am going to go legally insane if I don't get 'Nut an aviary soon. I have never in my life seen such a tremendously hyperactive bird

I definitely have a whole new level of appreciation for how laid back and QUITE Rascal is that is for sure!!

IMHO, I think properly sealed concrete would be better!