Outdoor aviary wire question???

[Tylerswildphotos]

I fond this wire, would it be good to make an aviary for Eclectus or african grey?

YARDGARD 4 ft. x 100 ft. Welded Wire - 308312B at The Home Depot


Thanks,
Tyler

 

[Aussie Ben]

The galvanised- zinc coating is dangerous for birds as they can get zinc poisoning. I know of some aviary builders that use this sort of wire, but wash it with vinegar first. This reduces the toxicity of the zinc, but does not eliminate the problem. Here is a link that may help, a google search for this will yield many results too:

Caring for your pet bird | Vetwest Animal Hospitals

excerpt

Heavy metal poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning is a common problem seen at veterinary clinics. Many birds are exposed to heavy metals in their cages or their environment. Lead, zinc and copper are the most common metals involved. They are found in galvanised wire, paint, copper wire, metal ties, rusty metal toys and backs of mirrors etc.
Cages and aviaries should be made of stainless steel, powder-baked or the new BHP polymer-covered wire. Scrub galvanised wire with vinegar and a wire brush, then rinse the vinegar off and repeat, this well help minimise the zinc toxicity but will not eliminate it. Weathering the wire (leaving it outside to the elements) will not detoxify the metal either.

Also, 2x4 in. is way to big. My Ekkie's head would probably be narrower than 2 in., so he would EASILY be able to get his head through. A smaller dimension would be much better. Perhaps find some local breeders/aviaries and ask what they use on their aviaries, nothing beats experience

 

[Tylerswildphotos]

Thanks for the info. I though zinc was bad, I just wanted to double check. I didn't realize the spacing was 2x4 inch. I am not going to get it any way because it scares me with the zinc. So galvanized steal is bad too? how about this wire?


YARDGARD 4 ft. x 25 ft. 19 Gauge Galvanzied Hardware Cloth - 308226B at The Home Depot


Thanks

 

[Birdzhaven]

I used 1/2" x 1" wire for our aviary. I am not sure if you have a problem with Cooper Hawks in Florida, but they are a frequent visitor to our backyard. Smaller wire spacing serves as a protection against predators.

 

[Aussie Ben]

Thanks for the info. I though zinc was bad, I just wanted to double check. I didn't realize the spacing was 2x4 inch. I am not going to get it any way because it scares me with the zinc. So galvanized steal is bad too? how about this wire?


YARDGARD 4 ft. x 25 ft. 19 Gauge Galvanzied Hardware Cloth - 308226B at The Home Depot


Thanks

Galvanisation basically means 'coated with zinc', so yea....no good. MANY breeders use it, but if money is available, stainless steel or powder coated are much better.

 

[Ratzy]

Also, mice can get through wire more than 1.2cm2 in size.