An aviary for parrots: why is it needed, choice, production and arrangement

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05/22/2019 To maintain health, parrots of all species need movement. If the bird lives in a small cage, it needs to be let out regularly to fly. A large aviary eliminates this need, and if it is impossible to “walk” the bird in the house, this is the only way out.

Description

The original French word "aviary", translated as "to fly", meant "a large cage installed in the garden." Usually birds lived in it, but later the enclosures were also used for keeping and breeding small fur-bearing animals. They were installed in fur farms, on personal plots, and in apartments.

Today this is a very common option for a bird house. In the assortment of specialized stores you can find a large number of models for various types of parrots.

For feathered inhabitants, including parrots, an aviary is, of course, much more comfortable than a cage. Here you have the opportunity not only to spread your wings, but also to make short flights. In addition, in a spacious home, the blues will never overtake a bird - communication with its own kind will not let it get bored.

Description of the requirements for the enclosure

A noticeable disadvantage of the enclosure is that such a bulky thing rarely fits into the interior of an ordinary apartment or balcony. The cost of the structures sold is also not attractive. That is why hobbyists sometimes think about the need to independently manufacture a spacious bird house that would not only meet the dimensional requirements, but also provide the birds with the necessary living space.

Suitable location for the cage

After purchasing or making your own parrot house, you need to place it in the “right” place.

Optimal accommodation conditions:

• Getting enough sunlight (2-3 hours a day) or installing an additional ultraviolet source.
• No drafts.
• The presence of a “quiet zone” (one side of the house is adjacent to the wall to ensure safety).
• On a hill for a bird’s broad horizons (1-1.5 m from the floor).

Types of enclosures

Indoor

Thoughts about a large cage usually appear when there are more than two parrots at home. This is better than keeping birds separately in several different, smaller houses. In addition, pets need to be given the opportunity to walk daily, which is not necessary in a larger room.

Of course, an aviary installed in an apartment will take up a lot of space. But if the owner has imagination, it can become an original decorative element and even decorate the room.

Indoor aviary

Speaking about the requirements for indoor enclosures, we mention the following:

1. The minimum dimensions for a structure housing more than two small parrots should be 100 by 50 by 150 cm (height, width, length).
2. For small species, a fine-mesh, preferably welded, mesh with 3 mm rods will be sufficient. For large parrots, the wire thickness should be at least 5 mm. A thinner bird will be able to snack.
3. The production of the design you like begins with a general drawing and the formation of a frame from bars, which are fixed with furniture corners.
4. One or more retractable trays are installed at the bottom of the enclosure.
5. It is important to think through the size of the door in detail: it should prevent your pets from unauthorized forays into the wild and at the same time be convenient for cleaning the inside of the cage.
6. The usual installation of an enclosure is directly on the floor, on legs or on wheels. They are rarely hung on the wall, but with their impressive dimensions this would be problematic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po6ubYeC9SY

Some hobbyists simplify the construction process by enclosing part of the room with a mesh. However, in this case, it is worth keeping in mind that droppings, feathers and food debris from parrots accumulating on the floor can attract rodents and various insects. As sources of infection, they will also penetrate feeders and damage the grain mixture, making it unsafe for birds.

To prevent this situation, it is necessary to protect the floors - for example, cover them with sheet iron, bending it over the wall space (at least 30 cm).

Important! The appearance of rats and mice in a cage at night can cause panic in birds, which can lead to injury and stress for your pets.

Street

In the summer season, it is advisable to install an aviary outside. The indoor one can be moved to the terrace, loggia or balcony. This way, your pets will not only be able to breathe fresh air and feel almost in the lap of nature, but also communicate with wild birds.

Outdoor, collapsible, aviary for parrots. Outdoor Aviary for Parrots

Outdoor enclosures also have a number of features that are worth talking about.

1. The size of an external bird house can be much larger than an indoor one. For example, 1.5 meters in height and 3 in length. Or choose arbitrarily - here your imagination is unlimited. However, it is worth considering that in enclosures more than 2 meters high, catching birds or maintaining the premises becomes quite difficult tasks.
2. Inside it is necessary to provide shelter from direct sunlight, rain, and strong winds.
3. The enclosure must have a roof.
4. The front and side mesh walls should be double so that random animals and birds cannot come into direct contact with your pets.
5. The bottom must be protected from rodents that can dig into the cage.
6. As components of the structure, it is better to choose materials that are durable and not subject to weather conditions and attacks from street animals.
7. It is advisable to consider where your birds will spend the cold seasons: either the aviary will be portable with the possibility of installing it inside the house, or you will have to think about the pets’ habitat in another cage.

Do-it-yourself cage (valier) for parrots - 2

Year-round

Creating or purchasing an all-season bird house should be taken very seriously. This is what should distinguish this design from any other type of enclosure:

1. A large bird house should also have an internal house with heating and artificial lighting. Birds will hide in it in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
2. It is necessary to have a foundation (with a trench deepened by 30-40 cm) or strong, stable legs.
3. It is better to make the floor in a large cage for year-round keeping of parrots with a slope - then when disinfecting the room, the liquid will drain, which will simplify the cleaning process.
4. It is advisable to use a thick linoleum sheet to facilitate debris removal and protect the bottom of the enclosure.
5. If a large cage is built in such a way that a tree grows right in it, your birds will already have a ready-made play stand and shelter from the bright rays of the sun as close as possible to natural habitat conditions.
6. And in a year-round bird house, a second, protective net with wider cells should also be provided. It is pulled at a distance of up to 10 cm from the main one.
7. It is worth installing supports in the corners of the bird house. They can be metal posts reinforced in the ground with concrete pouring. Corners are welded onto them, which will hold either the main or additional mesh.
8. It would be nice for an outdoor aviary to have a vestibule - it will prevent the bird from accidentally flying out when the door is opened. In addition, such a small utility room is convenient to keep tools for internal cleaning.
9. As a lock for a room with large species of parrots, you should not limit yourself to a latch; it is necessary to provide for the possibility of locking with a padlock.

Pros and cons of an aviary

Parrot aviaries have their advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

• large size - birds have free space for flight and active movement; You can place large branches inside or build a play complex;
• the ability to keep a group of small parrots or 1-2 large birds;
• one enclosure is easier to clean than several small cages;
• During the warm season, birds can be kept outside, which has a beneficial effect on their health.

Of the minuses note:

• the need to allocate a large area for installing an aviary - even an aviary for budgerigars takes up a lot of space;
• if one parrot gets sick, it will quickly infect its neighbors;
• fights between birds are possible;
• It is inconvenient to give medications or vitamins to individual birds;
• For breeding, the couple will have to be moved into a separate cage.

The best place to install an aviary

A good location for an outdoor space for your feathered friends can be considered the most illuminated and least wind-blown place on the site. It makes the most sense if the outer, widest wall faces the south or southeast. Then your parrots will be able to welcome the sun and stay in the light as long as possible. But the northern or leeward wall should be protected with some dense material, for example, a sheet of plexiglass.

#Aviaries for parrots.

It is necessary to install the indoor view of the bird's home in the brightest place in the room - it is usually located near the window. Or you will have to resort to using a lamp.

Wall decoration

The width of outdoor aviaries for birds is usually about 3 m, the length is determined arbitrarily depending on the size and number of birds, as well as the free space of the site. The optimal height of an enclosure for a parrot should not exceed two meters. Such parameters make it easier to care for the interior of the cage and catch birds if necessary.

Internal walls prevent the entry of small birds, which can be carriers of dangerous diseases, and prevent pets from flying out. A net with larger cells is installed outside as a barrier to birds of prey so that they cannot injure the parrots. The dimensions of the cells of the external fencing of the enclosure, located at intervals of 5-10 cm from the main one, are 50x50 mm.

The installation of the net for the enclosure is carried out on metal posts that are concreted into the ground, or bolts provided in the brickwork above the foundation. It is better to decorate the walls of an aviary for birds using corners. If there are joints, the mesh is installed with an overlap of about 20 cm with high-quality processing of the edges.

The bird aviary must be supplemented with a vestibule. This will prevent the risk of the bird flying out when the owner visits the enclosure. The second benefit of the extension is the possibility of placing household equipment for servicing birds in the fence.

It is recommended to decorate one of the walls of the enclosure with plexiglass. A windy or northern side is chosen to protect the bird from cold air currents.

From the photographs you can see examples of well-equipped bird enclosures.

DIY aviary for budgies

Net

Stainless steel

This species, as the most durable and safest for the health of birds, is considered today the most optimal when making an aviary.

Galvanized

This mesh is no less durable than the previous one, but the presence of zinc in it makes it unsafe for birds. Especially when you consider that the habits of many species of parrots include climbing wire meshes. In this case, birds, of course, use not only their paws, but also their beak.

Our birds are having a housewarming party, they now have a large enclosure with all the amenities

The advantage of the mesh is its availability both in price and availability in stores. Therefore, amateurs often use galvanized steel to make their own enclosures.

Important! If you nevertheless purchased this type of mesh, then first wash it with warm water and soap using a sponge. Then you need to wipe the cells with table vinegar. After rinsing in clean water, let dry. Only after completing this procedure can you begin to work.

Iron

The most widely used in the manufacture of enclosures and for birds is the so-called “animal farming” net. Made using precision welding method. It is more comfortable than wicker. In addition, it is easier to mount it on any frame - both metal and wood. At the same time, damage to a single link will not make the rest less strong.

Outdoor aviary for parrots part-3

It is sold in rolls in hardware stores. To keep small parrots, take mesh sizes of 13-16 by 48 mm, for medium ones - 25 by 25 mm, for large birds you can use 30 by 50 mm.

Metal with plastic coating

This type of mesh is not recommended for use in bird aviaries.

Plastic

The least durable and unsafe material for the health of birds, sometimes still used in the manufacture of bird houses. In addition, this type of mesh is too soft for the paws, and the bird can get caught on the mesh when flying.

Frame

It is made of metal or wooden bars, on which the mesh is secured with duralumin corners of various thicknesses. Sometimes they are simply attached to the wall. If the weight of the future structure will be significant due to snags, toys, nesting houses, you can use steel corners.

DIY bird aviary. Size 2.2 x 2.5 x 4 m.

Doors

You will need to make several of them in the enclosure. For example, in a small room there can be two. One is located on the lower level and serves to replace water, fill the feeder and clean the bottom. The second one is higher. It is intended for use in the upper part of the bird's house. Sometimes you will have to catch sick parrots to place them in an isolation ward - when planning the number of doors, take this point into account.

In an outdoor, especially all-season large room for birds, it is imperative to have a human-sized door so that you can go inside and do everything you need.

Pallet

To manufacture this part of the structure, it is necessary to use materials that are easy to disinfect and do not suffer from its effects. Let's look at the most popular ones.

Plywood

It will only serve for a while, since it tends to swell from exposure to moisture and delaminate. Especially if you need such a method of cleansing from parasites as scalding with boiling water.

New aviary for parrots

Plastic

You can use ready-made kitchen trays, which are usually made from food-safe plastic. However, to do this, you will have to adjust the dimensions of the future enclosure in advance to the size of the existing box.

It is quite possible to make a plastic tray yourself, using non-toxic glue that is safe for the health of birds.

Galvanized sheet

A fairly durable material, however, if it is not too thin. Otherwise, deformation of the pallet cannot be avoided even with careful handling.

What kind of cage should a large parrot have?

Large parrots include species whose weight exceeds 3 kg (for example, macaws, African grays, Amazons).

When choosing housing for such large pets, consider the following points:

• The length of the tail (the tail should not touch the walls of the cage when turning).
• Diameter of poles (1-1.5 cm).
• Dimensions of the house (from 1.3x1x0.7 m).
• The thickness of the cage bars (0.3-0.5 cm).
• The presence of pallets (will facilitate the cleaning process).
• Arranging a bathhouse for bathing.
• The presence of a door with a reliable two-turn lock that opens to the side, the size of a bird.

The best cages for feathered pets are presented by “Triol”, “Ferplast”, “Pen-plax”, “Inter-zoo”, “Imac”. The designs of these companies undergo certification and pre-sale quality checks.

Aviary for a large parrot

Common cell types:

• lattice with a body made of solid metal (a structure made of a metal mesh or lattice, welded or twisted together);
• lattice combined;
• solid metal cages;
• cellular combined;
• wooden;
• plastic;
• combinations with galvanized or copper rods.

Experts advise choosing combined houses, which you can easily purchase at any pet store or make yourself.

Arrangement of the enclosure

Perches

Be sure to take into account the type of parrot when choosing crossbars for your future enclosure. There should not be many perches so that the cage space is not cluttered. Two on the top tier and one at the feeder are enough.

We are building an aviary for parrots - Results. How to make a bird aviary

It is allowed to use driftwood or tree branches brought from the forest or park. Of course, it would be useful to subject such natural material to preliminary disinfection.

Important! Do not use plastic perches. Wood is the traditional and best material for bird perches or perches.

Feeders

They must be durable and made from safe material. Thick wood or non-toxic plastic is acceptable. It is advisable to have fasteners: you should not place feeders on the bottom of the enclosure, it is better to hang them on the walls. Make sure that the edges are not sharp and cannot injure the bird.

Drinking bowls

Much of the above is true for them as well. True, it is better not to use this accessory made of wood. In enclosures, you can also use automatic or vacuum drinkers. They do not get dirty as quickly as open water containers.

Review of #aviary for parrots

What needs to be arranged

There are many options for accessories and toys for parrots to keep them from getting bored in their cage. Which one to choose depends on the type and personality of the birds. Birds, as a rule, like to play and communicate, so owners install bells, swings and mirrors in the cage. It is good to equip an aviary for budgies with a movable wooden ladder on which they love to ride.

The main items that should definitely be in a parrot house are poles, feeders and drinking bowls. It is important that they are made of durable and safe materials and are well secured. It is also useful to provide water baths for birds to bathe.

To simplify cleaning, cat litter is often used in enclosures; it does not harm the birds.

In some cases, an aviary for parrots is a necessity. But it also makes it possible to keep more pets, gives more space and freedom, which makes them healthy and happy. If you want to provide your feathered pets with the most natural conditions possible, an aviary is the best option.

Source

Cage size, what does a parrot need in a cage to feel comfortable?

The very large number of cages that a market or store offers, in our opinion, are not suitable for the house of any living creature. In particular, the cells are “tubes”, which are 30 cm diagonally but one meter high. Birds don't fly high like helicopters, so horizontal space is more important for exercise than vertical space. Imagine what it's like to live in a closet 3 floors high! Many people choose these cages because they create the illusion of space without taking up space in the room.

A tall and narrow cage is the wrong choice!

The more spacious the enclosure, the more at ease the bird will feel.

However, what if you can't afford a huge cage to comfortably accommodate all the bird furnishings you'd like? There are several rules, following which, you will not cause any inconvenience to the bird.

So which size is preferable?

• For parrots of small and small sizes (canaries, budgies, cockatiels): at least 60 cm x 90 cm. It all depends on what the budgie or cockatiel needs in the cage: only a feeder with a drinker, or also toys and a swing.
• For medium-sized parrots (amazons, cockatoos) - 90 cm x 135 cm
• For large and large (macaws, large cockatoos): 180 cm x 270 cm

Additionally, parrots with crests or long tails need extra height to keep their feathers from touching the top or bottom of the cage. But this basic arithmetic does not take into account the activity levels of different species. For example, the caique or loris are considered relatively small in size, but their extremely high activity levels cause them to use every centimeter of their cage a hundred times a day. Therefore, they need a larger cage.

Roof and interior decoration

It is desirable that the roof of the enclosure has protection from rain and sun. Metal tiles or slate will successfully cope with the assigned functions. It is better to avoid polycarbonate; it transmits sunlight perfectly.

A living tree growing inside a bird aviary can be an excellent replacement for building materials. Thus, the atmosphere will become as close as possible to the natural habitat.

Naturally, the interior decoration of the bird aviary contains:

• perches;
• drinking bowls;
• feeders;
• houses for shelter from bad weather.

Aviaries for medium and large parrots must be locked. The latch is not a reliable protection for smart birds that are able to open it on their own.

Dimensions

To independently determine what size the cage will be for one parrot or several birds, the owner must take into account the minimum dimensions of the structure.

Important: A pair of budgies requires twice as much space. Housing parameters depend on the size of the birds.

• The width of the house is calculated so that the bird can spread its wings without touching the bars.

The length of the cage is usually at least 40 - 45 cm. With this size, two or three perches can be strengthened at different levels. The bird needs space to fly between perches without touching the bars.

• The height is selected taking into account free movement inside.

The minimum cage sizes for one budgerigar and a pair of birds are summarized in the table.

The arrangement of the rods should be cross: horizontal and vertical direction, and the distance between them is 10 - 15 mm.

At what height should the cage be mounted?

Some parrots tend to show dominance towards their owners if they are higher up. There are different opinions about why this happens, but there is no scientific evidence on either side of the issue.

The solution to the problem is to tame the parrot. If you teach the bird to sit on your hand every time you let it out of the cage, then the problem will not exist. Receiving praise from you, a gentle pat or a piece of treat is the best pleasure for a bird!

By the way, keeping your bird below eye level at all times is not always a guarantee of good behavior, but some people really think so!