How to Build a Parrot Aviary
You want to give your parrots lots of space to spread their wings and enjoy the outdoors without escaping. An aviary that you build yourself is the perfect solution and is a terrific way to keep your parrots safe and protect them from weather and predators. Learn here how to build a functional aviary for your fine feathered friends.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bricks
- Concrete mix
- Wire meshing
- Welded wire cloth
- Large nails
- Bolts and screws
- Ready-made double doors
- Fruit tree branches
- Birdbath
- Feeders
- Mineral block
- Water bowl
- Security devices
- Lighting
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Building Your Outdoor Aviary
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1
Design a plan and have it looked at by an experienced avian zookeeper. First determine the size of the aviary you want to build. This will depend on how many parrots you have. For example, an aviary that is about 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and about 8 feet tall would accommodate two large parrots comfortably and allow for wingspan. Also, put your aviary where you can observe it from indoors and place it far away from a noisy road.
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2
Lay a concrete foundation before you build the frame. Let the concrete set and then add some sand, gravel or pine shavings to create a natural setting. Leave some holes in the concrete to install trees and shrubs. Concrete floors are the easiest to clean as they can be washed down with a hose.
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3
Build a foundation around the concrete slab. You can use brick, stone or metal, depending on your preference and skill level. Let it dry before moving to the next step.
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4
Surround the walls and roof with welded wire cloth. Determine how wide you want the wire spacing to be by the size of the parrots. For example, if your birds are large, like macaws or cockatoos, you will need heavy wire with large spacing so they don't get their toes and beaks caught. Use wire that is strong enough so that your birds can't break it apart.
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5
Construct the entrance to the aviary. Ready-made double doors are ideal, as it will allow you to shut the outside door before entering the main living area and will keep your parrots from escaping. You can buy double doors at a building supply store, or you can make your own by using old shower doors.
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6
Attach a shelter over your aviary by surrounding a portion of the roof and two or three sides with plastic panels, solid hardwood or shade cloth. This will give your parrots protection from adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, heat or rain.
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7
Secure perches of natural tree branches by using strapping made of metal hung from the top of the aviary, keeping them from the sides of the structure. Provide feed and water bowls secured with bolts and screws and natural foliage such as trees and shrubs to create an outdoor environment your parrots will love.
Security Features and Protection from Predators
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1
Install security devices such as an alarm, sensor lights and locks, for example, to protect your outdoor aviary from thieves.
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2
Ward off predators, such as snakes, mice, cats, raccoons and other wildlife that may live in your area from entering the aviary. Install a double layer of heavy wire meshing. This will make it very difficult for them to break through.
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3
Prevent predators from digging under the aviary to get at your parrots by installing a heavy wire about 6 inches under and around the perimeter of the foundation.
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4
Keep your aviary clean and disinfected at all times to eliminate the risk of illness.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep birds with the same beak types together. Doing otherwise may be very harmful to your birds. Parrots should not be mixed with finches, for example.
Learn about the zoning ordinances in your town. There may be restrictions that you may need to adhere to or that may prohibit you from building an aviary on your property. It's also a good idea to check with the neighbors to make sure they don't have complaints.
Keep from building your aviary under a tree as bird droppings can cause harm and potential illness to your parrots.
Avoid spraying your perches with pesticides.
