There are a few important factors to consider when building an aviary, such as the bird species, your location, local predators, etc. We’ve put together some top tips for building a beautiful and safe aviary that both you and your birds can enjoy.
1). Aviary Structure
The material being used for your structure can be a determining factor in how long your aviary will last, wood rots and metal rusts. There are ways to improve the longevity of wood to ensure a sound structure for longer. If you plan on painting a wooden structure or any part of your aviary then you should always remember to use an animal friendly paint that will not poison your birds.
When using metal poles it is worthwhile investing in the likes of stainless steel which will last much longer outdoors and need replacing less often than most other metals. Some may be tempted to use copper as this is also anti-corrosive, however copper tends to oxidise and turn green which can lead to a less appealing appearance.
2). Flooring
Flooring is often a hindsight when building an aviary, many people don’t even consider it until it is too late. Birds can be messy creatures, with bird food and droppings landing on the floor, your aviary could quickly become messy.
It is a good idea to consider using an easy to clean flooring, avid DIYers could even consider installing a drainage system to make cleaning even easier. Surfaces such as grass and stones are pleasing to the eyes, however these make extremely difficult surfaces to clean. Considering using tiles, bricks or concrete flags could give a nice appearance and offer easy cleaning.
3). Predator and Pest Proofing Your Aviary
You should always be wary of predators and pests when building an aviary, birds are the natural prey of many other animals across the world, the most common being cats, foxes and even other birds. Doing research into the natural predators for your local area is a must.
Building an indoor space for your aviary is ideal for nighttime when you and your birds are sleeping as this will protect your birds against nocturnal predators. Reinforcing your flooring is also a good idea to prevent rodents from digging underneath the enclosure.
4). Plants and Decorations
You should be wary of what plants and other decorations you put in your aviary, ensure that they are not toxic to your bird and that they will not try to chew anything that they shouldn’t be. Do research into which plants you can use around your birds and which ones to avoid.
Fountains and other water features are a safe and stunning addition to any aviary, but ensure that you keep them clean as the birds will also use these for drinking.
5). Aviary Mesh
Choosing the right aviary mesh is dependent upon your decisions on the above points, i.e. what structure you want, local predators, what birds you are keeping etc.
You should choose a mesh that is going to hold its own against the weather, protect your birds and also be pleasing to look at.
ClearMesh is lightweight, flexible and easy to work with. Being made from stainless steel means that it is anti-corrosive and all weather resistant.
Using ClearMesh will allow you to get creative and build your aviary to any shape and size that you wish. It is also resistant against rodents and other birds, protecting your birds against local predators. When selecting a ClearMesh product you should consider what predators you have in your local area and consult with us.
In the meantime you can order your FREE samples to see for yourself, or you can have a look at our gallery to see how our customers have utilised ClearMesh for their aviaries.