Avian Flu 2022: Complying With AIPZ

African Grey parrot inside aviary looking through aviary mesh

This page was last updated 18th November 2022. If you are viewing after this date then any regulations mentioned may have changed. To ensure you are up to date with the Avian Flu situation we urge you to check on the DEFRA website.

Avian flu has been on the rise in the UK since October 2021 with over 200 reported cases. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have now declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the UK. This means that bird keepers must strictly follow biosecurity measures set out by DEFRA to prevent the virus from spreading.

What Are The Minimum Biosecurity Measures for Avian Flu?

Regulations change between zoos, falconries, poultry keepers and domestic bird keepers, but the minimum security measures for all bird keepers is to ensure that all areas where birds are kept are kept clean and human interaction is kept to a minimum.

Foot dips should be placed at any entrance or exit containing DEFRA approved disinfectants, or disposable shoe covers should be used inside an aviary.

Mesh used on aviaries should have an aperture of no bigger than 25mm. 

Chickens behind aviary mesh to prevent spread of avian flu

Food, water and bedding should be kept undercover and protected against wild birds and rodents. Birds of prey should not be fed anything that could have been exposed to the avian flu, and vermin control should be implemented in any areas where birds are kept.

If you keep poultry, or you are a falconry centre, zoo or sanctuary, you should consult the AIPZ regulations for any further biosecurity measures that may apply to you to prevent the spread of avian flu.

AIPZ Compliant Aviary Mesh

The regulations state that aviary mesh should have an aperture of no bigger than 25mm, however mice are capable of getting through holes as small as 20mm. Seeing as DEFRA have stated that vermin control should be implemented, we recommend an aperture even smaller than this.

ClearMesh has an aperture of 4mm x 5mm, making it effective at preventing wild birds and rodents from entering your aviary and protecting your birds from avian flu.

Order your FREE samples today or head over to our brand new e-commerce shop to make a purchase and protect your birds against avian flu.

How to Install ClearMesh

Installing ClearMesh banner

ClearMesh is easy to install, lightweight and flexible, giving you creative freedom when designing and building your aviary.

The best process for installing ClearMesh is dependant upon the structure that you plan on using. Different installation methods can be used for metal and wooden structures. There are also some installation tips that you should be aware of. 

Tips for ClearMesh Installation

Due to its knitted pattern, you should fold over the edge of the mesh when installing and joining it to prevent it from unravelling. Alternatively to folding the mesh, overlapping will also work for joining the mesh together. 

You may want to paint the mesh black to further increase visibility into the aviary/exhibit. To achieve this, most customers use a paint roller and apply the paint after the mesh has been installed. Be sure to use a paint that will not harm your animals and ensure that the paint is dry before allowing them into the aviary/exhibit.

Ensuring that the mesh is pulled tightly during installation can prevent it from being stretched under the weight of snow, predators or your animals.

Installing onto Wood

When installing ClearMesh onto a wooden structure, the most secure method is to sandwich the edges in-between two pieces of wood. Most customers choose to use staples to secure the mesh onto the wood. 

As mentioned above, ensure that you fold over the edges of the mesh, or place the staples a few stitches in from the edge to prevent the mesh from unravelling. 

outdoor square shaped aviary

Installing onto Metal

ClearMesh can be installed onto metal poles using either tie wire, cable ties or we can provide some of our wire for an added cost. It is best to use stainless steel wire for installing the mesh against other metals to prevent the mesh from rusting.

Welding the mesh to a metal structure should be avoided, as the weld can begin to rust and affect the integrity of the mesh.

Spacing the metal poles out by 2 metres will prevent you from having to join the mesh together. 

Service users of Old Tree Nursery installing ClearMesh onto poly tunnel

If you are still unsure how to install ClearMesh or have any questions regarding this article, then please feel free to contact us for further clarification.

Our Top 5 Favourite ClearMesh Builds of 2021

Top 5 ClearMesh builds of 2021 banner

As we are coming up to the end of 2021, a year mostly spent indoors in the protection of our own homes, we thought it would be a good idea to share a list of our top 5 favourite ClearMesh builds of the year!

During a time of isolation and loneliness, our animals helped us through and kept us sane. We have loved seeing all of your builds throughout the year and cannot wait to see what new builds await us in the new year!

No. 5

This indoor budgie house is unique and creative! Made from an old cupboard converted into a budgie house using our ClearMesh to cover the front.

By adding some perches, toys, water and food, this customer has given their budgies much more room than a standard budgie cage.

The budgie cabinet is able to blend in much better with the customers home furniture rather than being an eyesore.

Top marks for creativity!

budgie's inside cabinet aviary perching

No. 4

This outdoor aviary designed for Macaws uses our ClearMesh35 to cover the entire area.

The build is minimalistic and elegantly decorated inside with naturalistic perches and bird safe plants!

Using wooden pillars to join the 2m wide mesh together, the view into the aviary from the outside is open and basically unobstructed.

Outdoor Macaw Aviary

No. 3

A more unique use for our ClearMesh25 is this outdoor tortoise run designed by one of our customers.

Although tortoises can’t climb, this mesh roof will protect tortoises, Eddie and Polly, from any outward threats such as pests and predators!

This uncommon use began the mission for testing ClearMesh against UV to see how much it would let through and allow reptile owners to make a more informed decision.

Thank you for pushing us to do better!

outdoor long tortoise run
No. 2

This mixed aviary is a very impressive size and shape, perfectly demonstrating the versatility of ClearMesh.

This aviary received one of the biggest reactions on our Facebook Page and houses doves, quail, pheasants, silver bills and finches!

Large wooden outdoor mixed aviary
No. 1

The number 1 position for ClearMesh Builds of 2021 goes to WILD Zoological Park! 

WILD used ClearMesh25 for their brand new walk-through Lorikeet Lagoon habitat. We visited the customer earlier in the year to see for ourselves, only to find that over half of their habitats were also covered in ClearMesh!

Keep up the great work WILD!

Mesh on zoo enclosure roof for lorikeets

For the year of 2022, we will be hosting a ClearMesh Habitat Of The Year competition, where the winner will be in with the chance of winning a (yet to be declared) prize! To await further instructions of how to enter and what prizes are up for grabs, join our ClearMesh Community page on Facebook.

Zoo Design: Build A Habitat – Not An Enclosure

Build a habitat banner

Rick Barongi, a previous long standing chair of the Honors and Awards committee at the AZA, was quoted in Naturalism, Animal Welfare, and the Evolution of Zoo Design (Boyle, K.E, 2017) stating that in order to build a good exhibit, you should build a “habitat” and not just an “enclosure”.

Barongi also suggested that there are three main factors to take into consideration when designing an exhibit; the animal, the visitors and the staff. When taking these three pillars into consideration, where is the line between a ‘habitat’ and an ‘enclosure’?

The Animals

Colchester Zoo, whom have won multiple awards for their exhibit designs, lists a number of important factors to consider for the animals when designing a habitat, such as the animals “behaviour, reproduction, habitat, feeding, and activity.” Returning to Naturalism, Animal Welfare, and the Evolution of Zoo Design, Rich Sartor, a curator at Phoenix Zoo, is quoted stating that an exhibit should be “challenging, interesting, they [the animals] engage with it.”

Habitats should contain enrichments and challenges that the animals would encounter in their natural environments in the wild to ensure good mental health. To build a habitat, you should consider elements that will encourage the natural behaviours and instincts of the animals.

To ensure physical health, the zoo designer should consider matters such as temperature, humidity, space and the animals day/night cycle. The physical abilities of the animal should be met with as little hazard as possible. The security of the exhibit is paramount, not only to protect the animals against pests and predators, but also to prevent the animal from escaping.

Jaguar food enrichment in tree

The Visitors

Exhibits should be visually pleasing to the visitor whilst also offering education regarding the conservation of the animals within. Studies have been conducted to find what aspects of exhibit designs have the highest impact on visitors.

According to Investigating the Influence of Zoo Exhibit Design on Visitor Empathy for Wildlife, a thesis by Grover, E.R (2018)zoo visitors perceived exhibit theming and props and animal habitat to contribute most to their empathy for wildlife.”

They also go on to state that “it may suffice for zoological institutions to focus their exhibit improvements on creating expansive and natural habitats for the animals,”

When exhibits are designed as a habitat, rather than an enclosure, it allows the visitors to feel more connected and empathetic towards the animals inside.

Zoo visitors observing a tiger inside its habitat

It goes without saying that animal visibility plays a huge role in guest happiness. Offering both indoor and outdoor areas can keep both the guests and the animals happy. Exhibit barriers should be taken into consideration to ensure an easy view into the habitat whilst also securing the animals. 

The Staff

Exhibits should be easy for the keepers and maintenance team to keep on top of. Staff safety is paramount when dealing with dangerous animals, careful consideration must be given when designing feeding stations. Sections should be prepared for housing dangerous animals during the cleaning process of the exhibit. Using materials that are easy to rinse down, and installing drainage in indoor areas or pools will allow for a much easier cleaning process for keepers.

 

Learn More

If you would like to learn how to make your exhibits look more natural and appealing to visitors using our ClearMesh, then feel free to contact us.

Preparing Your Outdoor Aviary For Winter

With the end of summer rapidly approaching and the beginning of autumn and winter round the corner it is time to begin preparing your aviary and your birds for winter. There are a few amendments that you can make to ensure the safety, security and health of your birds during the harsher weather.

Keeping Your Aviary Warm

Many pet birds within the UK are tropical birds, meaning that they are not acclimatised to the British weather.

Birds can be extremely sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so it is important to be prepared all year round for weather changes. 

If it is not possible to move your birds indoors, then you should take measures to ensure that your aviary stays heated throughout the winter months to keep your birds comfortable. There are several products available to measure and maintain the temperature inside your aviary.

Bird in winter snow on branch

Having an indoor section or birdhouse within your aviary is essential. This not only offers shelter and warmth against cold winters and nights, but also keeps your birds safe from predators when you are not around to keep an eye on them.

Your aviary can be prepared for winter all year round by using a thermostat system often used for reptile habitats. These systems continuously measure and maintain the temperature within an enclosed space using bulb heaters or heating mats. This tubular heater also has a built in thermostat helping it to sense and regulate the temperature accordingly. You should also make sure you purchase the guard for this build to prevent your birds from injuring themselves.

Structural Winter Tips

You should plan for different weather changes when designing your aviary as there are structural amendments you can make to keep your birds warm during the winter.

Adding a roof to your aviary can help to keep the rain and snow out of your aviary, however this can also trap heat in during summer, so building your aviary in a shaded area would be best when considering a roof.

When installed tightly enough, ClearMesh is extremely effective at holding snow, preventing it from getting inside your aviary during the winter. If the mesh is installed loosely  however, the snow can cause the mesh to bow.

Installing insulation in the indoor section of the aviary can help to keep heat inside. There are also ‘bird tents‘ that you can purchase the the indoor area of your aviary to help keep your birds warm. 

Snow on top of aviary

ClearMesh is made from stainless steel, making it anti-corrosive and all weather resistant, the perfect material for outdoor aviaries. Stainless is also non-toxic for birds, unlike galvanised steel which most welded meshes are made from. ClearMesh can protect your aviary from the harsh rain of winter and the strong rays of summer. You can order free samples to find which ClearMesh product you would need to use and contact us for a quotation.

Why to Build Your Own Aviary

Why to build your own aviary banner

There are different options for pre-made aviaries of different shapes and sizes, however these can be quite limiting in terms of shapes and sizes. Building your own aviary allows you to be creative, and you can build an aviary that meets all of your requirements rather than trying to find a pre-built aviary that is exactly right.

Get Creative

Being able to build your own aviary to the exact size and shape that you require or desire is a huge advantage over pre-built aviaries. 

You can build an aviary to any shape, size and style that you want and decorate however you like. It also gives you the chance to ensure that your aviary is suitable for the species that you have. 

Macaw aviary using ClearMesh aviary mesh

Security

Outdoor budgie aviary

Building your own aviary also helps you to ensure that your materials are safe for your birds or animals. Some metal types are poisonous to specific animals, such as galvanised wire being toxic to some bird species.

You will also be able to ensure that there are no sharp edges or nails sticking out of anywhere, and ensure that predators and pests cannot enter into the enclosure.

Long Lasting

Being able to choose your own building materials can help you to ensure a long lasting structure. 

Opting for metal poles instead of wood, or stainless steel mesh instead of galvanised, can have an impact on the lifetime of your enclosure.

Depending upon your location, your aviary may need to be weather resistant, withstanding high or cold temperatures, snow, wind or harsh environmental elements near the seaside. You can ensure that your aviary is weather proof through the materials that you choose to build with.

aviary mesh covering garden

Build Your Own Aviary With ClearMesh

Bird Aviary mesh over back garden with African grey parrots

ClearMesh will cover all of the above points for your aviary. Our aviary mesh is flexible and easy to work with, allowing you to get creative with your design.

ClearMesh is robust against pests and predators, and is slash resistant.

Being made from stainless steel means that our mesh is completely safe for all bird species and is resistant against harsh weather and environments. 

Order your FREE samples today, or contact us for a quotation.

ClearMesh Zoo Visits

ClearMesh zoo customer visits banner

ClearMesh has been used in zoo’s not only across the country, but across the world for a number of different species including the likes of birds, primates, reptiles and mammals. Our ClearMesh zoo customer visits are extremely important to us to ensure the safety and security of our mesh for new species and to ensure that the mesh is performing as the zoo needs it to. 

Last week we did two customer visits to WILD Zoological Park and Old Tree Nursery / Sensory Park

WILD Zoological Park

We began the day at Wild Zoological Park speaking with Zachery, the zoo’s director. Zachery purchased three of our our ClearMesh25 rolls to cover the roof of their latest enclosure ‘Lorikeet Lagoon’ as part of the wild Australia habitat. 

WILD are a small zoo located in Stourbridge.

Wild Zoological Park Logo

Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to find that WILD have actually purchased from us several times, and that half of the enclosures within the zoo are using ClearMesh! The mesh has been used for iris’, hornbills, lorikeets, marmosets and owls. 

The lorikeet lagoon enclosure is the only habitat within the zoo to use ClearMesh to cover a large area of roof. To achieve this, the zoo has used hog rings to join the mesh edges together.

The joins have been made close enough together to ensure that the birds can not squeeze through any gaps and escape.

Lorikeet lagoon is a walkthrough enclosure in which guests can feed the birds and have them land on you. 

ClearMesh roof being used at zoo with lorikeets

We hereby declare WILD Zoological Park to be named the official ‘ClearMesh Zoo’, if you are wanting to see our ClearMesh products in action then this is the perfect place to go!

Old Tree Nursery / Sensory Park

Old Tree Nursery is our latest ClearMesh partnership! OTN is a animal sanctuary and SEN learning centre in which people with complex learning difficulties can spend the day caring for the animals that find themselves in their care. 

Knitwire have gifted 3 rolls of our ClearMesh25 product to the sanctuary to help them with building a new aviary for some ring-tailed lemurs that they are expecting.

The aviary will also feature other suitable animals that the sanctuary takes in such as birds and other small primates.

Company director and service user stood outside of Old Tree Nursery reception

Old Tree Nursery are soon to be featured on the Channel 5 show Milkshake, in which a service user will be working at the sanctuary for a day to see how it is run and the amount of work that goes in to caring for the animals.

The centre, owned by Wolverhampton Council and managed by Greensquare Accord Housing association and Sensory Park, both of whom deal with vulnerable adults and children (social and vulnerable adults), was born out of a derelict garden centre during the first national lockdown, during which time the service users were isolating, and has since been transformed into a spacious sanctuary for animals from both a domestic and wild environment that are in need of care.

Old Tree Nursery has a huge variety of animals including the likes of goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, parrots, ducks and meerkats, all of which have been sent to them by local authorities and animal rescue centres.

The in situ management team and service users are hard at work rebuilding the enclosures to ensure that the animals have all the space and enrichment that they need. Upon taking over the property, GSA and Sensory Park were left with mountains of chicken wire, which they are eager to replace as they finds it unsuitable for the animals.

Service users of Old Tree Nursery installing ClearMesh onto poly tunnel

We are excited to see the growth of Old Tree Nursery animal sanctuary and the wonderful work that they do. 

Do you want to be our next ClearMesh zoo customer visit?

If you have used any of our ClearMesh products at your zoo or sanctuary then please let us know! We would love to set up a visit and see what you have done with the product.

5 Tips For Building an Aviary

backyard poly tunnel aviary

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.

Bird Aviary Mesh outdoor enclosure in garden
outdoor square shaped aviary

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.

wooden well with birds perched

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.

Bird Aviary Mesh with African Grey Parrots

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.

UK Birds of Prey | Hen Harrier

Hen harrier landing in field

The hen harrier is currently one of the most endangered bird of prey species due to its hunting habits finding it in conflict with gamekeepers. Hen harrier numbers have seen a decline, and conservation efforts have been implemented to help increase numbers.

Hen Harrier Statistics

Length: 48 – 55cm.

Wingspan: 1.1m.

Weight: 350 – 500g.

Average lifespan: 7 years.

Number of eggs: 4 – 6.

Incubation time: 29 – 31 days.

Fledgling time: 37 – 42 days.

hen harrier flying through the sky

Conservation

During the Victorian era, hen harrier numbers were in decline, however legal protection helped to put a stop to their numbers from reducing further, and pairs returned to breeding in the uplands of eastern Scotland, northern England and Wales, and the Isle of Wight.

Legal protection seemed to be going well, but their numbers still remained lower than what would be expected from the amount of habitat available.  Research shows that hen harriers continue to be illegally killed by gamekeepers. Conservation efforts such as the LIFE project have been set up to give hen harriers the safety and security that they need to increase their numbers.

When and Where to Find Hen Harriers

During the breeding season, March to August, hen harriers can be found on the upland moorlands of Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. During winter they will move toward the lowland farmland and coasts

Male hen harriers are black, grey and white in colouration, whereas the females are black, brown and white. They both have a short hooked beak and yellow legs.

 

Hen harrier perched in bush

Are you making a hen harrier aviary?...

Whether you’re a falconer or a conservationist, we can supply you with our ClearMesh to make a great looking and practical hen harrier aviary. ClearMesh has been used in previous conservation efforts because of its resistance against rodents and it’s anti-slash properties. Contact us today or order your FREE samples!

Rodent Pest Control Aviary Mesh

Pest control for aviaries rat banner

When keeping birds outside, it is important to consider what form of rodent pest control you will use to keep your birds safe and healthy. Rodents are known for spreading disease and chewing through just about anything that will fit between their teeth.

ClearMesh makes an effective barrier between your birds and rodents, among other pests such as wasps, bee’s and other large insects, so you can house your birds without the added costs of pest control.

Over in South Africa, our ClearMesh35 product was tested against a Cape dune mole rat and tested against corrosion underground to find the most effective and cost efficient material to be used as a mole rat barrier. In order to be efficient, the material would need to be resistant against a mole rat attack whilst also being resistant against corrosion after being buried underground.

The Mole Rat Test

The mole rat test was conducted using a fake perspex burrowing system wherein the mole rat would be starved for 6 hours and then separated from its food via our ClearMesh35 barrier. 2 mole rats were used during the experiment to ensure a conclusive result. 

The Cape dune mole rat is the largest of the species, and has considerably large and sharp teeth. They are considered a pest in South Africa as they chew on roots of trees and plants, destroying gardens and farms.

The underground tunnels that they create can also cause the ground to become unstable. This is especially dangerous around areas such as airport runways and roads.

cape dune mole rat showing its teeth

The test found that both of the mole rats could not penetrate the mesh, giving conclusive evidence to show that ClearMesh is an ideal rodent pest control product.

Rodent Pest Control Underground

The mesh was also tested for its anti-corrosive properties and eco-friendliness as it was placed underground to create a barrier against burrowing mole rats. 

The experiment was a test of the overall efficiency of ClearMesh as a long term pest control product. Efficiency was graded in regards to life cycle cost, environmental friendliness, mole penetration resistance, constructibility and commercial availability.

Installation times were much quicker in comparison to other materials, the mesh did not interrupt the natural underground movement of water, preventing the ground from becoming waterlogged.

rodent pest control mesh being installed into the ground

Whilst underground, the mesh still has not rusted or eroded, due to the anti-corrosive and weather resistant properties of stainless steel. The product was scored a 4.4 out of 5 for overall efficiency.

Predator Proof Enclosures

One of the greatest benefits of using ClearMesh is its ability to protect against rodents, predators and some insects. One of our customers noted that since using ClearMesh they noticed that they were no longer finding maggots in their falcon aviary. 

Plastic nettings or welded meshes are either weak enough for predators to chew through, or the holes are large enough for them to pass through. With the correct ClearMesh product, you can protect your birds/animals against local predators and pests.

A perfect example of this is the RSPB Gough Island project, where our mesh is currently being used to protect vulnerable sea chicks from mice.

You can download the results of our South Africa Cape Dune Mole Rat test here.