The safety of your bird(s) is the most important matter when selecting an aviary wire mesh. Wire mesh can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, some of which are animal friendly, and some that are not. Galvanized wire can be a tempting choice due to its low cost, however, this material contains high amounts of zinc, which can be toxic to birds. When selecting a wire material, it is best to look toward stainless steel. Stainless steel is anti-corrosive, weather-resistant, and completely safe for birds and other animals. This material may cost a little more but will last longer and is animal friendly.

Another issue to keep in mind is the size of the holes within the mesh. If the holes are too big, the bird could either escape or become trapped and seriously injure itself. You should always check the gap size before purchasing to ensure that it will securely hold your bird.

Dependent upon your local area, you may also need to select a mesh that will not only keep the bird in but also keep any predators out. Rodents and foxes are a common predator to birds that are kept outside in aviaries. If you predict that you may have a few unwanted visitors, you may want to consider using a higher wire diameter. The higher the wire diameter, the thicker the wire, and the harder it is to slash/cut through.