Outdoor Aviary Cages
Make sure you get the accommodation right for your new pet bird
Cage or Aviary. This mainly depends on the space you have available and whether or not you want to keep just one pet bird or a number of them. All small pet birds will be happy in either, however you must be sure that your new friend has enough space to be given relative freedom. You wouldn’t want to live your entire life in the closet would you? Neither would your pet bird! Space is required to move about and not be cramped.
If going for a cage you need to go for the biggest one you can comfortably afford, but be sure it’s secure so your bird cannot escape, the cage bars need to be close enough together for the same reason. Go for metal, not wood, with a plastic base for easy cleaning.
Furnish your cage with perches of varying thickness and set some at an angle rather than perfectly horizontal, some horizontal, some angled, and even some almost upright would be perfect. The different thicknesses and angles will encourage your bird to exercise and possible save it from a foot cramp. If you can only have one of each of the above that will be fine but a few more is better, don’t overdo it though and leave room for your pet bird to move freely. On the subject of perches; natural wood is the best option, but be sure it is hygienically clean, give it a scrub if you need to.
As a general rule finches need company and parrot type species (budgie, Cockatiel etc.) need toys, so incorporate this in your cage; keep finches in pairs or more, and parrot type in pairs or alone with plenty of toys.
Parrot type species love to chew so be certain to assure that anything in the cage is safe.
Your bird needs to have a minimum of enough space to fully spread its wings and height is better than width as most Cage Birds will climb rather than fly.
If however you have enough space for an aviary then this is by far a better choice as it is the closest your pet bird will get to its natural environment. Lots of room to fly, climb, rummage and explore; plus if kept with others then the opportunity to get away from the others when things get too much.
A group of birds, even of different species, can be kept together in an aviary with enough room for all, but be sure to check the compatibility with other species. As an example lovebirds aught to be kept with birds of their own species as they will become territorial and aggressive towards others. Budgies however can live happily with other birds of a similar size (except lovebirds) or finches, as long as they have room to get out of each others way if they choose.
If introducing your new bird to an aviary colony you must first keep it in quarantine for a few weeks before letting it loose in the aviary with the others, this is to ensure that any issues with your new bird can be addressed before release. A decent sized cage as mentioned above will be fine, or a small aviary separate from the others.
Aviaries, like Cages come in many shapes and sizes; shop around for the best deal or better still, build your own (the essentials to building your own aviary will be covered in my next article).
Again make sure that the aviary is well furnished with safe branches, perches, shelter, toys (if required) etc. with no escape routes.
Your aviary can be indoors (in a shed or outbuilding, or in the home) or outdoors (on the garden for example), and don’t worry about the comfort and warmth of an Outdoor Aviary as most popular small pet birds are very hardy.
These and other bird keeping subjects is covered in my ebook, out now. Email me to get hld of your copy.
About the Author
For more bird keeping related issues please email me with your questions.
More information available in my new pet bird keeping ebook download it now!
Fly over to my pet bird keeping blog now!
Pete Etheridge
Nottinghamshire, UK
Keeper and breeder of pet birds for 10 years.
Offering information and advice on all aspects of bird keeping.
Swainson Toucan in Outdoor Aviary
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Outdoor/Indoor Flight Aviary Cage Black (Large) L30 X W24 X 70H Flight Aviary Cage- Wire Black (Large) L30 X W28 X 70H… |
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New Large Black Wrought Iron Parrot Bird Cage With Wheels 26x 26x 61 Inch $149.99 Black Aviary Bird Cage let your birds have room to spread their wings and fly. This wrought iron cage is perfect for any birds and lets you enjoy them anywhere in your house with the easy rolling casters. Suggested Breeds: Breeding Finches, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Parrotlets, Canaries, and other Small Breed Birds…. |
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New Parrot Bird Wrought Iron Cage Pitched Roof With Wheels 26x 26x 61 Inch $149.99 Black Aviary Bird Cage let your birds have room to spread their wings and fly. This wrought iron cage is perfect for any birds and lets you enjoy them anywhere in your house with the easy rolling casters. Suggested Breeds: Breeding Finches, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Parrotlets, Canaries, and other Small Breed Birds…. |
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Suncatcher Enclosures 8 ft. Diameter Garden Aviary Black Jewel – GA808-BJ Shop for Bird Cages from BirdCages.com! Have a flock of birds needing a comfy new home? The 8 ft. Diameter Garden Aviary is the perfect choice. Towering just over 7 feet tall this roomy aviary features plenty of space for your feathered friends. The cage can rest on existing decks slabs or inexpensive pavers from a home improvement store. A large door makes it easy to insert perches formable ropes… |
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Finch Handbook, The (Barron’s Pet Handbooks) $0.01 Finches are relatively easy for hobbyists to keep in both indoor cages and outdoor aviaries. Here is advice on housing, feeding, and general care. Books in this series are designed and illustrated much like Barron’s Pet Owner’s Manuals, but have more pages, even more photos, and more fully detailed pet care advice and instruction. Pet owners and people who plan to acquire a pet will find informati… |
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How to Build Your Own Aviary, Cages, Nestboxes, Etc. and $ave a Bundle: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide $39.95 During the past 29 years, author James McDonald has had the opportunity to visit some of the most successful bird farms from Florida to California and exchange ideas. As a bird wholesaler and owner of one of the largest bird breeding farms in the state of Texas, he had many opportunities to learn from other peoplesÂ’ mistakes as well as his own, and the designs included in How to Build Your Own … |
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How to Build Everything You Need For Your Birds $15.00 This is a construction manual intended for both budding novices and experienced bird breeders alike. Comprehensively written and professionally illustrated, the book is loaded with construction details, diagrams and pictures, material lists, insulating and finishing techniques and tips, environmental concerns, simple step by step instructions and, essentially, everything you need to know abou… |
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