Do It Yourself: Large Bird Aviaries

An aviary can vary from a basic structure to a place with water features and shelter. It is a good idea to think about the purpose of the aviary before you build one. A breeding structure will differ from one that is purely for enjoyment. With a large aviary, it is also important to think about how you will keep the enclosure clean and safe.

  1. Size and Diversity

    • If you are planning to have a multispecies aviary, choose the birds carefully; some species do not mix. Think about what each species might need. Figure out how many birds you can comfortably fit inside your aviary. One way to get an idea of your space needs is to look at the dimensions of each species.

    Location

    • If you are in a cold climate, you might need some insulated areas, and if you are in a warmer environment, your birds will have to have a way to beat the heat. Noise and light from a busy road might trouble your birds. Be aware of zoning laws in your area. Identify which animals might pose a threat to your birds.

    The Structure

    • Consider digging and adding a wire perimeter around the base of your cage to keep animals out. Build a concrete base at least 1 foot thick. You can use dirt, grass, gravel or shavings to cover the floor. This depends on how large your aviary is, how much time you want to spend cleaning and what species of birds you have. Some species are susceptible to parasitic diseases from dirt. Shavings may be prone to developing mold.

      When putting up the walls, be careful not to use wood that might be toxic. Pay attention to wire gauge coatings to avoid ingredients that are poisonous to your birds. The gauge has to be small enough for little birds. If you have large birds you will need a larger gauge to prevent the birds getting their digits trapped. Double up on the wire, to add to the strength of your fence. Installing two doors might be required by law to prevent invasive species from escaping. It̵7;s also a good way to keep predators out. Add trees, vegetation and other features, like water fountains.