An aviary is an enclosure used to house birds and can range from small cages to large walk-in structures. Many bird enthusiasts dream of having an aviary in their own backyard to enjoy the sights and sounds of different bird species. But before embarking on building your own aviary, there are some important factors to consider.
In the opening paragraphs, we will provide quick answers to key questions about backyard aviaries:
– Is it legal to have an aviary? In most areas, it is legal to have a backyard aviary if you follow regulations regarding the number and type of birds allowed. Always check your local ordinances.
– What size aviary do I need? The recommended minimum size is 6 feet long by 6 feet wide by 6 feet tall per 1-2 small birds. The bigger the better for flighted birds.
– How much does an aviary cost? A basic backyard aviary can cost $500-$2000 depending on materials and size. Larger walk-in aviaries with electricity can cost $5000+.
– What birds can I keep? Non-migratory passerine songbirds are commonly kept, like finches, canaries and parakeets. Birds of prey, waterfowl and chickens have more specialized needs.
– Do I need a permit? Permits, licenses or registrations may be required depending on the bird species and number of birds. Again, check local laws.
Now let’s take a deeper look at what’s involved with successfully keeping backyard birds in an aviary.
Selecting a Suitable Location
One of the first decisions when planning an aviary is choosing an appropriate location on your property. Here are some factors to consider:
– Zoning and legal restrictions – Ensure aviaries are legal in your zoning area and meet any regulatory requirements for setbacks from property lines. Many areas limit backyard aviaries to small hobbyist sizes.
– Space – The aviary should not dominate your landscape, but have ample room surrounding it. Standard advice is situate the aviary at least several feet from fences, trees and other structures.
– Sunlight – Birds require sun exposure for health, so ensure the aviary location allows for patches of direct sunlight especially in the morning when birds are most active.
– Shade – Likewise, the aviary needs shaded areas so birds can retreat from the sun. This can be provided through roof overhangs, shade cloth or nearby trees.
– Drainage – The ground in the aviary should not puddle or flood. Choose a slightly sloping or raised area. Use gravel or sand substrate to facilitate drainage.
– Protection from wind – Gusty winds can be dangerous for enclosed birds, so consider locating the aviary out of high wind areas or using wind breaks.
– House access – It helps to site the aviary close to your house for convenient access to electricity and water.
– Security – Situate your backyard aviary away from areas prone to predators and vandalism for better security. Use motion-sensor lighting.
– Aesthetics – An aviary will be a major feature, so pick a location that complements your landscape and can look like an attractive focal point.
Take the time to study your yard and determine the most suitable placement before constructing your aviary. This will provide the best setup for your birds.
Aviary Design and Size
The actual structure of the aviary will impact how many birds you can house and their ability to thrive. Key factors when designing and sizing an aviary include:
– Type of birds – The species of birds you intend to keep will significantly influence aviary design. Larger flighted birds like finches need long flight cages. Smaller birds like canaries do fine in smaller enclosures. Know their requirements.
– Number of birds – Overcrowding causes stress. Follow minimum space guidelines of 1-2 small birds per 6 cubic feet of aviary space. The fewer birds, the better usually.
– Flight cages – Birds need horizontal space to fly. Prioritize length over height. Rectangular aviaries work better than cubical ones. Finches may need flight cages up to 8-10 ft long.
– Vertical space – Height is still important for flying, so have at least 6 foot ceilings, up to 8-10 feet for excellent flight. Still have perches low enough for them to easily use.
– Escape-proofing – Bird-proof any openings, gaps or vents with 1/4 inch aviary mesh which allows airflow. Use double entry doors to prevent accidental escapes.
– Predator-proofing – Have sturdy outer walls and roofing to prevent diggers, climbers and prowlers. Add mesh beneath the aviary floor or use concrete. Bury lower walls.
– Protection from weather – Sturdy roofing and solar shields are critical to block rain, wind, snow and sun. Overhang roofing 2-3 feet past cage walls.
– Materials – Construct aviaries from sturdy weather-resistant materials like treated lumber, galvanized hardware cloth for walls, wire mesh for windows and doors. Use metal roofing or outdoor-rated shingles.
– Easy to clean – Choose plain, sealed concrete or gravel floors. The walls should have smooth surfaces for cleaning and disinfecting. Include drains to make flushing away droppings and old food easy.
The best combination of size and design depends on your specific goals. Aim to provide the largest flight cage possible to keep birds healthy and active.
Aviary Construction
Building a quality aviary is vital to keep birds protected and content. Here is an overview of constructing basic backyard aviaries:
– Foundations – Pour a concrete pad or use cinder blocks or treated lumber to create a level platform with buried wire mesh underneath to deter diggers.
– Frame – Erect a rigid frame from treated lumber or galvanized steel posts and roof rafters. Metal frames resist chewing damage better.
– Walls – Staple 1/2 inch aviary mesh to the frame leaving no gaps. For extra strength, use welded wire panels. Paint lumber exteriors for weather-proofing.
– Doors – Install sturdy double entry doors using sturdy hinges, latches and locks. Cover doors with the same aviary mesh. Have doors open inward to prevent accidents.
– Roof – Use overlapping opaque metal panels or shingles to form a sturdy water-shedding roof with overhangs on all sides.
– Floor – Cover dirt floors with gravel or sand. For concrete, apply non-slip textured paint. Slope the floor slightly for drainage.
– Accessories – Add in interior roosting perches, shelves, nest boxes, food/water stations and bird-safe plants.
– Electrical – Hardwire electrical for lighting, water heaters and other devices. GFCI outlets prevent electrocution. Place wiring in protective conduits.
Proper construction provides a safe environment. Prepare the base, assemble a rigid frame, enclose the walls securely, roof thoroughly, add finishings like perches and dishes, and finally install electrics and accessories once the structure is stability. Building codes may apply for larger aviaries.
Equipping the Aviary Interior
The equipment, accessories and materials inside the aviary significantly impact your birds’ comfort and health. Be sure to include:
– Roosts – Provide natural branch perches in a range of diameters for grasping. Place at different heights for bird preferences.
– Flooring – Cover the floor with 2-4 inches of bird-safe substrate like sand, gravel, shredded bark or pine pellets to limit disease spread.
– Nest boxes – Supply an appropriate number of nesting boxes for the species made from wood or plastic. Place at different heights.
– Feeders – Use sturdy bird feeders that limit spillage and integrate perches. Select appropriate feeder types for foods offered.
– Water – Provide clean drinking water via bowls, drippers or misters. Change water daily. Use heaters for colder months.
– Baths – Add both shallow and deeper containers for bathing like bowls, ponds or bird baths. Clean regularly.
– Foraging – Create opportunities for natural foraging by integrating branches, logs, foliage and pinecones they can pick through.
– Shelves – Benches and ledges give birds places to perch up high or hide beneath. Just be sure to disinfect regularly.
– Toys – Offer bird-safe toys they can actively play with like swings, ladders, bells and blocks to prevent boredom.
– Plants – Add potted, non-toxic plants for visual interest and hiding spots. Evergreen shrubs work well.
– Lighting – Include full spectrum lighting on timers to replicate day/night cycles. Supplemental heat lamps can be used seasonally for warmth.
The better equipped the aviary’s interior, the more enriched the birds’ environment will be. Focus on their health needs first, then include enrichment accessories to stimulate them.
Selecting Bird Species
When stocking your aviary, select species suited to backyard captivity in your climate. Good starter options include:
– Budgerigars – These small parrots are wildly popular. They are active, acrobatic and come in many color mutations.
– Canaries – Available in several breeds, canaries are melodious songsters that breed readily in captivity.
– Cockatiels – Affectionate miniature cockatoos that bond readily with owners. Some may learn to speak.
– Finches – Fast-flying finches like zebra finches and society finches are ideal for large flight cages.
– Doves – Peaceful and gregarious birds that mix well with other species. Collared doves and diamond doves work well.
– Parakeets – Common parakeets like bourkes, turquoises and scarlets make lively aviary residents.
– Lovebirds – Despite their name, these feisty African parrots often bicker so are best kept in pairs.
– Softbills – Fruit-loving softbills like toucans, mynas and starlings are popular for their striking colors.
– Quail – These plump ground birds are very active and do well in mixed species aviaries.
– Pheasants – Ornamental pheasants like golden, silver and Lady Amherst add beautiful colors.
Do thorough research before selecting species to ensure you can properly care for their needs. Seek birds bred in captivity rather than from the wild. Stock only compatible species that won’t terrorize each other.
Purchasing Birds
Purchase backyard aviary birds only from reputable breeders, aviculturists and specialty stores. Avoid pet stores providing substandard care. Here are tips for choosing healthy birds:
– Seek hand-raised birds for friendly dispositions. Many species can be tamed.
– Select vigorous, active birds displaying natural behaviors like singing, preening, eating. Avoid lethargy.
– Check for clear eyes, smooth feathers, intact beaks/nails and lack of discharge. Their vent area should be clean.
– Request health records showing vaccinations, testing and veterinary care. Avoid sellers who won’t share.
– Choose juveniles just weaned for easier transition to a new home. Ask about their hatch date.
– Only purchase brightly colored birds lacking puffed, plucked feathers. Their feathers should be mostly intact.
– Inquire about nutrition. Good breeders feed diets appropriate for the species. Seeds only is poor.
– A clean, odor-free cage is ideal. Avoid purchasing birds from dirty enclosures.
– Arrange safe transportation so birds don’t escape or overheat enroute. Use proper bird carriers.
While price can indicate quality, don’t select based on cost alone. An ethical breeder’s birds may be pricier but have excellent genetics, socialization and veterinary care.
Quarantining Birds
Before adding new birds to your aviary, it is crucial to quarantine them safely apart from your current flock for 30-45 days. Here is how:
– Set up a separate cage in a quiet room with no shared air supply. Avoid high-traffic areas.
– Wear designated clothes and wash hands thoroughly after interacting with quarantined birds.
– Monitor closely for symptoms of illness and watch for normal feeding, drinking and droppings.
– Administer any needed medications or supplements during quarantine.
– Delay introducing to the main flock until fully transitioned to the new diet and environment.
– Disinfect the quarantine cage thoroughly with diluted bleach before using for other birds.
Quarantining protects your flock while also letting new birds fully acclimate before joining the aviary. It prevents introducing contagious diseases which could be deadly.
Caring for Backyard Birds
The ongoing work caring for aviary birds is quite involved but rewarding. Daily responsibilities include:
– Feeding a nutritious base diet with supplementation. Remove uneaten fresh foods promptly.
– Freshening drinking water often as it easily becomes fouled. Rinse and refill water containers.
– Spot cleaning droppings and spoiled food remains from perches, walls and floors before they accumulate.
– Looking for signs of illness such as lethargy, poor appetite and unusual droppings. Isolate sick birds immediately.
– Monitoring for normal behaviors like singing, playing, nesting and grooming which indicate health.
– Providing bathing opportunities using shallow or spray baths which birds should use regularly.
– Gently trimming overgrown beaks and nails if needed. Pay attention to changes in beak condition.
– Cleaning the entire enclosure thoroughly at least monthly with disinfectant to prevent disease spread.
– Rotating out old nesting materials to encourage breeding cycles. Discard soiled, damaged boxes.
– Checking for escape points, damaged surfaces, broken perches or sharp objects often. Make timely repairs.
– Controlling pests if needed. Use bird-safe sprays and baits well away from the birds.
– Keeping outdoor aviaries protected from harsh weather and drafts in winter months.
With attentive daily care and maintenance, backyard aviary birds can thrive for years or even decades in captivity depending on species. But they are a major commitment.
Potential Challenges
Backyard aviaries come with certain challenges. Being prepared for these common issues will help you handle them smoothly:
– Zoning issues – Neighbors may complain about noise. Know your local laws and soundproof where possible. Keep mess cleaned up.
– Lack of time – Birds need daily attention. Make sure all family members are willing to share aviary chores before committing.
– Burdensome cleaning – Spot clean often to keep cleaning workload manageable. Schedule thorough monthly disinfecting.
– Odors – Use layers of absorbent aviary floor substrate. Position aviaries to maximize air flow. Clean roof vent screens.
– Escaped birds – Clip flight feathers and install aviary mesh judiciously to prevent escapes. Train birds to enter cages.
– Unexpected breeding – Monitor pairs closely and replace real eggs with dummies. Rearrange pairs if needed.
– Introducing new birds – Quarantine and slowly acclimate newcomers. Watch for aggressive behaviors if integrating.
– Costs – Budget for substantial startup costs and ongoing expenses like food, utilities and veterinary fees.
– Predators – Fortify enclosures against all potential predators. Use motion-sensor lighting and secure locks.
– Poor veterinary care – Establish relationships with qualified avian vets before issues occur. Know where to access emergency care.
– Long commitments – Large parrots may outlive their owners. Make arrangements for all your birds if needed.
Even small challenges can quickly become daunting for backyard aviary keepers. Set realistic expectations and be diligent about preventive measures to avoid problems.
Enjoying Your Backyard Aviary
When properly planned and cared for, a backyard aviary lets you revel in the sights, sounds and behaviors of amazing exotic bird species. Here are some ways to enjoy your aviary:
– Observe natural behaviors like courtship rituals, flock interactions, nest building and rearing young. No two days are the same.
– Appreciate the beauty of brightly colored, rare plumage you may never see in the wild.
– Listen to lovely bird songs, chattering and whistling as you relax outdoors.
– Delight in their innate intelligence and individual personalities. Get to know each bird.
– Photograph their beauty and document baby birds hatching and fledging.
– Sit nearby and accustom shy species to your presence for trust-building.
– Handfeed treats to friendly birds and train them to perform tricks.
– Invite fellow bird lovers over to enjoy the sights and sounds together.
– Relax in the tranquility of your personal bird sanctuary after long days.
– Participate in bird clubs and avicultural organizations to meet fellow enthusiasts.
– Enter friendly birds in shows and competitions if desired.
When designed properly for the species housed, cleaned conscientiously, and cared for diligently, a backyard aviary can provide a lifetime of pleasure. The enjoyment of observing your birds interacting happily in their safe enclosure makes the commitment worthwhile.
Conclusion
Backyard aviaries allow you to intimately enjoy exotic bird species you could never keep free-flying at home. With proper planning and care, an aviary can be a beautiful addition to your garden. Do thorough research on suitable species and their needs. Seek large enclosures built strongly from quality materials to provide a safe habitat. Furnish the interior with ample space for flight, roosting, feeding and nesting to keep birds active and healthy. Select your birds carefully from ethical breeders. Quarantine and acclimate newcomers gradually. Maintain cleanliness and enrich their lives with toys and interactions. Address challenges promptly as they arise. Most importantly, delight in watching the unique behaviors and beauty of your aviary flock. With attentive care and commitment, your backyard aviary will provide lasting joy.