Ideal Guidelines to Build Your Own Aviary

Provide for Heating

Make sure that your roof will give the birds shelter from rain or snow. If you live in an area where the temperature drops dramatically, you may need to bring your birds indoors during the winter. In more temperate climates the birds will still need a source of warmth in the cooler months. Heat lamps for aviaries are the best option in this regard. Custom aviaries can include as many amenities as you like and climate control should definitely be at the top of the list. Obviously heat lamps will require a source of power. If you use extension cords rather than hard wired plugs or fixtures make sure the wires are adequately secured so the curious birds cannot peck through the insulation and harm themselves.

Choose Your Population Carefully

Research what kind of birds can be housed together. There are birds that do not get along and should not be placed together and those that should not be raised in certain climates. Consult online sources, a good guidebook, or a local expert if you are uncertain how to populate your aviary. (These sources will also contain information on where to obtain healthy birds bred and raised in quality conditions.)

Cleaning

In order to maintain a healthy population in your aviary set a regular program of maintenance and stick to it. Clean up not only the droppings but also discarded bird seed and other food items. These will not only attract insects but may give rise to mold. Make sure water is changed daily and that the receptacles are cleaned with a light bleach solution and thoroughly rinsed at least once a week.

Aviary References

For more suggestions and photographs of existing backyard aviaries, visit www.backyardaviary.com. The site contains comprehensive information that an aspiring backyard aviary builder will find helpful including useful guidelines on how to build an aviary.

The decision to build your own aviary can be a fulfilling project and is certainly a step beyond a regular birdcage for your pet birds. Bird aviaries will give them more freedom and will enhance your experience of having these beautiful creatures in your life.