If you’re like me, you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful wildlife. A backyard aviary is a perfect way to enjoy nature while also providing a home for your favorite birds. Building an aviary can be expensive, but with a little ingenuity and some handyman skills, you can create one for much less.
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In this blog post, I’ll share tips on how to build an inexpensive backyard aviary that will make both you and the birds happy.
Selecting Aviary Placement Area
Location is key when selecting the placement for an aviary. The aviary should be placed in an area of the yard that gets adequate sun exposure. However, too much direct sunlight can make the aviary hot and uncomfortable for the birds, so some shade is also ideal.
Additionally, tree coverage can provide both shelters from the elements and interesting places for the birds to explore. It’s also important to avoid placing the aviary near any backyard wind tunnels, as this can make it difficult for the birds to fly.
Finally, pet exposure should also be considered.
Dogs and cats that roam freely in the yard may see the birds as prey, so it’s best to place the aviary in a spot where they will be out of sight and out of mind. By taking all of these factors into consideration, it will be easy to find the perfect location for an aviary.
Similar: Mess-Proof Your Bird Cage!
Aviary Frame
If you’re looking for an easy way to construct a simple aviary, then purchasing a Portable Pop Up Gazebo/Canopy is the way to go. The frame can be erected in just minutes, and the canopy will provide ample shelter for your feathered friends. Plus, the portable nature of the gazebo means that you can easily move it around your yard to find the perfect spot.
Just make sure to buy one that is large enough to comfortably house your birds. An 8′ x 8′ gazebo should be sufficient for most small flocks, but if you have a lot of birds or large birds, then you may want to opt for a 10′ x 10′ model. Either way, you’ll be able to create a beautiful aviary with very little effort.
Aviary Enclosure
Enclosing your gazebo with chicken wire is an inexpensive and easy way to keep your birds safe. The chicken wire will keep predators out and allow your birds to roam freely. When choosing chicken wire, be sure to select a quality product that is strong and durable.
You will also need to decide on the size of the enclosure. A good rule of thumb is to use two rolls of chicken wire for every eight feet of the gazebo. This will ensure that the enclosure is large enough for your birds to move around and also that there are no gaps that predators could exploit.
By following these simple tips, you can easily create a safe and secure aviary enclosure for your gazebo.
Learn More: How to Get Wild Birds Like Blue Tits to Nest in the Garden
Aviary Top Cover
The frame of an aviary is important, but the cover is what truly protects the birds inside from the elements. A good aviary top cover will extend a few inches beyond the frame on all sides, providing shade and shelter from rain.
In hot weather, the cover will help to keep the aviary cooler by blocking out some of the sun’s rays. In addition, a well-fitted cover will prevent birds from escaping and predators from getting in.
When choosing an aviary top cover, be sure to select one that is durable and weatherproof. Also, make sure that it is properly sized for your aviary. With a good aviary top cover in place, you can provide your birds with a safe and comfortable environment year-round.
Permanent Structure
One way to make a structure more permanent is to dig a hole for each corner about three to four inches deep and fill the holes with cement.
- Another method is to sink the corner poles into the wet cement and allow it to dry before adding the enclosure wire. This will make the structure more secure and less likely to fall over in strong winds or if an animal bumps into it.
- Another thing you can do to make the structure more permanent is to add cross beams at the top and bottom of the structure. This will add stability and prevent the structure from collapsing.
- Finally, you can bury the structure halfway underground. This will make it even more permanent and secure.
The only drawback to this method is that it will make it more difficult to move the structure if you need to.
No matter which method you choose, adding a permanent structure will make your aviary more durable and long-lasting.
Learn more about the housing, feeding and care of birds in our ultimate guide.
Additions and Extras
Once you have the basic aviary set up, you can start to add some extras to make it more comfortable for your birds.
- One thing you can do is add perches for your birds to sit on. You can either purchase perches or make your own out of branches. Just be sure that the perches are not too thick or too thin, as this could cause your birds’ legs to become sore.
- Another thing you can add is a sandpit. This will provide your birds with a place to bathe and play. Be sure to use clean sand that is free of chemicals.
- You can also add some plants to the aviary. This will provide your birds with shelter. Just be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic and that will not harm your birds if they eat them.
- Finally, you can add a water feature such as a fountain or a small pond. This will provide your birds with a place to drink and cool off on hot days.
By adding these extras, you can create an aviary that is comfortable and enjoyable for your birds.
Learn more: The Essentials of Owning a Bird
