Budgie aviaries?

[MicahEspudo]

How do you guys setup your aviaries?
I have been doing some research and don't see many with plants. I was also curious what you guys use for perches... I don't really want ones that screw on like cage perches in my aviary.
I am positive I am going to have button quail and rosy bourke's. So what kind of plants would be good?
I was thinking about planting some alfalfa and some other seeding grasses. How can I make the bottom of the aviary seem more natural for the quail and the upper half more accommodating for the bourke's and other (if I choose) parrots.
What other parrots would get along with the bourke's?
Even though I do like finches I don't want any in my aviary... maybe I'll change my mind once I'm actually bird shopping though.
... tell me everything and anything... even though I am doing my research I like to hear everyones opinion and advice before I choose one or form my opinion.


sorry for all the questions,

Micah


Edit: I meant to name this something else... but I might add budgies (still deciding though).
I also don't want anymore than 4-5 birds (including the bourke's, not the quail). BTW my aviary is about 9ft long 4ft deep and 8ft tall!

[Monica]

Can't really help you much but I don't recommend budgies in mixed cages... you might be able to pull it off if you have 1 or 2 pairs max in that cage with a few other species... I would not however recommend putting parrotlets or lovebirds in the aviary if your going to have other species. Tiels and bourkes usually do fine together.

Here's some sites that have safe plant lists...
Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Poisonous. Parrots. Parrot cages.
Bird Aviary Safe Plants
Lady Gouldian Finch .com - Aviary Plants
Safe Aviary Plants
Haydens Aviary SAFE PLANTS FOR BIRDS

[MicahEspudo]

thanks for the info and plant lists monica :D

[janiekay]

The more I research birds, the more I find that there are sooooo many birds that need to be rescued that it makes breeding by most amatuers totally unnecessary.

I don't mean to ruffle anyones feathers, but maybe you could offer to take some of these birds off of someones hands if they don't have time for them. Also, you can check with the rescue facilities in your area and see if they have some of the birds that you want in your aviary.

I'm sure that most people would agree that the setup you have is much better for most birds than the average "cage" setup.

Good luck with your adventure!

[catschair]

You could split the cage and still have two good sized flights. My budgies' run is 4 x 3 x 8 and they have plenty of room. I have a variety of perches -- some boings, plastic chains, shelves, sand perches....along with wire platforms and the ledges of the aviary. I haven't put in plants -- mostly because my little locusts (in the most affectionate sense of the word) would probably destroy anything I put in there -- they are such fans of the green stuff! Lots of budgies, tiels and finches on CL and at local pounds around So Cal. if you want to re-home.