Boredom.... finding square ft of areas/cages....

[Monica]

I've been wondering for over 2 years now when I might be able to get an aviary built for my smaller birds, and given hopes that we could start building it within a month, but then my plans destroyed... Last time they were 'destroyed' it was because my mother had to end up paying $300 more to the guy that redid her room, when he had origionally agreed to do it for somewhere around $250.... He ended up asking for more because of his truck (he needs money for his truck 'cause its crap...), and I heard that he got help doing her room, and wonder if that kid got any of the money, if he was looking for some...

I realise that wire doesn't cost that much, and the last roll of wire that my mother bought was only $24, though I don't remember exactly how much she bought...

Well, thinking about the size, I decided to do some measuring...

The bourkes and budgies cage that they are using right now is approximately 2.5' L x 1.7' W x 3.4' H which would equal about 14.5sq ft. I've thought about making an aviary either on my back porch, or one attached to my window. If I were to build one of the window, it would be ATLEAST 4' L x 2' W x 4' H which would equal 32sq ft. The window cage would be more than twice the size of their cage right now, though the other cage that I have is larger (but I haven't measured the size recently).

Now for the one I would prefer to build on our back porch (minus the security, as I'd feel mroe secure if it was attached to my window, with only one way in) it would be approximately 5.8' L x 6.3' W x 7' H which equals 256sq ft. If I could include the 'shed' on the back porch, then the aviary would be an extra 4' L, which equals 428sq ft.

It's not fun getting my hopes up then having them destroyed over n over....


Anyway, just to mention, Noel and Casey's area is approximately 9.4' L x 2.4' W x 7.4' H. Neither of them can fly at the moment (or should I say Casey???), so they don't even use up all that space.. Add to that, it's not enclosed so it would include my whole room, which is around 14' L x 11' W x 7' H (1,078sq ft approx). Well, Noel and Casey's area alone is about 167sq ft., altogether...

I just wish now that I could get a larger area for the smaller birds to be outside, or even if I was able to get both the window and aviary, then the window could be for Noel and Casey, and I could make it so that they could go from their gym area, across my room, to the window to sit outside. I know that it doesn't cost that much to get the wire (though the one on the back porch would cost more because it needs new wood to cover the old painted wood, to make it safer, and easier to build), and I would buy it myself, however, whenever I get any money I'm always spending it on food and toys for the birds, so no chance to get any wire...

[Crebain]

Al Pacino in "Scarface": In America FIRST you get the money, THEN you get the power, THEN you get the aviary.

Sorry Monica, plan your plans and dream your dreams, and stay focused - they WILL all happen, you just need to be out on your own and financially solvent before you'll be able to do something this big, and do it right.

For now, my advice is stop worrying about the price of wire etc, and maybe start a savings account for your future building projects.

[Monica]

You're right about that... I get $10 from my mother each paycheck, and I usually try to spend that on my birds such as toys or treats. I might get a bit extra from my mother and sometimes her roommate if I do a bit extra chores in the house or do something and make it look nice,

[Crebain]

There's something called a "self-actuallizing personality", (which is good), and I think you are a prime example. All it means is that you set attainable goals for yourself, and then do whatever it takes to make them happen.

Sounds simple, neh? But you'd be surprised at how many people go through life unable to function this way.

[Joel]

Monica: What exact type of wire are you wanting to get for either or both aviaries? Just curious. :)

[Monica]

Galvanized wire, and staying away from anything that is zinc/lead plated... with the wire being a maximum of half an inch wide. Though I am open to suggestions on anything that may be better to use, but not overly expensive (my mother is not willing to pay $30 for a good bag of dog food, but will for a bag of food that is $12; both bags being 50lbs... I'm realising more and more that people don't realise the type of food that they are feeding means a lot about the dog being able to digest it, and the best diets, etc... also helps with their poops...).

So something that is safe, but not overly expensive is what I'm looking for...

[The Outlaw]

Monica:

Galvanize wire has zinc plating. You need to purchase GAW (galvanized after welding) and then wash it down with a mixture of vinegar and water. I did my mix 2 parts vinegar to 1 part hot water. Scrub BOTH sides of the wire. The whitish reside that will continue to show up is the lead leaching. If you scrub your wire every couple of months, it will be fine.

Ideally, you would use stainless steel wire. Its not terribly expensive for a small aviary, but you will have to likely have it shipped to where you live. I found a supplier in California. I'll see if I can find the link. If not, just do a net search. Perhaps your feed store would be willing to special order it. If I had it to do again, I would have opted for the stainless.

THE OUTLAW

[Joel]

I'm with Nancy on this Monica, I too wish I would have gone with the stainless steel wire and paid the difference when I put together all these flights, cages, aviaries etc......I would do that yourself from the start if there is any way you can come up with the difference in cost.

I think I will order a roll or two myself asap, just in case I ever need to build some more flights. Can't go wrong, I think, the price will probably only go up in time, like everything else.

[Monica]

I remember hearing about GAW wire, but hadn't remembered about it... Thank you both for the information! I've heard about washing it with vinegar, or vinegar/water mixture, so if I'm able to get some safe wire, that'll be in the list to do!

[Joel]

We (I don't think) are saying GAW is totally safe (even if cleaned first) but are saying that it is better than other stuff out there. That is a lot of work IMO & IME to properly wash the wire with vinegar and occassionally even after the first time. The hookbills still chew on it and can ingest metal slivers over time which can harm them it seems. Really, do yourself and your birds a favor and start out with Stainless steel IMO. :)