Bird Outdoor Flights

[The Outlaw]

Okey Dokey. Since the subject keeps coming up over and over again about aviaries and flights, let's address the proper dimensions.

I have a small aviary outside for my macaws. Its 10' x 12' x 8 1/2' high. Its hardly a flight, for no flying macaw could ever really fly in an area than constrained.

So, let's get an idea of how big flights and aviaries really need to be for flying birds to truly get enough exercise. Of course clipped birds would probably also like these immense cages, but fortunately its not an issue.

For a medium to larger macaw to have a true flight, the minimum would have to be 30 feet. The width would have to be in the 6 to 8 feet range to allow for proper support of the cage wire.

Greys would do fine in a 15 to 20 foot flight as would amazons. Probably the same for toos. However, like everything else, longer is certainly better if you really plan to exercise those wings.

Haven't a clue about smaller species. I'll wait for some feedback.

I live on an acre and a half. I could conceivably build (2) 30 foot flights were in not for snow issues in the winter. It just isn't gonna happen. I have enough trouble worrying about my smaller aviary.

Who has outdoor flights already?

[Dayna]

I don't have one "yet", but am looking into a summer during the day flight for my macaw and amazons.

However I would have to use ss fencing plus the aviary fabric on the outside plus a concrete slab instead of dirt.

[The Outlaw]

Dayna:

I'm curious so please indulge me:

When I think of Alaska, I always think of high snow capped mountains in the background with a lovely stream in the foreground and lots of wild animals. I'm sure this doesn't exactly image where your live, but are bears and wolves anywhere near you? How far are you from the wilds of Alaska?

And, again, just curious: How long does summer last and what kind of temps do your experience in summer?

And, last but not least (yeah, sure) do people have backyard pools in your neighborhood?

[Dayna]

[quote=The Outlaw;300090]

Dayna:

I'm curious so please indulge me:

When I think of Alaska, I always think of high snow capped mountains in the background with a lovely stream in the foreground and lots of wild animals.

Nancy, I do have snow capped mountains a few months out of the year. The rest of the year is green and lush.

I'm sure this doesn't exactly image where your live, but are bears and wolves anywhere near you? How far are you from the wilds of Alaska?

I am in the "wilds of alaska". However, I have a fenced yard and the wolves weigh in at about 35 pounds. The bears are large, but tend to shy away from people.

And, again, just curious: How long does summer last and what kind of temps do your experience in summer?

60's and 70's with high humidity.

And, last but not least (yeah, sure) do people have backyard pools in your neighborhood?

Nope, too cold for the most part up here. They would freeze in the winter and summer is too short. A few do, but most do not.

I would be looking at a summer only, weather permitting, flight.

[The Outlaw]

Thanks for clearing that up. As you know, we only learn when we ask the right questions.

One more question (see I lied)

Is you husband a ranger? If so, does he have to deal with bears? How DOES one deal with bears anyway?

[birdyland]

I have an aviary, not a flight. Someday I will have an indoor conservatory and outdoor aviary flight... I just don't have it yet.

Current aviary is 4'w x 8'l x 7't I wholeheartedly agree it would be insufficient as a flight.

[Xavier]

next year I will be moving to BC, where the weather is nice year round. I will build the poi's (the others won't be moving with me) an indoor/outdoor aviary, provided that they still get along after sexual maturity.

I'm still working on the plans.

[bgmacaw]

Our outdoor aviary is 6'h x 6'w x 12'L which at present has the width divided into two 3' sections since the little angles won't all play nicely together. With the way it is positioned two 6x6 units would keep one in the shade most of the time.

[Dayna]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Thanks for clearing that up. As you know, we only learn when we ask the right questions.

One more question (see I lied)

Is you husband a ranger? If so, does he have to deal with bears? How DOES one deal with bears anyway?

Nope, my husband works for homeland security. One deals with bears by bear prevention. Don't leave your garbage out, etc. I sometimes will see them walking down the street, but always at night and they run when they see you. They are very scared of people. Thank goodness. If one bear gets to rowdy then they tranq it and move it to another location. If it comes back, they have to put it down. :(

[Dayna]

Originally Posted by birdyland

I have an aviary, not a flight. Someday I will have an indoor conservatory and outdoor aviary flight... I just don't have it yet.

Current aviary is 4'w x 8'l x 7't I wholeheartedly agree it would be insufficient as a flight.

that is 1 square foot smaller than Darwins cage. I really LOVE those big cages!