Housing bird outdoors?

[crystalusagi]

My housing situation is looking kind of rough, and I may have to move back in with my sister, who likes to use plug-in air fresheners in her house. I'm worried that my red-bellied parrot won't be able to take it, but don't want to leave him behind. My sister has a small back yard, and I was wondering if it's possible to keep Kelsey outside. Thing is, I don't have much experience with outdoor...enclosures or anything like that. Does anyone house their baby outside, and have any advice to give me on this? What should I consider?

[LovelySydney]

Im going to assume your sister also live in Hawaii? I would think that it would be a good climate to house a bird outside, provided you have a safe enclosure. I have seen some pretty awesome outdoor aviaries that people have made themselves. Most Ive seen have half covered with a plastic type material, and the other half is open. This gives the bird an option to be in shade or in sun and also keeps them out of bad weather elements. I live in Michigan so could never house my little ones outdoors - I think you could find some references online fairly easily as far as building goes. Good luck!!

[Chicklette]

I think it will be just fine. It is really bad to have a bird exposed to toxins, they can easily die from them. Good thought to keep him outside. Or if this is not okay maybe your sister will not use those plug in's/toxins.

[Rahni]

I have no idea of the temperatures of where you are but think that as long as the winter doesn't sink to freezing point, he should be fine. If your winters are cold you will need to put him out in spring or summer to give him a chance to acclimatise before the weather gets extreme. If they are mild it shouldn't be an issue. An added advantage is you can have him in a small walk-in type aviary if you wanted to, you may as well give him heaps of space if he's gonna be outside! Just make sure that there is a draught-proof sheltered area for him to retreat to. It can be very enriching for them to be outside, with plenty of sunlight and wild birds to watch.

Here are some pics off the net of good aviaries:

[conureowner1]

Hi i keep my birds outside,they come inside everyday tho for attention what not but they sleep outside. We have a patio area that has a roof on it so no rain gets in or wind. I cover my birds up with blankets every night. My new sun conure i'm getting i plan on keeping inside for while and slowly introduce it outside. My birds love it outside they hear us where ever we are and always see us too. My room is real tiny and wouldn't fit all my cages in the room so i have no choice. There well looked after,get plenty of attention,toys there not missing out on anything.