Anyone have an outdoor flock?

[sootykitty]

I am in the process of adopting a flock of thrity birds that live in an outdoor aviary. Just wondered if anyone else has experience with this, and if they can give me some advice.

[catschair]

My budgies live in an outside aviary, and are quite happy. I guess the biggest issues that are of concern are predators, diseases, inclement weather and security. Maybe you could tell us a bit more about your situation and we could be of some help?

[sootykitty]

I have an eight foot long by three foot high by 3 foot deep aviary constructed of a wood frame covered with hardware mesh wire. It stands up off the ground a couple feet. It is in a well fenced area that is insulated from predators and very secure. But, it is just a cage right now. I wanted to know what kinds of protection from the elements I should provide. Of course I know that shade is essential, but what about cold? Are nest boxes with nesting material enough? I have electrical access so I could use heat lamps on cold nights. I live in Arizona so in the winter the nights may get down to 35, and on rare occasions a bit lower. The day time winter temps are mild at about 70. In the heat of the summer I can provide misters to give them relief from the temps. I'm planning on outfitting the cage with lots of manzanita branches and toys. Is there anything else that I'm missing?

[catschair]

If your budgies are like mine, they will chomp on the wood (which is fine, as long as it is safe for them and they will not expose anything sharp). I am assuming the birds are all budgies from the posting locale -- is that right? I think it might get a bit chilly for them at night in the desert if it stays cold, so heat and protection from the wind might be a good idea. You said they live outside now, is it in your area? Do they have heat in their cage there? I would cover part of the cage, and if you have downpours, be sure they can find a spot to roost where they will not get wet. You will probably attract all sorts of critters under the cage with the food; also may have snakes or hawks try to get at the birds, so keep an eye out for them. Good luck!

[Laura65177]

Well, My Avery filled with over 100 budgies is tucked in between behind a shed and a back fence, so it doesn't get wind fronts, it has just solid steel from about waist height so mice, or any other predator can get into the cage.

We keep night light on during the night, and heat lamps on the colder nights.
We have a sprinkler system to for the aviary for the birds who enjoy being wet on the hot days.
Half our cage gets the sun and that seems to suffice, it has for years.

We have lost birds due to thunderstorm frights, so it's important to keep them lit up on those nights, maybe even covered depending on where the location is.