outside enclosure

[Pharoh]

Hello,
I want to build an outside enclosure for my parrots. A place they can go during the day and then come in at nite. The approximate size would be
10ft. long, 7ft. high and 6ft. wide. What type of wood posts can I use and
and where can i get netting to keep them from getting out?

I have 2 parrots an umbrella cockatoo and a blue and gold macaw.

[Joel]

Where are you located Pharoh and don't tell me in Egypt. Welcome to the board btw......

I don't know if there is any "netting" that can hold those birds (probably is somewhere) but ya may just want to use 1/2"x3" GAW wire or Stainless Steel wire would be better. You can order a roll from various places but will be quite expensive. I would not use wood posts unless you can be sure the parrots can't chew the pressure treated wood (poisonous I hear). If I were you I would just build the enclosure by joining the wire together with J-Clips or Hog rings and bolt/screw to the outside of your house against a window that ya can open from the inside - if you have the slide-up & down type. I would use metal fence posts if ya need additional support which I'm sure ya would. I would also use a metal roof with over-hang on all sides. I would construct a double bottom to protect feet and have the whole thing elevated about 3-4 ft. off the ground, at least. I'll stop there for now.....

Originally Posted by Pharoh

Hello,
I want to build an outside enclosure for my parrots. A place they can go during the day and then come in at nite. The approximate size would be
10ft. long, 7ft. high and 6ft. wide. What type of wood posts can I use and
and where can i get netting to keep them from getting out?

I have 2 parrots an umbrella cockatoo and a blue and gold macaw.

[Pharoh]

Hello, I am from Missouri. Thank you for the information.

[KimBear]

If you use galvanized wire, you must make sure your enclosure has plenty of perches to discourage your birds from hanging on the wire. Zinc poisoning is something to be concerned about. It's recommended that you scrub the wire and give it a vinegar bath to remove any loose particles, but this may be easier said than done when you're working with large panels of wire.

If you decide to use wood for your frame, use untreated and paint it with a non-toxic paint. Most latex paints would fit the bill. Running some wire along the inside of the cage, along each piece of wood, will probably keep the birds from chewing on it.

Have at least half of your pen covered with a roof, and maybe one side as well if you need a wind-break. Fiberglass roof panels come in different colors, so you could make an attractive set-up by coordinating with the paint. Another option is to use metal panels, and around here, so many people are having metal roofs installed, it's easy to find large left-over pieces, but I don't know how it is where you are. These come in lots of colors, too.