Our finch/grasskeet Aviary in process...

[Lori~D]

Ok - so Mark came over and built my frame cause hubby is a metal man and not a wood man,lol. I power washed it today to prep for painting and thought I could get a few pics while it dries. We have decided on dark brown as I want to paint the mesh as well and dark is best to be able to see the birds well. Shiney mesh is harder to see into and this is all about our enjoyment of the birds as well as them getting to be able to fly and enjoy the outdoors all summer better than last year in only flight cages.

It has a catch entry at one end. The two screen doors were purchased premade for about $21 bucks each at the hardware store

You walk in the door at left (which will be mesh and not screen) and then turn right into Aviary door.
The roof will be covered for now although I might make half mesh later for more sun.
I originally wanted the frame white and mesh dark but to paint it that way was gonna be a PITA and to buy black powder coated mesh was way out of my budget. The floor will have a barrier and thick layer of mulch, plantings, and a tiny fountain rock water source. Its fun to plan. when It dries I will start painting the frame tomorrow. Add the mesh next and paint again over the mesh inside and out. Then the metal roofing. It will be moved back next to the patio when done with the entry close to the house so as not to obscure the bird area view. Im so excited!!

[becca623]

That's going to be a nice aviary. Lucky little birds. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[Lori~D]

lol, I wish it was bigger (longer)

[Sorechia]

That is awesome...One day I hope to own land where we can do something like that!

[Abby]

It's going to be fantastic Lori. I have one bank of aviaries where I've painted the mesh black and the other is just normal uncoated. The black definitely makes a huge difference to the visuals.

Safety doors are a must especially with those little ones that are so quick. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[chapala]

Looks terrific! I'm looking forward to seeing it finished with birds inside!

[RubyMuse]

I think those birds will be so happy. I have one suggestion and that is to add one corner with a blind so that the birds will not feel they are exposed to predators from all sides. I saw this once and thought it was a great idea. It was just a corner covered with a steel or something... flat edge about the size of a piece of paper on either side so that the birds could go up there if they were feeling nervous. I was told the roof is not enough to do that.

Anyway, looks great.

[Lori~D]

The roof will be metal and then the whole thing will be thick with vegetation up high. I am putting perch branches and nest boxes up high and once we get it situated we planned on dropping metal siding down about a foot on the prevailing wind side. so that should do the trick. We get some good storms here in the summer and I am very aware of them needing a place to shelter. I plan on making it a pretty thick "canopy" up under the roof. Also the entire thing will be one side up against the house.

[chapala]

Re the roof, I would suggest leaving one part uncovered for the direct sunshine. The birds can go in and out of the sun as they like, and can even get a rainshower if they choose!

[r2rusmc]

Are you done yet?