Outdoor Aviaries?

[RoughCollies]

My hubby and I are debating moving to either Ohio, where my family is, or southern California, where his family is. I really don't want to move to California but the one big plus out there is the option to have an outdoor aviary for the budgies. I'd like to build my own but I'm not sure where to start. I have taken in quite a few rescues, some I rehabbed and rehomed and two stayed with me. With a large aviary, the less adoptable budgies can retire together and not have to worry about neglect anymore.

Since allowing my babies to grow out their wings, I've never experienced happier birds. They are loving space to fly and move around. I'd like to give this to them all the time. They are not tame and couldn't care less that I exist other than to feed them. So, they won't miss being in with me.

Here are my concerns...

Will powder coating be possible on galvanized wire to make it safe?

Can I make the wire strong enough to keep out predators.

I want to attach a small shed type thing for security and warmth. I figure I can tile the bottom for easy clean up. Would it be better to just build a small enclosure to attach to it and use the same flooring all around?

If I build it above ground, which is what I'll most likely have to do, will ceramic tiles be good for clean up? I would think yes, but I've never built an aviary before, lol.

This will seriously be an insane project. But, I grew up with a contractor, so I picked up a thing or two. I'm pretty sure that between Jake and I and a couple friends here and there, we can make it work. The base would be huge. I'd need at least 20ft of width for what I'm looking for.

Height is another factor. I have never seen such a happy budgie as when Nigel gets to fly up as high as he can get and hang out up there. He'll just sit for as long as he likes and then fly again only to land up high once again. I want height.

A wood frame is prone to being chewed. How can I reinforce it so that they can't chew through it?

Rattlers. How do I keep out rattlers, gopher snakes and king snakes that are everywhere out there? We didn't have too many issues when we lived out there before and I did take my then budgie out on nice days but he had a secure cage, not an aviary. The 1/2" x 1/2" spacing should help, but they will go underneath it for shade I'm sure and might find a way in somehow.

Live trees or the Java Trees? The live trees seem more interesting but would be harder to keep cleaned and maintain. The java trees seem like they would be easy to hose down and clean but harder for them to grip. They wouldn't by any means be the only form of perching in there, though.

Any answers, other thoughts, suggestions???

[Rahni]

Hi, just noticed your post and how old it is! Can't believe not one person has replied. To answer your questions:
In relation to to the powder coating and the predator proofing (the wire), powder coating is not neccessary. Most people manage with galvanised wire just fine. Just make sure it is not brand new and not 'shiny', it needs to be left for a while to oxidise. You can scrub it with a stiff brush and some vinegar to encourage this. Purchase good quality wire of a small size (the squares), the smallest that is practical (other than mouse wire which would be really expensive.) Make sure it is of a high guage (the actual thickness of each strand), as the higher the guage the tougher the wire and the less likely something will be able to chew/scratch through etc (I'm thinking bigger predators here).
You could use ceramic tiles or paving tiles for the base, or even easier, put it on a concrete base. Again concrete is the best to prevent foxes etc from digging under. Make sure it slopes very slightly and there is somewhere for water to drain.
If you are just keeping budgies and similar sized birds in it, they won't be able to chew through the wood. Only larger parrots could do this. If you really want to use wood and you are still concerned, then you could get thin galvanised sheeting and cover the exposed wood with it. Alternatively you could use galvanised square steel tubing that has been cut and welded into a frame, this is by far the more practical and durable option, and not neccessarily that much more expensive.
As far as the shelter goes, I'm not sure of the climate but make at least 1/3 of the aviary under shelter. You can either have it open (just the walls and roof covered, or you can have it so it is more of a room, with opening for the birds to go through.
Trees- live trees won't stand a chance around budgies, not sure how many will be in it but sooner or later they will kill them. You could try but be prepared for them to be destroyed!
Not sure what a java tree is, but normal tree branches make the best perches by far.
Now snakes, snakes are the hardest predator to guard against, they can squeeze through the tiniest gaps. The best way to make sure they can't get in is to have NO gaps, and at least a 4ft kickplate (tin) all the way around the bottom of the aviary, with the top 2 or 3 inches folded outwards. Make sure there is no gaps between the panelling either, as they have been known to squeeze through.
My best advice is forget what you know about cages and do some serious research in aviaries, try and get as many ideas and pics as you can of other peoples aviaries (particularly people in california who will have similar problems to you), so you really know what you need and want.
Good luck!