Hey all,

I am quite new to birds, but am in the process of turning a wooden frame we built for shade into an outdoor aviary(8 feet tall by about 6 feet). A few questions

What would you guys reccomend for the floor? I have seen people put in pavers or similar and then cover with sand but this would not be completely practical. The aviary envelopes a Japanese maple and 2 large rocks. Would ag base(large gravel) topped with sand be appropriate?

I am in Fresno and temps here vary from about 110 at the highest to down to nearly freezing at the coldest. I know of one person here who keeps her zebras outdoors all year. Any other species that are not overly sensitive(rules out tropicals I suppose). Planning on putting in a pair of zebras. I like the looks of Gouldians and they are said to be quite hardy, but I'd really like something that is a good singer(suppose I could do canaries but am open to suggestions).

I'd like to plant some grass/other plants to provide seeds and perhaps attract insects for the birds. It seems many aviaries are kept pretty much bare for sanitary reasons.

How do people do maintenance on large aviaries? I've heard of hosing down the sand, replacing it occasionally, scrubbing perches with disenfectant etc. Also, how many birds would be appropriate? I plan on keeping the numbers on the very low end, btw.

Any other things a newbie might miss would be sorely appreciated!

Hello and welcome to the Finch Forum, Joseph!

Hmmm lots of questions but I'll let those with outdoor aviaries answer most of them. I can answer the one about: how many finches will fit.

For that answer you can check out the Finch Information Centre - there is a helpful Finch Link on the left side of your screen. It's chaulk full of information including a Finch Calculator where you enter the size of your cage or aviary and it will tell you how many finches can live there. A lot of people go less than what it says though for the birds comfort.

Again welcome!

Cement is a great base for an aviary because you can hose it down as needed. I also have seen deep gravel that worked really well. I don't know about sand.
I have canaries in an screened outdoor aviary and they are hardy. My male continues to sing well everyday even though he is with females. European goldfinches are hardy as are saffron finches. Both sing but the saffron finches can be very aggressive. Java finches are hardy and interesting looking as well as sing.
Gouldians should come from a breeder that raised them outdoors in order to make sure they are hardy.
All of the birds should be put outside well ahead of winter to get acclimated. You may need to investigate different types of seed for winter feeding that contains more fat and energy.

I don't have an outdoor aviary, just indoors. But I read about them and one of the main problems with outdoor aviaries seems to be that you need to make it secure so nothing can get in and to your birds. So the floor has to be either concrete or you have to bury a safe wire mesh under whatever your floor is to prevent critters from digging and getting in that way... Just wanted to add on one more thing to consider...

It sounds like a nice setup, I just LOVE japanese maples! Do you have pictures?

By the way: I have a European Goldfinch and he has the nicest song of all birds in my aviary!

By the way: Welcome to the forum!

Thanks all for info and the welcome.

Pictures will be soon-one side is now finished. I will probably go ahead with the gravel thing, putting in cement will be pretty much impossible due to the obstacles listed.

As for critters, I think the only thing we are likely to have issues with would be mice. I could put in wire but it seems like it might be better just to control them and make sure the aviary is not attractive(minimize spilled seed, etc.)...considering how they often find their way into even zoo exhibits.

Goldfinches sound like a possibility...they certainly have the colors to boot.

They are really nice birds. In case you haven't seen it, here's a link to info about them in the FIC: http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/european_goldfinch.php

I have only 1 in my aviary and he gets along with the other birds. I'm not sure if you can keep them only in pairs or in groups. Hopefully somebody else on the forum will know.

Seems they have some special requirements and aren't commonly bred. But it also seems they'd be well suited for this aviary.

Any species that would allow one a good look at the whole rearing process? Many sp. it seems build domed nests.