FEATURE
Rather focus on fewer species and build up unrelated breeding stock and you won’t look back. It also means that you can pair up unrelated babies and sell them off as unrelated pairs; also, no need for swopping babies or trying to find mates for them from other breeders.
The suspended cages have frames made with 50mmx50mm galvanized square steel tubing, the galvanized mesh should be an appropriate size for the species you wish to house in the aviaries, it has been stretched around the frames and tied with stainless steel wire. Pop rivets were used to connect the mesh to the frames on the interior walls. A solid concrete floor was cast and screed with a 10mm fall towards the drains and weep holes. Do not forget drainage, stagnant water is difficult to remove without a good drainage system. The entire ceiling is covered with mesh so that the birds cannot access any part of the wooden beams that hold the roof up.
Once the building was complete it was clad in dry packed sand stone that was chopped on site (in order to allow the aviary to blend into its natural surroundings). Several large trees were brought in to plant between and in front of the suspended cages. We chose indigenous species like Figus Nataliensis, Podocarpos falcatus and the protected Milk-woods, trees that would handle the environment and weather. Indigenous shrubs and bushes along with fruiting trees with vegetables planted below and around the whole aviary. Great treats for the birds when the fruit and berries are in season. Remember a sink and hot and cold water would also be a good addition to the access corridor, as well as a prepping area for food - If this is where you plan to prepare your bird’s smorgas-board from. We opted to keep this away from the aviaries due to it being an attraction for vermin. Food should always be stored well away from access by rats and mice. Lighting
BIRD SCENE 47
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