Breeding Aviaries

The 4x8 aviaries are intended as breeding units - they are my answer to breeding cages. While using breeding aviaries has the disadvantage that only a maximum of six aviaries can be in use at one time for breeding, they have the advantage of offering the breeding pair privacy and a more natural environment as well as the opportunity for lots of exercise. In addition, if desired, more than a single pair can be housed in the aviary for colony/community breeding or as a holding area.

All three can be divided easily into two 4x4 aviaries (for a total of six of the smaller aviaries) by adding a plywood partition. The aviaries are plywood on three sides and the front is ½" square vinyl coated hardware cloth. Plywood is used to promote privacy and to prevent feather damage. There is a full sized door for entering, and a hinged baseboard along the bottom that swings up so I can inconspicuously slip things in and out.

Aviary Lighting

Each 4x4 aviary has three 18-inch full-spectrum T12 light fixtures (under cabinet plug-in fixtures) mounted to the walls - two mounted near the ceiling and one mounted mid-height. One light in each breeding aviary stays on longer than the others. Italian Christmas lights in the bird room will function as night lights.

Aviary Floor

The floor of the breeding aviaries is concrete and will be lined with paper (my husband doesn't like litter). If the birds are breeding, I plan to change the paper as little as possible to avoid disturbances. I would rather have a little mess for a short period and healthy chicks than a clean breeding aviary and tossed chicks.

Perches

Manzanita perches and silk greenery/silk ficus trees are provided as perches for the birds.