Well, we have the aviary set up. Not quite ready for occupancy, yet, as we still need to do some "decorating" (Get a Grip netting, ropes, perches, toys, a bird bath, food and water dishes, etc.) and cleaning, but we let the boys try it out for a few minutes, anyway. 10 minutes with us in there with them to keep beaks off of uncleaned top wire (the temporary roof is made of 2x2 galvanized wire and we need to wash it with vinegar and water) and to make sure no one panicked. I shoulda known better. It was nearly impossible to pry them out of there at the end of a few minutes!

The new roof that's made for the aviary should arrive in 2-3 weeks, and it's made of the same powder-coated steel that the rest of the cage is. The total size is 10'x10'x6'2". I think they boys are gonna like it out there. What do you think?

[img]http://www.colliecapers.com/*********/aviary1a.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.colliecapers.com/*********/aviary2a.jpg[/img]

They're going to love it for sure! They look beautiful out there in the sun! Is this going to be a place for Edgar as well?

Do they all get along without quarreling?

That is sooooo nice!!! They are going to love every minute they get to spend outside!!!

Awesome! Lucky fids.....

Looks to me like they ae gonna have tons of fun outside Are there any precautions you need to be aware of when you have them outside. Can you have food and water in their bowls without worring about harmfull insects being drawn to them? I hope someday to be able to give mine some quality outside time too.Looks awesome Irish.

The welded-wire panels have 2x4 inch spacing, Camille. Not sure if it would be safe for Eddy. We might take him out there and hang out with him, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't feel comfortable with him out there unattended, and he can't be out there with the large macaws. He really loves to hang in Mikey's cage, though, so while the big birds are out, he might be playing inside in a cage he loves :-).

I intend to let them have food and drink (as well as a birdbath) out there. Not sure what I could do to keep insects away, except clean things often and get rid of fresh food after an hour or so......

wow - love the set up.... and they sure seem to enjoy it

Looks to me like they approve all right! IRT insects, is there much West Nile in your area? That would be my biggest concern. I'd try to be sure the fids aren't out there when mosquitoes are most active.

What a great idea - i can imagine they'll want to camp out there too!

They all look great outside. How do you get in & out? Is there a small door? Is the roof flat or pitched?

This is very exciting. Happy for you & your fids.
Maybe you'll have to leave the eating part until they are to go in - then there will be incentive.

Yes, West Nile has been found in this state, although rarely. Indeed, we've thought of that, and are doing several things to mitigate the possibility of the birds catching it, including preventing access to the aviary by wild birds, having no standing water, and we'll keep the birds indoors during the most active mosquito times of day and year.

Homebird, there is a door. These things are really intended as dog kennels, so there is a decent sized door to allow humans and animals in and out. The roof is flat, because that's how the company (Powder River) makes them. We have one special-ordered and it should arrive in 2-3 weeks. They don't make a pitched option Again, I'm assuming it's because these things are meant to be dog kennels, really....