3. Siting

Aviaries that are closed on 3 sides should preferably face north. If the aviary is faced east, west or south there should be a partially uncovered flying area so that in the winter the birds can sit in the sun from early morning. In the beginning aviculturalists can only afford 1 or 2 aviaries. When you get to a time were there’s not much room for more bird – this calls for more aviaries. Be sure to site the very first aviary in a way so there is enough room to attached the next one on it. So that the aviary eventually form a neat whole.

2. Designing an Aviary

Aviaries may range from showy enclosures with small gardens and lawns, ponds, rockeries and waterfalls, to simple yet neat and functional designs. The only important thing about the design is that there should be enough room and shelter for the birds. Aviaries consist of a flying area (flight) with or without a roof and a shelter with a roof at the back of the aviary. The shelter protects the birds from the cold, rain and wind. Its also were birds sleep and normally breed. There food is also placed under the shelter so that it doesn’t become wet. In case of finches who are quick to fly out through an open gate, a Double door for a single aviary or a safety passage in front of an entire row of aviaries is necessary. You enter the extra cage, close the gate behind you and then open the gate of the aviary itself. When a bird escapes it wont go further then the extra cage or safety passage, were it can then be captured.

1. Look before you leap

It is wise to sit down and take stock before you leap headlong into aviculture. Birds in an aviary are totally dependant on its owner. It is not everybody’s idea of fun to look after an aviary full of birds all year long.

It is cruel to neglect birds and good breeding results cannot be achieved under such circumstances. If you do not have the time or enthusiasm, do not take up aviculture.

Something you should guard against is to weaken the birds you own through inbreeding. Often birds bought as pairs are actually related (brother and sister).

For many birds threatened by destruction of their habitat, an aviary may be the only place where they will survive. This is the case with the New Zealand parakeet, which is a threatened species in its natural habitat, but they breed well in aviaries.

A local bird club can be a rich source of information and most breeders will be willing to help or give advice to beginners.

It is also important to understand and abide by the local regulations and restrictions regarding the keeping and breeding of birds.