Aviary going up!

[Fishkeeper]

Looks awesome!
Is there anything to mosquito-proof it, or are they not much of a problem in your area?

 

[le_bwah]

Looks awesome!
Is there anything to mosquito-proof it, or are they not much of a problem in your area?

Thanks! No mosquito-proofing, but I suppose I could get some netting put up if there was a real bloom. We live near a canal, but there's no standing water on the property so I don't see them being an issue (they aren't that bad, most years).

 

[RosieR]

Looks awesome!
Is there anything to mosquito-proof it, or are they not much of a problem in your area?

I never even thought about that. Is this something to worry about?

 

[le_bwah]

I never even thought about that. Is this something to worry about?

The sorts of mosquitos that commonly bite mammals don't tend to bite birds, and vice versa. I'm not even sure we have the bird-biting kind in our area (I bet Google could check yours for you). The issue I'm thinking of next is the bugs hatching out of their waterers (which is why I'm switching them to nipples). I've seen chicks snatch gnats and flies out of the air, so I wouldn't worry about the birds too much.

 

[RosieR]

The sorts of mosquitos that commonly bite mammals don't tend to bite birds, and vice versa. I'm not even sure we have the bird-biting kind in our area (I bet Google could check yours for you). The issue I'm thinking of next is the bugs hatching out of their waterers (which is why I'm switching them to nipples). I've seen chicks snatch gnats and flies out of the air, so I wouldn't worry about the birds too much.

Ok whew! I’ve got nipples so no worries about open water for me
So much cleaner!

 

[le_bwah]

They're in! It's a little cluttered right now (I'll remove the busier cover when they start laying and add some "nest boxes") but the quail seem to like it. At first they were reluctant to leave their brooder, until a little scattered birdseed got them out and moving. They cry when they lose sight of one another, but I'm glad they're exploring. I'm hoping they figure out their food and water soon enough (they've shown no interest since the move).

 

[DK newbie]

Looks very nice! And I'm sure they love the clutter.

 

[le_bwah]

Looks very nice! And I'm sure they love the clutter.

Thanks, I really think they like it. I've caught them in little groups under every scrap of bark. Now I just need to find them a nicer dust bath, since they've been bathing in the potted plants.

 

[le_bwah]

Turns out I should have been giving them dirt instead of sand to bath in, because they much prefer it. They also seem to love the oregano and sage and are eating the leaves off both.

 

[hsinglanjin]

I'm looking to build something similar for a starter to 4 quails that I'd like to raise. What's your planned process for cleaning the bottom? I was thinking I'd do either dirt or sand. If I do a deep level of dirt, then I can dig it out and transfer it to my garden as compost possibly? Thoughts?