Is my aviary opening too large?

[LamarshFish]

First time pigeon owner. I built my own loft. I plan to fly these birds as much as possible, but wanted a large aviary for them in case I am too busy for some days and cannot fly them. I was told by the guy I got my birds from that my aviary opening is large and will be drafty and make it such that they will not use the nest boxes adjacent to the opening, which is like 3 of my 8 next boxes. I made the opening this big because I thought ventilation was very important, but did not think about drafts.

I still have the cut out piece (you can see it sitting there in the loft), and was planning on making that a storm door for bad winter storms, but I am now thinking of just affixing it back on and cutting out a hole for the aviary opening that is much smaller?

So, do you guys think this aviary opening is too large, and, if so, how small should I make the opening? Thanks!!!

 

[biophiliac]

I am thinking to make mine about the same size or just a little larger than the trap door, keeping it closed unless I want them to have access. This is the cage I´m thinking about using for the aviary.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I am now thinking of just affixing it back on and cutting out a hole for the aviary opening that is much smaller? Yes I would make it about the same size as the trap in your loft door. It also would be a simple matter to cut a hole in your aviary hardware cloth and attach a platform to serve as a release point when you begin training. Then attach bobs to serve as an entrance into the aviary and loft.

 

[LamarshFish]

Thanks! I'm going to make the cut this weekend.

As for a door on my aviary, I wasn't planning on doing that because I already have a door on the front of the loft with a bob door (plus predator guard as well). Is there any reason to have more than one bob door on a small loft?

 

[LamarshFish]

I am thinking to make mine about the same size or just a little larger than the trap door, keeping it closed unless I want them to have access. This is the cage I´m thinking about using for the aviary.

That is a cool cage, I am curious where you got it from. I couldn't find something like this so I built mine using 2x2 pressure treated lumber and 1/2" mesh wire, and it turned out really nice and was really easy to do (just wanted to let you know in case you want an aviary that is a different size than that cage you have).

 

[biophiliac]

Thanks! I'm going to make the cut this weekend.

As for a door on my aviary, I wasn't planning on doing that because I already have a door on the front of the loft with a bob door (plus predator guard as well). Is there any reason to have more than one bob door on a small loft?

In case you want to reach into the aviary to hand feed or grab a bird?

RE the cage. It's a Martin's Rat Cage(expensive!) Powder-coated wire, so I wouldn't use it except I have it laying around unused

. Its about 18" tall as you see it, not as big as yours but I'm hoping it will work. I have a smaller one I might use around the trap door.

Are you having fun with your new birds?

 

[LamarshFish]

In case you want to reach into the aviary to hand feed or grab a bird?

RE the cage. It's a Martin's Rat Cage(expensive!) Powder-coated wire, so I wouldn't use it except I have it laying around unused

. Its about 18" tall as you see it, not as big as yours but I'm hoping it will work. I have a smaller one I might use around the trap door.

Are you having fun with your new birds?

Thanks. I haven't been around them much since I got them yesterday, I've been working quite a bit, but I have been enjoying them when I am home. I have spent some time with the loft door open just watching them, but I have been avoiding trying to mess with them at least for now so I can let them setting into the loft.

I thought about putting a door on my aviary for that reason, but with the large cut out being removable, I know I can access birds in the aviary from the inside if need be. But the 1/2" mesh wire I used can easily be cut and a door framed in if I want to do that in the future.

Please keep us updated with your pigeons and loft!

 

[biophiliac]

I see you chose the 'V' shaped roosts. How did you decide?

 

[biophiliac]

I'm going kinda slow but definitely serious about getting the loft. Started to draw out the plan. Will post for comments soon. Meanwhile I have been conducting surveillance on a hawk nest across the street and 2 houses down. I can see w my binoculars from y door!!!!

 

[LamarshFish]

I see you chose the 'V' shaped roosts. How did you decide?

I just read a bunch about it, and once I learned that they are designed so the pigeons do not poop on each other, I though it was a good idea since my loft is small and I would surely have to have perches on top of one another. Rather than toil with building them myself, I ordered pre-made ones from Foy's for $40 for a set of 10 ($4/perch), and I'm glad I did that and saved the time of messing with building them.

If you don't want to bother with designing your own, here is a link to the set of plans I used. If you go this route let me know and I will send you some info on what I think needs to be done differently in those plans, etc. http://www.gundogsupply.com/-3720-.html