Would like to build an aviary

[Curtiejlee]

I've been wanting to build an aviary for a while and was wondering the dimensions that would be required for three pairs of zebra finches, a pair or two of budgies, possibly a cockatiel, a pair of society finches(possibly), maybe a pair of spice finches or any recommended species. I would be building a small shed too for winter with a lamp or something... Recommendations for cold hardy birds? here in eastern wa it gets in the negative teens! Would the selection of birds I want do ok? I've heard of people's zebras and budgies doing fine at ten degrees (farenheit)! One more thing... I hand raised a sparrow and named him jack, he lives with my budgie . He was perfectly tame... Until he found out how to fly!!! Him and my budgie have free roam time in my room daily and I was wondering how I could tame him?

 

[Quailsong]

I've been wanting to build an aviary for a while and was wondering the dimensions that would be required for three pairs of zebra finches, a pair or two of budgies, possibly a cockatiel, a pair of society finches(possibly), maybe a pair of spice finches or any recommended species. I would be building a small shed too for winter with a lamp or something... Recommendations for cold hardy birds? here in eastern wa it gets in the negative teens! Would the selection of birds I want do ok? I've heard of people's zebras and budgies doing fine at ten degrees (farenheit)! One more thing... I hand raised a sparrow and named him jack, he lives with my budgie . He was perfectly tame... Until he found out how to fly!!! Him and my budgie have free roam time in my room daily and I was wondering how I could tame him?

I don't believe there are any cold-hardy birds other than the native species. For tropical finches, they're likely to migrate to somewhere warm. What's your average winter temperature (in F or C), what's the coldest it can get? Do you get a lot of wind where you live?

It might be a good idea to make an outside aviary for the warm months, then bring them in during the winter months. That way you can be sure they're safe from cold drafts & sudden blizzards.

As for your formerly-tame bird, you need to build trust again. If he can fly around anywhere w/o needing you to give him food/water/etc why should he play with you? Work on being able to pet him again, start with treats. Then progress to him jumping in your hand, then being cuddled, etc. Don't rush it or you could scare him & it'd be harder for him to trust you again.

What do you mean by sparrow? (finch & sparrow are often interchanged words) If it was a wild one, you might get in trouble if someone sees you with him. I'd definitely check your local & state laws. Might be safer to put him up with a wildlife aviary or whatnot.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Im in new york and have budgies barely used a heat lamp in the winter they were fine.

 

[Quailsong]

Im in new york and have budgies barely used a heat lamp in the winter they were fine.

That you're so close to the coast would mean that your winters aren't as harsh as Curtie's might be. Where I live it's right at the Great Lake Ontario. Winters get -20C here tops & usually it's much warmer. Snow is light & melts quickly. Drive North 2 hours towards Ottawa & winters are steady at -25C w/ colder drafts & feet of snow that last weeks. It's all due to the lake effect.

Curtie, you're going to have to ask around your local area for the most accurate information. Find out what local aviary/bird enthusiasts do & how they prepare for winter.

 

[Curtiejlee]

Thanks guys! I'll probably just build a shed w/ a heated/temp controlled area. By sparrow, I mean English sparrow, the invasive species from Europe! I live way out in the sticks and everybody shoots them... I was at my neibor's and the gave it to me because they shot its parents...

 

[Curtiejlee]

Oh, the temps for winter range from 38 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit, dry and windy on occasion!

 

[Poultrybonkers]

That you're so close to the coast would mean that your winters aren't as harsh as Curtie's might be. Where I live it's right at the Great Lake Ontario. Winters get -20C here tops & usually it's much warmer. Snow is light & melts quickly. Drive North 2 hours towards Ottawa & winters are steady at -25C w/ colder drafts & feet of snow that last weeks. It's all due to the lake effect.

Curtie, you're going to have to ask around your local area for the most accurate information. Find out what local aviary/bird enthusiasts do & how they prepare for winter.

Im not near the coast. Lol it get to the negitives here.