If you keep a mixed collection of softbills, including the very small species, use very small-sized mesh, i.e. about 1-1.25cm(0.4-0.5in) across. This will also help to keep out wild birds. However, if the aviary is to house a collection of large parrots, use 5cm(2in) mesh. Remember also that the mesh should be suitably strong - often stronger than you may think is necessary. Macaws, for example, can be unbelievably strong and will slowly bend the mesh of their cage until it eventually breaks. When fixing the mesh, dig it about 45cm(18in) into the ground and continue to run it about 30cm(12in) away from the aviary to deter any digging predators. If you are faced with the problem of cats, consider installing an electric fence as well, since cats will climb over the aviary.

Remember to allocate an area for a safety porch, which is basically a double door access to your aviary that prevents birds flying straight past you as you enter. Even if you do not build a safety porch straight away, you may well decide to add one later on. As well as a door into the aviary, it is very useful to arrange for one large panel or sheet of mesh to be easily removable. This will enable you to remove large perches from the aviary and provides easy access to the aviary for wheelbarrows, etc. If you intend including large shrubs, small trees or rocks in the aviary, place these in their final positions before you fix the mesh on.

Ground birds in adjoining aviaries will spend their time walking up and down the wire trying to attack each other. This is stressful for them, so if you wish to keep ground birds in more than one aviary, either raise the framework on a low brick wall or fix a board along the bottom 45cm(18in) of the wire mesh. This will encourage the birds to breed, as they will feel more secure and relaxed if they cannot see the birds in the next aviary or other pets outside

The. wooden frames of these adjacent aviaries have been built on brick wall foundations that reach a height of about 30cm(12in). This not only prevents the framework from rotting because it is not in contact with the ground, but also provides a visual barrier between the aviaries that allows ground birds to be peaceful neighbours

Once the aviary is built, but before you put the birds inside, coat the wood with a suitable and safe type of wood preservative. Coat any metal, including the wire mesh, with lead-free black bituminous paint, outside. You can buy some types of wire mesh that are already covered in plastic; these give the same effect as painting the mesh.

Visit our site for detailed information on all aspects of keeping birds as pets and species profiles on popular breeds such as the yellow collared macaw

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