BACK GARDEN AVIARY
The Making of Andy McDermott's Aviary
This is how the backyard looked, before the aviary was started January 2002. The raised garden bed was a great spot for birds to be on show.
Treated pine poles were put into the ground to begin the frame.The aviary is 3.5m across, 1.5m width and 2m tall. A concrete floor was chosen to try to eliminate the problem of rats and mice.
The frame has begun. The roof is slightly taller at the front allowing rain to drain off.
Two doors were made to create a safety porch. Always a good idea if you want to save yourself from heartache.The "square holed" wire was stapled onto the frame. Mistakenly, chicken wire was originally purchased for the aviary. We learned the hard way that this was not suitable. Square wire looks better and is a lot easier to fix to the frame.
A section of the aviary is made weather-proof iron sheets providing shelter for the birds.
​
The master builder (father-in-law) is fixing the decorative boards across the top and sides.
The gutter wasn't exactly mandatory but it does provide some extra fresh water when there is a bit of rainfall.
Ta-da! Some native gum tree branches provide perches. It's a good idea to give birds irregular shaped perches as opposed to dowel. Irregular widths and varying angles give the birds a chance to exercise their claws. Besides, it looks better!