Wanting to keep your birds safe but also want them to enjoy as much space and freedom as possible? Bird aviaries are a great option as they are much larger than a standard bird cage so will give your feathered friends space to fly around and stretch their wings. Many bird aviaries are also suitable for use outside so you will be able to give your birds the fresh air and experience of the outside whilst keeping them safe from harm.
There are a whole host of bird aviaries to choose from – most are going to be made from wood but there are other build materials too – so choosing the right one is important. Bird aviaries not only need to be right for your birds but for your home or garden too, which is another consideration to make. Here are some of our favourite models…
Best Pick – FeelGoodUK Bird Aviary
- ESSENTIAL FEATURES: Hexagonal Aviary & Flight - 127 cm x 187 cm x 108cm, 1cm galvanised wire mesh keeps the smallest of birds secure, multiple opening doors allow for good access and easy maintenance.
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: The shelter and flight are easily accessible and an upper shelf in the roof allows you birds to safely nest away overnight.
- PET PRIORITY: Your birds health & happiness is at the forefront of our design, the Aviary includes a 4 pod hide house and a hanging perch.
- PEST & PREDATOR SECURE: All woodwork is Jointed, Sanded and Screwed and is finished in an attractive tongue and groove style. Secure wire mesh and latches features throughout to keep birds safe from predators.
- SIZE & EXTRAS: Large Flight - 127 cm (roof width) x 187 cm (height) x 108cm (roof depth) 8 front opening doors and optional extension pen available.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If your birds are currently living life in a small, cramped cage and you have decided it is time to provide them with the freedom and safety of an aviary then we understand you will not be wanting to waste any more time. We have compiled all the essential information that you are going to need right here.
Indoor or Outdoor
The first thing that you need to decide is whether you are going to purchase an indoor or outdoor aviary (or maybe one that can be used as both). It is becoming much more popular to opt for an outdoor aviary as this is going to be much closer to a natural environment for the birds, but this isn’t possible in all homes and for all species.
The type that you opt for is largely going to determine the size that is right for you and the materials that you choose from.
An indoor aviary is going to allow you to get much more enjoyment from the birds and will be much easier to maintain. But an outdoor aviary is arguably going to be better for many birds, allowing them more freedom and fresh air. The best of both worlds is going to have one that can allow both options (but these do tend to be smaller which results in less space for flying).
Size
When considering the size of aviary that you are wanting to purchase, as a general rule the bigger the better if you are wanting the best for your birds. However, you do also need to consider the space that you have available (outside or inside) so that the aviary does not become a problem for you (and possibly your neighbours). Here are our top tips for choosing the best size of aviary.
- As a general rule, most birds are going to be happier flying horizontally rather than up and down, so if a compromise needs to be made….length is more important than height for most bird types.
- Make sure to plan room for a little space around the outside of the aviary so that it is not jutting straight against a wall or fence as this will make it difficult to provide the necessary maintenance to keep your aviary safe.
- Some of the best bird aviaries will be tall enough for you to stand up in, which makes it much easier for you to clean the aviary and tend to your birds.
- Some species of birds (such as budgies and parrots) love to climb so they would be the species more inclined to appreciate a height to their aviary.
- The number and size of birds that you have is going to affect the size of aviary that you should be looking for, however remember that ANY size of aviary is going to be better than having your beloved birds in a small cage.
Sizes range from around 50cm x 80cm x 80cm up to large custom built models!
Build Material
The build material that you choose for your bird aviary is going to affect how long you can expect it to last for and the amount of maintenance it is going to need. Obviously this is largely going to depend on whether your aviary is going to be spending most of its time inside or outside, which you have hopefully decided now.
One of the most popular build materials is metal, usually aluminium or steel. Choosing a metal bird aviary is going to probably be a more expensive option in the short term but the lifespan you will get from these aviaries is fantastic.
They are incredibly weather proof (especially if you opt for powder coated rust protection) and are strong enough to not be damaged in strong winds, which is important if you are planning on keeping your birds in the aviary for the majority – if not all – of the time.
The birds are going to struggle to cause damage by pecking at metal and it is fireproof, rust-resistant and corrosion free so you know that your aviary is going to last! However, they are one of the heavier options, so if you are wanting the flexibility in being able to move your aviary from one place to another, this may be more difficult if you choose a larger, metal aviary.
Your next choice would be wood (with metal mesh). Wood is obviously going to be cheaper and lighter, therefore alleviating the issues of the metal models however they are also far from perfect! Wood is going to require a lot more maintenance (especially if kept outside), with painting a couple of times a year to stop the wood from rotting and checking regularly for the birds trying to peck at the wood, as this is going to impact on how safe the aviary is!
Not only this, but you need to consider where you are going to keep your birds when you are completing this regular maintenance and upkeep. You can reduce the need to paint and maintain your wooden aviary by opting from pressure treated wood as this is going to be protected from rot for much longer, but they are still going to need more maintenance over time than the metal models.
Finally, you have to consider plastic/PVC bird aviaries. It is less common to find aviaries that are made solely of plastic as the material is very light so therefore not considered as safe for outdoor use or larger birds. However there are some models that are made from plastic if you are going to be keeping your aviary inside where it is safe from strong winds. There are benefits though in that it is a lightweight and durable option.
We found many aviaries that include SOME aspects of plastic/PVC due to the material being so light, durable and easy to clean. This may be in the form of water trays, bases or panels and could be worth considering as it will make your daily life with your birds much easier in many ways.
TOP TIP: Any bird with a hooked beak is likely to be able to peck, scratch and damage wood very quickly. So if you have a bird species at home with a hooked beak then chances are a wooden aviary isn’t going to be right for you!
Design and Included Components
There are various design features that you need to think about before purchasing your aviary. Firstly you need to just think about what your bird aviary is going to look like, whether you would rather save money and go for a more basic design or whether you want something more ornate or an aviary that is modern. You are going to be the one that is looking at the outside of your aviary, not the birds, so make sure that it is easy on the eye and will fit in well with your home/garden.
When deciding between different bird aviaries, it is also important to look at the mesh or bars. These must be strong enough to withstand even the strongest of beaks but also to protect from other predators coming in – whether this be the neighbour’s cat or a hungry fox!
Also check the size of the holes in the mesh and consider whether they are appropriate for your size of bird. Smaller birds need a maximum mesh size of about 1.5cm whereas for larger birds you will be able to get away with up to around 3cm.
It is also important to think about the components that come with the bird aviaries, as this is massively going to affect the value for money that you are getting! Some aviaries will literally come with the frame and possibly a base whereas others will include a whole range of components to reduce the additional purchases you need to make and add to your birds’ enjoyment. Some that we found included:
- Baths
- Perches
- Water dispensers
- Ramps
- Feeders
- Nesting boxes
- Toys (Swings, ladders and mirrors)
Best Budget – Yaheetech Extra Large 2 Tiers Bird Aviary
- Extra large: W79 x D51.8 x H132 cm deluxe bird cage with 1.5 cm bar spacing and thick wires is designed for accommodating several small/medium size birds like lovebirds, Cockatoo, small Conure cockatiels, and the larger keets (like bourkes, red rumps, and opalines).
- Ultrastrong construction: Our extra large bird cage is crafted out of premium metal covered with antirust hammered paint. Welded frame and excellent rust and water resistance make this parrot cage a durable and safe pet home with good quality.
- Safe & Secure: Front doors are secured with latches, which can prevent your smart birdies from opening the doors, keeping them safe in the cage when you are not around.
- Convenient moving: Due to its extra large size, it may take a little effort to move this cage. However, our parrot cage that sits on four heavy duty rolling casters has perfectly solved this problem. Ball-shaped casters can roll in all directions smoothly.
- Easy cleaning: A slide-out tray covered with waterproof paint can be removed and cleaned with water, making cleaning a breeze. A grate between birds and the tray can avoid your pets walking directly on their droppings, which ensures both your pets’ hygiene and the tidiness of the cage.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Best Bird Aviary Features
If you want the best for your birds then only the best bird aviary will do. So, you know the main things that you need to look for before purchasing your bird aviary, but here are some of those additional features that we think are worth considering.
- Portability – If you are opting for a slightly smaller bird aviary then you may be able to find one that is going to be more portable. This is a great feature as it will allow you to move it round the garden depending on the time of year, weather or just your fancy. Some of these aviaries come on wheels so that it can simply be pushed or pulled along the floor.
- Lighting and heated perches – Many birds will love the warmth and comfort that can be provided from lighting of a heated perch in their bird aviary. Some of the best bird aviaries sort this problem for you, by wiring in heated perches before the point of purchase. You just need to make sure that these are well maintained and not too warm to avoid any safety issues.
- Base – Not all outdoor aviaries come with a base due to their size. This is important to check for, as if not you are going to need to find some way to keep your birds safe from predators. This could be in the form of paving slabs or digging mesh into the ground so animals cannot dig under the sides. If your aviary does come with a base then look out for ones that are easy to remove so that they can be cleaned regularly.
- Colour – Although the aesthetics of your aviary is definitely important, you also need to think about the heat that is going to be created by the sunlight hitting your aviary. Lighter colours will reflect the sun helping to keep it cool during those summer months (this is the same whether your aviary is inside or outside if it is in direct sunlight at any point of the day).
- Feeding door – We love bird aviaries with a smaller feeding door. These just make it so much easier for day to day feeding and water checks without risking the safety of your birds.
- Bird Camera – It will be an extra expense but we would definitely recommend investing in a bird box camera. It is a great way to keep an eye on your birds when you are not around without disturbing them too much!
Best of the Rest
- Large, measuring 68cm(L) × 63cm(W) × 165cm(H).
- Offers two doors, larger door offers easy to clean and smaller door offers access to feed
- With green water-resistant asphaltic felt roof
- Fire preventive & water-resistant baseboard
- Outdoor environmental protection lacquer
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Felt roof for weather protection
- Strong wire mesh lining
- 2 Small Door openings for easy access
- 1 Large door allows full entry to Aviary
- Metal clasps for security
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use special paint when treating my bird aviary?
Yes! It is important to use pet-friendly paint when you are treating and maintaining your bid aviary. This is especially important if you have a wooden aviary as the birds will often peck at the wood which could be harmful if not treated with specialist paints.
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor bird aviary?
This largely depends on the size and position of the aviary that you are planning on building. As a general rule there is no required planning permission for a structure that is under 2.5m in height. However, it is always worth checking with your local authority to ensure there are no by-laws or or restrictions in place. We would also recommend speaking to your neighbours before building as the birds are probably going to be quite noisy at certain times of the day.
What size of bird aviary do I need?
The size of aviary that you need obviously depends on the size and amount of birds that you are planning to house. The general rule is that you need a cage that is twice the length of the largest bird that you are planning to house, and that applies for every bird. You need about half of that in depth too!
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