Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => Pets without Feathers => Topic started by: Paul Plots on August 16, 2013, 12:25

Title: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 16, 2013, 12:25
I'm not sure anyone will be interested but, as I can only rarely get to my plot at present, I have been persuaded to take up a hobby nearer to home while the plot is kept ticking over.

Many years ago I kept foreign birds of all sorts so when we couldn't decide what to do with an old potting shed someone suggested I keep birds again.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/99huud.jpg)

The shed had been neglected, the roof leaked, the floor was rotten and it was in deep, dark shade most of every day.

Decisions were made and the fun began..
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 16, 2013, 12:37
Sorry you can't get to your plot as much as you would like, but that looks interesting. Many years ago, my OH used to keep and show budgies. Hope you get the joy from them and you will be able to get back to your plot soon.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: splash101 on August 16, 2013, 13:01
I have pets with feathers too so I'd be interested in your progress  :)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 16, 2013, 13:18
The weather forecast looks good from Sunday onwards so you will be able to get cracking Paul.   ;)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: shoozie on August 16, 2013, 22:14
Looking forward to the next installment Paul  :D
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 17, 2013, 02:09
Part 2:

The potty-shed (as it came to be known) had to be moved away from the tangle of next-door's abandoned wild-life garden and into the sun. Surprisingly the foxes hadn't been living under this shed - they seemed to prefer the larger one that stood next to it.

We agreed upon what we hope will prove to be a good spot but the hydranga had to go.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1020319_zps7e1468ab.jpg)


I wanted an aviary that wouldn't have " furry things" making their home under it so the paved area seemed ideal. It was smack bang opposite my parents conservatory too so they would have a good view even in chillier weather.

I wanted it up above ground level so cats could sneak underneath and deter smaller furry things so the new floor was built on blocks.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060593_zps6971628e.jpg)

We had started what proved to be an interesting project and one I could have a go at in spare moments.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 17, 2013, 08:44
You are so lucky having a fairly flat garden Paul.  Our garden is on a slope which makes any project twice as difficult.

It is looking really good.  How will the cats get under the block work, are you having cat flaps put in?!!   :lol:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 17, 2013, 11:54
Looks like he will need a few - perhaps he can buy them :lol: ::) en-bloc!
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 17, 2013, 14:29
You are so lucky having a fairly flat garden Paul.  Our garden is on a slope which makes any project twice as difficult.

It is looking really good.  How will the cats get under the block work, are you having cat flaps put in?!!   :lol:

The section nearest the front of the photo is the outside flight/s. The part with timber joists holds the shed floor and it's this that I wanted raised. There's the depth of a concrete block between the underside of the shed and the ground.

Does this show the idea more clearly?
(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060606_zps3d489081.jpg)

I'm hoping this open space below the floor will discourage vermin.  ;)  It will also help prevent any possible flooding if this particular end of the garden is swamped by another year of "heavier than average" / a month's-worth-in-one-day type rainfall.

Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 17, 2013, 14:43
It makes perfect sense now.   ;)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: shoozie on August 17, 2013, 22:13
Looking good Paul, pity about the hydrangea though as it looks a beautiful bush (hope you salvaged a cutting  :unsure:).  Hope your folks are keeping well.  Great project  :D
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: spottymint on August 18, 2013, 10:07
Looking good, would love another aviary, but not going to happen here.

What birds are you planning on keeping ?

I like all the finches, Java Sparrows, Zebras, Bengalese, Diamond Doves as well as the Australian finches like Diamonds, Bichenos, Parsons etc.

Would love a pair of red headed Gouldiens (not Aviary birds though).

You are right to be concerned with rodents, mice can squeeze through  5mm x 1" mesh & disturb breeding birds.


Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 18, 2013, 11:12
Paul - just asked my OH what he did with my shed to prevent rodents getting under and up inside. We live amongst farmland and there are dykes here as well so rodents of all types are here and, even having four cats, still can be a problem. What he did was to staple the top of some half-inch welded mesh to the base of the shed, then fixed the bottom of the mesh with strips of carpet grippers screwed to the concrete base using rawl plugs. It's worked so far.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 18, 2013, 15:24
Paul - just asked my OH what he did with my shed to prevent rodents getting under and up inside. We live amongst farmland and there are dykes here as well so rodents of all types are here and, even having four cats, still can be a problem. What he did was to staple the top of some half-inch welded mesh to the base of the shed, then fixed the bottom of the mesh with strips of carpet grippers screwed to the concrete base using rawl plugs. It's worked so far.

That sounds a good solution.

I dithered about insulating the walls of my potty-shed. When I was a teenager I insulated a 12' x 8' double shed with hardboard and cork granular pieces in between. The mice loved it!

This time I've used blocks of material similar to new build home insulation and hefty plywood lining.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060610_zps548cf875.jpg)
The floor is new sheet material - tongue & grove boards. Hard as nails providing it isn't contantly wet.

The roof has been insulated too.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060612_zpsbae7b605.jpg)


I'm aware that rodents could enter via the door as well as up along the shed walls if they take time to chew their way in. I'm wondering whether a sonic rodent repelling device might be worthwhile. I tried one in my parents bugalow before they moved and it appeared to do the trick.

I've bought a small hoover for the aviary to minimise the amount of waste seed left about and all food storage should be secure.

I really hate mice.  >:(


spottymint I'd love to keep a range of hardy finches as I did way back when.... (I won't go on for a change). This time round I've started with a few budgies with the option of adding another flight on the front of the shed later for finches.

shoozie The hydgranga was a goner... roots firmly fixed below the paved area so I bought three replacements for elsewhere and they seem to be doing ok so far.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 18, 2013, 15:30
You could have a couple of quail in there to help keep the floor clear of seed but they will of course make mess of their own.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 18, 2013, 15:36
You could have a couple of quail in there to help keep the floor clear of seed but they will of course make mess of their own.

I've never kept quail.

I've decided to only feed the birds inside so there the outside flight will just get a weekly hose down. The inside flight has a daily newspaper change and a hoover when there's seed shucks collecting. The birds are very accustomed to having the hoover nozzle in and out of their cage.  ;)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 18, 2013, 20:03
I am going to use a hoover in the shed where I have my quail chick cage.  It ends up full of feathers as they moult and grow new ones.  Trying to sweep them up is a bit of a waste of time, they fly everywhere or stick to the floorboards.   ::)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 18, 2013, 20:16
I am going to use a hoover in the shed where I have my quail chick cage.  It ends up full of feathers as they moult and grow new ones.  Trying to sweep them up is a bit of a waste of time, they fly everywhere or stick to the floorboards.   ::)

I bought a VAX cylinder machine with hepa filter. Cost £29.99 on an on-line sale by VAX. Does the job - no chasing fiddly bits with a handbrush and pan. Power can be turned up or down and emptying is very easy.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: shoozie on August 18, 2013, 20:41
Great photos ... really enjoying watching the potty shed make-over  :D.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 19, 2013, 02:19
Up go the outside flights....made in separate panels.
 
(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060663_zps73ff5ec3.jpg)
My father enjoyed watching the progress and my son - roped in to do most of the work!!

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060672_zps7d151366.jpg)

Timber.......treated with a wood-stain preservative that I'm told is safe for people, children and pets.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1060681_zps4ae7042b.jpg)

I did the pretty bits when I had a few moments free and acted as customer and planning consultant / designer.... general dog's body and tea boy.  ::)


Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 19, 2013, 10:29
Looking good.  Is it safe to have windows in, won't the birds fly in to the glass?
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 19, 2013, 13:41
If you follow what my OH did, you should be free of rodents getting in, as long as you keep shutting the door when you go in and out to prevent the Usain Bolt of rats gaining entrance. As said before, my OH and his dad used to show budgies so, not knowing your knowledge or experience, and not wanting to diss you, if you need any advice, my OH will be only to happy to help you.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 20, 2013, 02:06
Looking good.  Is it safe to have windows in, won't the birds fly in to the glass?

I made wire-mesh covered frames to drop in place where the birds have access to glazed windows. I want to be able to remove them to clean the glass so drop-in ones seemed the best choice.

I haven't done anything about the windows in the parts of the shed that the birds shouldn't be able to reach but will need to sort something out for the colder weather I expect... insulation.

.............................As said before, my OH and his dad used to show budgies so, not knowing your knowledge or experience, and not wanting to diss you, if you need any advice, my OH will be only to happy to help you.

That's really kind and a much appreciated offer.

I did breed a few budgies as a teenager but that was so long ago and it was only a few budgies. I belonged to a local Caged Bird society at the time and my main interest was keeping, breeding and showing finches and other foreign birds.

Budgies seem altogether a different kettle of....... well you know what I mean. ;) 
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on August 20, 2013, 02:15
I decided a 1/2 height indoor flight would give sufficient room for the birds, make keeping them clean easier and provide storage space underneath:

 (http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1070204_zpsdd96153d.jpg)

My son built and delivered the front and roof frame ready for me to paint and add wire mesh.

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1070206_zps4824a02a.jpg)

You can just make out four drop in window frames. One window (second from right) is an opening one and this will give access to the outside flight.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 20, 2013, 14:43
Wow! You have really made your birds a lovely home,and what a lucky dad to have a son to do such a good job for you. My only advice now is - beware of squatters!! ::)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 20, 2013, 15:02
Wow! You have really made your birds a lovely home,and what a lucky dad to have a son to do such a good job for you. My only advice now is - beware of squatters!! ::)

 :lol:  Wise advice, I have already had one in my walk in run.  A blackbird thought it was an ideal place in the eaves to make her nest!   ::)  Luckily I spotted her when she had just started to build it.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 20, 2013, 15:28
Aww - you meanie! Are outside birds excluded from your avis des-res area? Seems you might just have a place for both to exist together. A web-cam connected to a telly could be a source of interest during the next few months so you can see what's going on in there. Blackbird - nesting now? Crumbs.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 20, 2013, 15:36
I was tempted but it is always a fight against scaly leg mites, lice, worms etc. from wild birds so a nest above them is not a good idea.   :(
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Sparkyrog on August 20, 2013, 15:38
Not really mean Goosie mesh large enough for a blackbird is far to large ! better to evict before she starts laying  :)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 20, 2013, 16:00
The mesh is 1/4" x 1/4", she had used the open door to gain access.  That was another worry that she would not be able to get out as and when she needed to.  I have changed the access now so the chickens have a pop hole door giving them access to free range in the garden.  Hopefully it will solve the problem of birds getting in as I did have a young chaffinch flying around earlier this year.  I just have to do the same in the smaller section of the walk in run for when the young birds are ready to join the main flock during the day.  It is on the long list of 'to do' things, the current project is putting the coop outside of the run with access to the run!   ::)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: splash101 on August 20, 2013, 17:58
Its looking great. 

Thats a good idea having a half height floor, might pinch that idea  ;) for one of ours. Storage is always a problem.
My OH has just made some shutters similar to what you have done with your windows that slot inside the frame.

Have you decided what birds you are going to keep this time?

Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: shoozie on August 20, 2013, 22:26
Looking great   :D.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 21, 2013, 11:56
Not really mean Goosie mesh large enough for a blackbird is far to large ! better to evict before she starts laying  :)
Reading other posts, I now realise why wild birds need to be kept out - sorry - just my ignorance showing here - again!  ???
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 21, 2013, 23:25
Not really mean Goosie mesh large enough for a blackbird is far to large ! better to evict before she starts laying  :)
Reading other posts, I now realise why wild birds need to be kept out - sorry - just my ignorance showing here - again!  ???

It is not ignorance, we are all here to learn new things and share knowledge.   ;)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Trillium on August 22, 2013, 01:01
The new aviary is looking good, Paul.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Goosegirl on August 23, 2013, 12:47
Reading other posts, I now realise why wild birds need to be kept out - sorry - just my ignorance showing here - again!  ???
It is not ignorance, we are all here to learn new things and share knowledge.   ;)
[/quote]
I so agree, which is why this website is a delight to use. I suppose the word "ignorance" has been mis-used lately to mean someone who doesn't care as in "ignoring" but don't think that was its original meaning; perhaps I should have said "naievety" but wasn't sure how to spell it!  :wub:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: spottymint on August 24, 2013, 22:02
Looking very good there. Better built than most commercially available aviaries.

So, any plan to breed a particular colour of budgies or just a mixed bunch ?

Budgie colours/genetics are very varied, if you look into show budgies, there are many more varieties available than you ever see at the pet store.

Violets, clear flights, lace wings, slates, crested, fallows, clear bodies ect.

Not to mention the more common one's like spangle, yellow faced, pied (recessive & dominant), cinnamon's, normals ect  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 24, 2013, 23:11
Stop it spottymint, if I start looking at all those I will want one of each.  I don't think my hens would be too happy with them flying above them in their walk in run.   ::) :lol:  But then again my quail might not mind!   :wub:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: spottymint on August 25, 2013, 12:22
Stop it spottymint, if I start looking at all those I will want one of each.  I don't think my hens would be too happy with them flying above them in their walk in run.   ::) :lol:  But then again my quail might not mind!   :wub:

Did I mention, Opalines ?  ::)

& thats before you start combining mutations, to create the likes of Rainbows.  :lol:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: ANHBUC on August 26, 2013, 22:45
Stop it spottymint, if I start looking at all those I will want one of each.  I don't think my hens would be too happy with them flying above them in their walk in run.   ::) :lol:  But then again my quail might not mind!   :wub:

Did I mention, Opalines ?  ::)

& thats before you start combining mutations, to create the likes of Rainbows.  :lol:

Not listening, la la la la...................   :closedeyes:
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on November 02, 2013, 00:05
Up-date:

The birds have settled well and appeared to be contented - not "eaten" too much of the woodwork.

The original 6 birds now have another 3 companions.

Next year hoping to install some breeding cages, cross my fingers and hope for the best.
(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1070237_zps553e1b60.jpg)

(http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p781/michaelayres10/P1070278_zps18f1bd41.jpg)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Yorkie on November 02, 2013, 11:29
Aww, lovely  :D
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Trillium on November 02, 2013, 15:12
Nice birds. We installed ladders and hanging bells for them to play with, and they had loads of fun.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Springlands on November 02, 2013, 15:48
Paul - they are lovely - bring back memories of our budgies when I was young. They were all called Joey (very original) and one in particular just loved getting out of the cage for a fly around and a sit on whatever shoulder was available.  :)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: shoozie on November 02, 2013, 20:50
nice to see them settled into their new pad, Paul. The second pic, bird on the right, reminds me of my old boy.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on November 27, 2013, 23:49
Cold weather = healthy looking budgies.

And there was me, all through last winter, worried that the poor little feathered things would snuff-it if they weren't kept cosy.  ::) My gas bill went up trying to keep the conservatory at a minimum of 10C every night.  :wub:

Now:
My lot appear to enjoy belting out into the flight the minute I open up the flap despite the cold and rain pouring down around them.

But, as it is going to get even colder, I walked to the local garden centre and purchased their last 7 metres of bubble-wrap greenhouse insulation. A few drawing-pins later and I have double-glazed aviary windows.

Drafts eliminated and 120watt bar heater with thermostat to keep the frost at bay - I think we should be cosy enough.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Trillium on November 28, 2013, 04:10
It's sometimes known as killing something with kindness  :D

Our racing pigeons have always had open wire mesh walls rather than being closed in for winter and other pigeon racers ask us what our secret is to such healthy birds.  Answer: what nature does naturally.

Mind, budgies do need it warmer than our pigeons get. For winter we also provide our birds with black sunflower seeds for oil to build some body fat and glossy wings.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: joyfull on November 28, 2013, 09:49
some of my chickens sleep in our trees all year round (some sleep in trees that have no leaves) they can be seen with frost and snow on them in the mornings. The weather doesn't bother them as they have their own feather duvets  :)
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on November 28, 2013, 12:02
I guess when you consider that the tiny wren mostly survives the English winter a budgie should cope with the help of an insulated aviary.

This morning nearly all of the budgies were out in the flight enjoying a slightly milder spell and tucking into a bunch of chickweed for breakfast.  :D
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Trillium on November 28, 2013, 14:29
they can be seen with frost and snow on them in the mornings.

 :lol: Bet that must give you a good chuckle each morning.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: spottymint on November 28, 2013, 20:35
My budgies used to live out all year with shelter, but no heating.

During the winter, we added cod liver oil to the seeds to add extra oil & vitamins.

Most birds slept out at night, few went inside.
Title: Re: Pets with feathers?
Post by: Paul Plots on November 30, 2013, 10:33
My budgies used to live out all year with shelter, but no heating.

During the winter, we added cod liver oil to the seeds to add extra oil & vitamins.

Most birds slept out at night, few went inside.

Cod-liver oil sounds an idea.. I used that for small foreign finches 40+ years ago but didn't know that it might be OK for budgies too.