moveing outside

[Nutz]

hey guys

just a quick question, i would like to move my chipmunks outside for the spring summer  months and am going to start an aviary project soon. nutting fancy just a shed and basic wire mesh for a large outside run.

only problem is we have a pair of wild falcons that you can see nearly everyday hoovering around were we live and before my partner had a canary bird that he use to hang outside on nice days and one day he went to fetch him in, and a falcon was after trying to pull the bird though the cage and the bird didn't survive the attack so i was wondering would my chipmunks be at risk from them.... even if i double up the mesh I'm worried  they might still be able to grab them though it.

thanks again

[Pete_ren]

The only thing to do would have double mesh, with a really big gap between.
The Falcons will no doubt try and catch the chipmunks.
Hope all goes well if you put them out.

[Gilly]

Hi Nutz, if they were housed in a shed, would they still be attacked? I'm just thinking if the roof may keep them out of sight.
If you need any ideas of a shed conversion Chris must be giving some inspiration at the moment as well as others on the forum :http://super-chipmunks.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,177.0.html

It could be worth putting a stronger gauge mesh (19G) and above on the outer layer of the enclosure just incase they attack with some force. What about a scarecrow type of device, or are they too clever for that to keep them away? I was thinking about the streamer kind maybe stuck on the roof 

I hope you can work something out....Gilly

[sarah-J]

Hi Nutz,

I agree with Gilly and Pete_ren, I think having more shed area, and less exposed areas, with double mesh and a large gap would defiantly be needed.

I'm making mine more weather proof and will be adding some clear flat perspex on the side, (i still want to see through to the rabbits)  maybe you could do that also on the more exposed side of the aviary,

You could try getting a very large DOG!!! only joking.

good luck.

Sarah.   

[chris]

Hi Nutz,

I think you would be ok with building an outside enclosure for your chips but as someone has already said double mesh it with a wide gap between the mesh, I would suggest 2 inches just to be sure. We have 4 cats and I double meshed mine to make sure the cats couldn't get their claws through. Also as Gilly has already said I think if it is a shed conversion something like mine the roof of the shed would hide the chips from the falcons sight to a great extent.

Gilly thanks for linking my post scrat and chips new home.  I think it shows how much is possible even with limited DIY capabilities.


Keep us posted on progress of the aviary

Regards

Chris

[whistler6752]

Hi Nutz, all good suggestions, now it depends on what you mean by falcons. I'm also a falconer, and I know your all thinking it, a know it all  Chances are there either Kestrels or Sparrow hawks, Chips are rather big for Kestrels and Sparrow hawks are mainly bird specielists. I get Sparrow hawks in my garden often, they take the birds of the bird table but they take no notice of the Chips. Having said all that it never hurts to double wire. As for wire, it depends what you want, 16g is much stronger and longer lasting than 19g ( the number goes down as the wire gets thicker ). Mesh size is limited to either 1/2" by 1/2" which keeps all but the tiniest baby mice out or 1/2" by 1" which lets mice in. You can get 3/4" by 3/4"  which will keep adult Chips in but babies can get through and I once had a half grown die with its head stuck. Hope this is helpfull, regards Mike.

[Nutz]

hey guys

thanks for all yere help, i think im going to go with an extended roof over the hole thing so they can be spotted from above and the double mesh with at least a 2in gap just to be safe.

wistler6752 im leaving in ireland so im not sure what they are....i just know i dont want em gettin my chip's !!

thankks again guys. will keep ye posted wen i start....

[Nate]

I've also seen Sparrow hawks pick birds when they have been feeding, but I have also seen lots of Buzzards in the countryside. The locals tell me they do prey on the baby grey squirrels, so do mesh up safe.