New Aviary

[Jacko2607]

Well here goes, I am worse than useless at DIY but due to the price of pre made aviaries I'm going to attempt to build an aviary.  More daunting than that I'm going to attempt to upload some pictures as I go  . Wish me luck

Well I think it's worked.  The top pic is where the aviary is going, the next pic is how I've put the sides together.  Basically its two 6' x 3' panels screwed together.  In the next pic I've screwed an angle bracket into the corners for reinforcementand the last pic shows the 1" x 1/2" mesh I've used

[margo]

good luck

And in case you didn't already find out: Press "additional options" 

[big_green_shoe]

out of interest... whats the timber size?

[Gilly]

out of interest... whats the timber size?

Looks like 3x2"

I think your doing a great job Jacko 
It's great to see another aviary going up., and a good sized one too.

[Nate]

Glad you found how to upload photos.

What are you going to do for a base? As you may know they can be very good burrowers so you don't want them escaping. The mesh size is great for them to climb up, but not if you plan to have any babies as the baby chipmunks can easily get through that size of mesh IMO. I would leave the mesh you have on, but put a finer mesh on the outside, this will also keep out any rats and mice that may be around.

[johno]

Hi

What size are the mesh holes? Also any exposed edges of the wire on the outside need to be covered because they will be sharp. I covered all the inside and outside edges with strips of timber. Are you going to double mesh in case of cats?

John

[Gilly]

Another good tip would be to add a canopy near the entrance.
I wish I had a larger one because I just went out in the pouring rain to feed mine. You can get pretty wet while trying to unlock the door.

[Jacko2607]

Sorry folks just got back off holiday.  The timber is 57mm x 57mm or 2" x 2" and the gap in the mesh is 1" x 1/2".  For the base I plan to mesh the very bottom then have a wooden floor 2" above that.  As for double meshing I think I probably will and I will be putting a cover over the entrance porch but only coz tou reminded me  .  Here's the latest pic.

Barry

[tarcus/Kevin]

If the soil is soft enough I would dig it out eighteen inches and then mesh dropping the sides down also then re-fill with soil. saves on flooring and gives the chips something more natural to dig in and plant their own garden.
Mine have grown sunflowers all manner of wheat barly and corn along with various grasses and a wierd looking thing which may belong to one of my elder boys they thouroughly enjoy planting and weeding and especially now it is time for the harvest they love picking out the seeds from the grasses and corn.
You may also wish to think about installing a sturdy comfortable seat so you can enjoy time with them without getting a bad back .
I also recommend large white flexi hose as used on tumble dryers..... tell the wife it was stolen while you were away
happy building whatever your decision, look forwad to seeing the finished article with chips..

[Jacko2607]

Thanks for that Tarkus and has it happens I've already stolen the hose off the tumble dryer lol.  I can't do anything at the moment because of the bloody weather  hopefully when there's a gap in the rain I'll get something done.

Barry

[larkabright]

The wire looks a bit thin. Chipmunks can bite though chicken wire, so make sure it's thicker than that.

[johno]

Be careful with the mesh size, my 2 are quite large chips but can easily squeeze through 25mm x 25mm wire. Its amazing to see them go through. I know your wire is 25 x 12 but when they are young I would be worried they could get through. I have used 12 x 12 with 25 x 25 on the outside as a cat deterent.

John

[Jacko2607]

Thanks for all the input folks, it really helps.  The mesh is 1.9mm thick which is quite a bit thicker than chicken wire and after all your advice I will be putting 1/2" x 1/2" on the inside.  See I do listen 
I managed to get a bit more work done yesterday but I had my youngest lad "helping" me  so it took a bit longer than planned.

Barry

[Gilly]

Some nice straight cuts there Barry. It's coming on well. 

[Jacko2607]

Managed to get a bit done this weekend  It is all double meshed, the floor is down and it is now half enclosed to keep out the worst of the weather.  I just need to finish the last part of the roof and build the safety porch and I'll be all done.  Unfortunately I'm getting an error message saying the upload folder is full so I cant post any pics at the moment so I'll try later.

Barry