Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Build a Shelter Onto Your Aviary to Protect Your Birds

Even though cockatiels are quite tough little
birds, the will enjoy having a shelter in their
aviary where they can escape from bad weather.

Traditionally, shed like structures served this
purpose that attached directly to the rear of the
aviary. In fact if you have a spare shed in your
garden, it can be easily converted into a shelter
for your cockatiels, and the flight area can be
built around an outside window. Don't forget to
take the glass out so that the birds can fly in
and out freely.

If you would like to go down this route, you can
also buy second hand sheds at reasonable prices
at a bargain or garden centre. If you buy at the
beginning of winter you should be able to pick up
a bargain, as display models are usually sold at
a discount.

If you decide to build a shelter yourself, the
procedure is somewhat more complicated, as you
will need to allow for the slope of the roof.
The simplest method would be to build a flat
roofed shelter made from a tough marine plywood,
and the highest part of the roof should be
attached to the flight area. Slope it off
towards the rear so that the rain water can run
off.

If the enclosure is well lit, it will encourage
the birds to roost there. To do this you will
need to have some windows covered with wire mesh
which can be fixed carefully with netting
staples. Flatten down the cut ends, or the
cockatiels could fly into them and injure
themselves.

It may be worthwhile insulating the shelter. Try
using insulation materials that you would use in
your house, as these will be less of a fire
hazard than the cheaper forms of insulation.
Follow all the precautions carefully when
installing the insulation, and then cover it
completely with hardboard or thin plywood. Cover
all accessible edges with battening or the
cockatiels will be tempted to nibble at the edges
of the wood, and it will not be very beak
resistant.

Insulation should be thought about before your
shelter is finished, as it will be easier to put
it in before doing the finishing touches. The
roof unit will definitely be easier to insulate
before the structure is fully assembled.

The doors to the shelter will come on last, or
they will just get in the way of the building
process. A connecting door, opening outwards
from the shelter into the light is a must,
regardless of any other entrances to the aviary
itself. Separate doors to the external aviary
and the shelter are not necessary. Remember to
allow for a safety porch that allows you to enter
the aviary without your precious birds escaping.
It is best to have a door on the shelter, as this
is where you will have the easiest access for the
feeding of the birds.

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Michel Maling enjoys her birds. Her blog offers
helpful advice and information for all cockatiel
owners.
http://cockatielsaspets.com

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