All eyes on the avairy

If you are a bird lover and want to keep some of your favourite species close by, an aviary will make a great addition to your property.

Firstly, take some time to properly consider the responsibilities, what type of birds you want to house, and how many.
Common types of pet birds in New Zealand are:

• Budgies
• Cockatiels
• Lorikeets
• Cockatoos
• Lovebirds
• Finches

It’s recommended to keep even numbers of males and females to prevent fighting. Alternatively, you could just keep single male or single female birds together. Ensure you do not over-stock your aviary so the birds can live in harmony.

If you’re planning on having an aviary, select an aviary that will hold up well in a variety of weather conditions. Also make the aviary secure, so that not only the birds stay in, but so that rodents and cats stay out.

Keep in mind that birds need more space than a dog or cat because they need room for flight and exercise.

Always place your aviary near a house window, so you can keep a regular check on your birds and ensure they’re in good health.

Birds love to sunbathe, so also consider placing the aviary somewhere that can get light but is not in direct sunlight.

To feed your birds there is a variety of aviary mixes you can choose from, and you just refill the aviary feeders when they empty.

To ensure your birds stay happy and healthy, take the time to clean the aviary walls once a week.
Birds require daily interaction and attention so avoid leaving them alone too long and seriously consider having more than just one bird, they’ll get bored without company.

Each bird has a unique personality, and some birds can live well into their sixties. Making this (near) forever friend an amazing pet.

DID YOU KNOW

According to Guinness World Records, the oldest confirmed bird is Cookie, a pink Cockatoo that
lived to the age of 83 at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago.
However Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and even New Zealand’s own Kakapo are reported to live 90-100 years or more.