AVIARY SET-UP

AVIARY SET-UP

BY VIKAS RANA

Every bird and creature on this world is unique and beautiful, and their needs are unique as well, which we should aim to duplicate in captivity to assure their wellbeing.1) Sunlight exposure: an aviary should be designed so that when the sun rises (east direction) and sets (west direction), the aviary birds obtain enough vitamin D from sunlight. It should also be half-shed so that the birds have access to both.

2) Ventilation: For the following reasons, aviaries should always be designed with cross air ventilation: a.) to control temperature b.) to supply fresh air c.) to eliminate stale air, and d.) to control humidity.
3) Plantation: A planted aviary aids in temperature management, provides fodder and enrichment for birds, and improves the viewing experience for both viewers and birds. Spider plant, Jade, Aloe vera, Bamboo, Neem, Hibiscus, Drum stick tree, Mulberry tree, Banana, and
Bottle-brush tree are some of the non-toxic species.
4) Perch Management: It is crucial for breeding, roosting, stress reduction, and the social position of the bird in the
aviary. In an aviary with many birds, various perches should be placed so that the adults and dominant birds use the uppermost perch and the juveniles and weak birds utilise the lowermost perch. Perches are also used by birds for roosting at night and during the day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5) Feeding station: In a bird colony, there should be many feeding stations so that all of the birds can eat. They should always be 3 feet off the ground. They shouldn’t be kept on a perch and should be kept out of direct sunlight.
6) Nest box: In the outdoors, different types of birds use different sorts of nests, which we are attempting to imitate in captivity by providing natural wood logs made of neem, coconut, Banyan tree, eucalyptus, and poplar bottle brush as nest boxes. Nest boxes should be positioned at a height since birds feel comfortable at greater elevations and prefer to build their nests there.
7) Hiding spot: A hiding place is required because if a bird is threatened, it will flee to that location to feel safe and secure.

8) Enrichment and foraging: In the wild, birds engage in a variety of activities near them, however in captivity, we provide them with a variety of activities to promote their natural behaviour. We give a water bath dish and non-toxic plant branches to hang on the tops of the aviaries. We also make wooden toys, insert nuts, and give to birds to keep them occupied while they hunt for nuts.