Outdoor Aviary Inspo!

 Check out this beauuuuuuutiful aviary!

https://freerangeparrots.org/2019/08/13/aviary-2-0/

And this porch convert!

https://freshpatio.com/diy-walk-in-aviary-ideas/

Building an outdoor Screech Owl Barn (Mew)

Odin the Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) had his indoor habitat, but he needed a place to watch the birds and get some sun. We had a tight fit on this one, and wanted to maximize every inch. We put the vestibule in the narrowest spot, and left space to fly at the opposite end.

Features:

• Screen to prevent mosquitoes as well as dowels for bars to protect his talons if he decided to fly against the window (and to protect him form local cats)
• Clear roof to allow natural light (ideally should be replaced every few years as the material can get brittle)
• Windows with doors that can be left open or closed as weather allows
• Cleanable interior walls and removeable perches with variable sized and materials to prevent bumblefoot
• Mesh covering the underside to prevent rodents from damaging wood with nests
• Safety vestibule also has shelves and hooks for cleaning supplies
• Enrichment, of course!

Building the Mew

Cleanable walls

Owl bet you didn't expect an Iguana cage!

We're all for conversions and recycled materials. Any chance I get to use good wood more than once makes me feel like I'm a superhuman!💪

This was a lovely iguana cage in it's first phase of life. But a Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) owl was moving in next, so we got creative. 

The first phase allowed the bird to move into the interior of cage and get used to it/ feel secure inside (see bottom of post for pics). 

Eventually we designed a  "front porch", and the choice remains to secure the bird in the back area, or to allow it free flight onto the porch as needed.  Check out his pretty, green outdoor mew too!

The branches are all designed to be removeable easily for cleaning, whether they be set in posts or on cleats.  If you know, you know.

 

Front porch complete with feeding portals in case of emergencies

Were you wondering why it needed to have removeable
perches for "easy cleaning"?

20 seconds of a happy lil owl on his new porch

Flying from his interior habitat to his porch

Previous Stages

A simple PVC vestibule served as escape prevention, and 1 way vinyl made it so we could see the bird, but he could not see us 

Once an Iguana cage (for the best boy ever)