We apply 3 to 4 coats of non- toxic white semi-gloss exterior paint to both sides of each board. It takes me about 3 days to paint and let the boards dry. Onto the next phase.
This is where the fun starts. Samantha and I sit down and rough sketch out what we want to paint the boards. My sister Cheryl and her daughter Rachel joined us in this painting party.
We use non- toxic craft paints and start painting away. This takes us about 4 days to do because, we have to allow drying time between paint colors.
We paint, paint and paint lots of flowers to help keep things cheerful in the dead of winter. It is always Spring time in the,
~Secret Garden Aviaries ~
At last we are done painting. Trumpet Vines, ivy, daffodils , humming birds, a trellis and a bird house to finish off these aviary walls.
All I had left to do was spray on a clear non- yellowing sealer over the boards. Yes, it is non toxic when dry. The boards sit and dry for 24 hours before mounting.
This next part takes both Samantha and I and a lot of yelling to accomplish. (Samantha is on one side, I am on the other with a drill and we can't see other} Samantha has to be able to hold the boards up in place so I can drill and put in the bolts, washers and nuts in order to secure them to the outside of the aviary wire. I could never do this without the help of my wonderful daughter. When I decided to tear down all the wooden flights my husband refused to have anything more to do with building flights. She has been helping me out since she was 5 years old. I kid you not, she and I have built all these flights together by ourselves. So if we can do it, surely you can. This flight is the future home for a small flock of Canary-winged Parakeets (Brotogeris versicolorus chiriri).
Each flight has a cement brick floor. We use 12"x12" brick and lay them right over the aviary wire floor. It makes it easier to clean and prevents the birds from coming in contact with dirt. I also have 2 sides of the aviaries paneled and 2 open. I find this works best for me. It allows enough sun and air in to keep the birds healthy and happy and where I placed the panels helps protect the birds against harsh winds. I also use a clear plastic corrugated material for the roof. Each aviary has a mister and a light. I hope you enjoyed this quick photo tour on how we build the flights for the:
~ Secret Garden Aviaries ~
Aviaries Page 1
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