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How to Plant an Aviary for a Finch
How to Plant an Aviary for a Finch. Aviaries are large, enclosed structures for housing birds. For the best display and for happier birds, landscaping the aviary is key. When deciding on plants, find non-poisonous species that provide nesting space, food and cover. For ease of care, especially where delicate plants are concerned, make use of pots...
Aviaries are large, enclosed structures for housing birds. For the best display and for happier birds, landscaping the aviary is key. When deciding on plants, find non-poisonous species that provide nesting space, food and cover. For ease of care, especially where delicate plants are concerned, make use of pots that you can easily move around when necessary.
Things You'll Need
Non-toxic plants
Organic compost
Nesting boxes
Shade screens
Shovel
Tiller
Hanging flowerpots
Preparing the Aviary
Sketch a rough plan for the landscaped aviary.
Remove unwanted vegetation and debris. Look for interesting pieces of wood and rocks to add back in later. Many finch species appreciate nooks and crannies where they can poke around.
Break the ground up with a tiller or by hand using a hoe. Add compost as you go. The goal is to create loose, organic soil where the plants can thrive.
Install all hardware such as sprinklers, shallow ponds, heaters, pipes and misters before adding plants.
Planting the Aviary Ground
Arrange the plants in the aviary while they are still in their pots. Grouping plants of varying heights will not only add height but also depth to the landscape.
Dig planting holes as per the plant's labels.
Add organic slow-release fertilizer to each hole.
Set plants in their holes keeping the top of the root ball at the same level it was in the pot.
Add water to the hole, allowing it to drain before backfilling to cover the roots.
Pack the soil down. Water the plants again to settle the soil.
Hanging Pots in the Aviary
Hang pots containing trailing and edible plants from the rafters of the aviary.
Place nest boxes in each basket for future broods.
Add additional shade with screens, tarps or bamboo mats if necessary.
Water and feed plants as required.
Tips & Warnings
Bird-safe plants for aviaries include blueberries, brake fern, ribbon fern, dish fern, button fern, maidenhair fern, carrots, chrysanthemums, salvia, pear trees, pine trees, poplar trees, prune trees, ribbonwood trees, sassafras, lavender, orange trees, lemon trees, lime trees and apple trees.
Horse chestnut, horsetail, hoya, hyacinth, hydrangea, castor beans, horse beans, fava beans, bloodroot, bluebonnet, boxwood, bracken ferns are poisonous in part or all when ingested.
Avoid using potting soil as some types are deadly to birds.
Use only organic composts and mulch in the aviary.
Avoid using synthetic and toxic chemicals around the aviary.
Provide sunny and shaded areas for the finches.
Keep any watering areas shallow enough so birds cannot drown.
Make sure birds cannot touch heat lamps and other electrical items.
