WIRE & MESH TYPES
When choosing wire or mesh you need to choose between one of three sizes and wether to use galvanised mesh or stainless steel mesh.
FINCH WIRE 1/2" X 1/2" GALVANISED
For small birds such as canaries, finches, quail, etc you need a fine mesh ½” x ½” galvanised 19 gauge wire to stop them escaping. Some buyers do not like how it interferes with the view into the aviary but paint it with Hammerite paint and this problem reduces markedly, but the best reason to use ½” x ½” mesh is it keeps weasels and mice out.
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BUDGIE WIRE 1" X 1/2"
For larger birds such as budgies, parakeets, doves, pigeons and thrushes, etc you could use a medium size mesh like 1” x ½” 19 gauge mesh. Again some customers do not like how the shiny surface interferes with the view into the aviary but paint it with Hammerite paint and the problem reduces, but the bear in mind that 1” x ½” mesh will keep rats out - but not weasels or mice.
PARROT WIRE 1" X 1" GALVANISED
For for most larger birds, as well as Chickens, Ducks, Catios, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Dogs you can use stronger 16 gauge 1” x 1” mesh. Just keep in mind that rats, mice and weasels can easily squeeze through 1" square holes.
If you are housing Parrots, Cockatoos or Macaws then the Parrot Society recommendation is to go for the thicker 14 gauge mesh as these birds can be very destructive to wire.
A very important point to consider when thinking about wire types is to consider whether stainless steel mesh might be more suitable for your pets needs.
Birds that “chew” wire such as budgies, parakeets, parrots, cockatoos, and macaws can potentially be poisoned by cheap quality galvanized wire so there are those that would argue it is important if you are housing parrot like species that you only use stainless steel wire instead of galvanized wire. Needless to say this is a more expensive alternative but one that warrants consideration.
Another factor to bear in mind is do you want your wire to be on the inside of the framework or the outside – this is especially important with wooden frames if the birds can chew the wood, which also applies to guinea pigs (see picture) and cats who will scratch the wood if they can get at it.
In my opinion you should always keep the super structure whether metal or wood on the outside of the wire. Furthermore if you are painting the structure or doing routine structural maintenance it is a lot easier if your structure is on the outer side face.
And Finally ..... As our aviaries and pens are all custom made we want to keep an open mind to any unusual customer requirements and one obvious suggestion is how we might use coloured aluminum frames and meshes to make the visuals more pleasing.
The obvious options are using Black or Dark Green PVC covered mesh but anything is possible, needless to say this process is more expensive than our normal wire options but opens a world of interesting possibilities. We feel that powder coated Black paint or anodized aluminum tubing gives a pleasing alternative to using shiny aluminum structures and the possibility of adding a splash of colour.
FOR CATS & DOGS WIRE USE 16 GAUGE
1" X1" GALVANIZED MESH
Care should be taken when using mesh on Catios as 19 guage mesh can cut cats feet when climbing this is resolved by using thicker 16 guage mesh
BLACK OR GREEN PVC COATED MESH
As an attractive option you could consider 16 guage mesh but covered in Black or Green PVC this has the advantage that your pets are much easier to see through painted wire and it is not as shiny as stainless steel or galvanised mesh.
