Screened Porch as Aviary?

[Kassiani]

So, I have a screened porch in the back of my house. I don’t think it could be used as a full-time aviary, but I’d love it as a place for the boys to spend time during the day.

It needs a very thorough cleaning, and the screening needs to be replaced. I was thinking of putting some small, bird-safe trees in pots out there for them to play in and chew on. Stands, toys, etc.

Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, safety tips? Thank you!!

 

[rockoko]

Wow that will be so nice!

 

[Mizzely]

That's like my dream right there

 

[Greylady1966]

That would be perfect. I really wish I had some place like that. Unfortunately all I can do now is take Howard out in his carrier, Billy in his whole house and Koko in an extra cage that's smaller. Hopefully we can start on something bigger. Please keep us posted.

 

[Sparkles99]

That's such a huge space to work with. I think the end product might even meet @saroj12 's expectations!

 

[saroj12]

That's such a huge space to work with. I think the end product might even meet @saroj12 's expectations!

It’s going to be much better than mine because a modeler is remodeling it!!!

 

[Shezbug]

Omg I’m so jealous of your awesome outdoor area and extremely happy for you and your birds at the same time lol.

Why are you not already using it??

The only thing I’d be concerned about is (if it’s normal fly wire/screen) the strength of the screens, just want to make sure no stray dogs or cats can tear in and also if you have birds of prey in the area like we do you’ll want to ensure the screens can keep them out too.

 

[Kassiani]

Thanks everyone for the kind compliments on the space! To answer @Shezbug 's question, I live in a great, big, mid-60's house. My late husband and I bought this house four months before we got married so that his children, step-children, and grandchildren could come over, have plenty of room, and a fun place to play. We had only been married for 6 years when he died in 2015 (his kids were adults when we married). I haven't been on that back porch since a few months before he passed. That's why it's so filthy--and has a canoe living in it, lol!

And yes, we have Red-tailed and Coopers Hawks in the area! So I'm hoping to use stainless screening--if I can afford it. I'm not sure what else I can use that would be strong enough to keep the local predators out. I need to work on the doors, too, because they are a bit flimsy but do fit into the door frames tightly.

Edited to add: Does anyone know if there are vinyl screen materials that are strong enough to ward off the occasional prey animal?

 

[BirdG1rl]

That looks like a beautiful place for your birds!

 

[webchirp]

What a fabulous space! I might do double duty and hang netting outside the screen as well just so nothing busts in. But alas, I am a worry wart.

 

[Kassiani]

I have been considering double screens. I'm not sure how that would work, but we'll see!

 

[Greylady1966]

@Kassiani I would keep the canoe in there, Opie might need it when you find him a bigger bowl to swim in

 

[Hermesbird]

I honestly can’t give advice, but I am here loving the space you have. That would be a great space for the birdys to hang out in!
My condolences for you late husband

 

[Hankmacaw]

@JLcribber What kind of screening can @Kassiani use to rescreen her porch? I worry a lot more about raccoons, cats, dogs and possums.

 

[Hankmacaw]

@Kassiani
Maybe something like this;

DocaScreen 48 in. x 100 ft. Pet Proof Screen Pet Resistant Screen for Windows, Patios, Doors, Porches & Other enclosures Pet Screen DScreen48x100PET - The Home Depot

DocaScreen Pet Screen rolls offer superior mesh screen protection, quality and performance. Optimally designed to balance insect protection, sun screening, air flow, visibility and extra strength protection

www.homedepot.com

 

[Greylady1966]

I'm wondering if the DocaScreen could be put on the outside of the screens already there? It would offer two layers of protection and the original screens could stay in. I don't have a lot of help with home projects anymore so I'm always looking at ways to make things safe but easier for me to manage.

 

[Kassiani]

Also, I won't have them out there if I'm not home. I hope to join them in that space for the most part, and if I'm inside, I can see them from the kitchen table.

 

[Kassiani]

I'm wondering if the DocaScreen could be put on the outside of the screens already there? It would offer two layers of protection and the original screens could stay in. I don't have a lot of help with home projects anymore so I'm always looking at ways to make things safe but easier for me to manage.

The current screen has holes in two locations. I occasionally get an overly zealous Carolina Wren who would like to make a nest on my porch, finds the hole, but then can't figure out how to get back out. So, I hear her and have to go open one of the doors so she can escape again. Lol! The screening will have to be replaced regardless of birdlandia

 

[Hankmacaw]

That would get terribly dirty between the two screens and impossible to clean.

 

[MR. Mango]

true, but couldn't you remove one layer of screens to clean the other ones?
ill tag @Destiny maybe she has a better idea for screening