MINIMUM STANDARD FOR THE SECURE HOUSING OF EXOTIC PARROTS WITHIN AUSTRALIA

FRAMEWORK

Aviaries should be constructed of metal framing providing strength appropriate to the overall dimensions of the structure.

The footwork of the framing should be secured to an extent necessary to withstand extreme weather conditions in the geographical area in which they are built

CLADDING 

All exterior cladding should preferably be of unbreakable material such as galvanised/zinc/colorbond iron or brick. All solid cladding both walls and roofs, to be affixed to the steel frame using appropriate fasteners to ensure ongoing security,

Tek screws or a similar type screw, or suitable sized pop rivets are recommended.

Where any breakable or chewable material is used externally (ie Hardiflex sheeting, or Hardi-plank, wood or translucent sheets) the cladding must first be lined internally with wire mesh as designated for flights thus allowing a totally secure environment.

WIRE MESH FOR FLIGHTS, ROOF etc. 

The wire mesh size and gauge will vary according to the species of parrot to be housed.

All mesh to have a protective coating eg. Galvanising, paint etc.

For the smaller species ie, Green-cheeked Conure, Sun Conure and Indian Ringneck Parrot.

Suitable mesh sizes would include:

12mm x 12mm x 1.3mm

12mm x 25mm x 1.3mm

For the medium species up to and including birds the size of Amazon Parrots, African Grey Parrots & Eclectus.

Suitable mesh sizes would include:

12mm x 12mm     &   1.6mm   (16G)

12mm x 25mm     &   1.6mm

25mm x 25mm     &   1.8mm

For all parrots over the size of the parrots listed above. ie, all Cockatoos, Macaws

Suitable mesh sizes would include:

25mm x 25mm     & 2.0mm     (14G)

50mm x 50mm     & 2.0mm

25mm x 75mm     & 2.0mm

All mesh to be affixed to the steel frame by Tek screws or similar, welded or tied/laced with a heavier gauge wire than the mesh to be laced.

No mesh to be buried below ground level. Only solid material such as Galvanised iron, Colorbond or Zincalume sheeting, brick or concrete etc. should be buried below ground level.

FLOOR 

In the case of earthen floors birds should be prevented from escaping by ensuring they cannot excavate under the external parameters. Earthen floors require external cladding to be buried to a depth of at least 300mm below surface ground level of the inner aviary.

SECURITY

Aviary doors, food service doors or nesting facilities must not open to unrestricted open areas ie. all doors and nesting facilities must open into either a front or rear service/safety passageway or open into a confined aviary space.

Where such passageway is fitted with a window for air circulation and or light, such window must be covered with mesh suitable for the birds therein, as specified.

The external door of the passageway or aviary should be fitted on the inside and outside with suitably sized latch. (ie. Pad bolts etc) allowing the complex to be locked whilst the attendant is either inside or outside the aviary. Consideration should be given to a self closing door.

External revolving feeders affixed to aviaries, are to be fitted with a suitable sized latch such as a pad bolt.

The external passageway or aviary door must be kept secured at all times.

To avoid structural damage large stock (ie; Horses, cattle, deer, emus or the like) shall not be able to come into direct contact with any aviary complex or part thereof.

SUSPENDED AVIARIES

Suspended aviaries to be constructed within the general parameters provided herein.