Large Aviary or smaller

[mathews800]

Hi, just wanting to gather thoughts on building a large planted aviary compared to smaller ones with selected pairs.
Large build 10m x 4m x 3m or 4 smaller @ 2m x 4m x 2.1m

[vettepilot_6]

Depends on how much time you have for feeding and care...more aviaries more time it takes

[collector_and_buyer]

Hard to beat a larger planted aviary with compatible species and not overcrowded.Choose well and enjoy the benefits of a larger aviary,your birds will appreciate it,as this will be there whole world.The size of your individual aviaries [should you go this way] are also acceptable for limited and compatible pairs.I am a believer of giving your birds the most space you can.Yes,you will get people sprouting how successful they have been breeding whatever in a miniscule size [aviary],but,think of your birds comfort and overall quality of life.Just my personal opinion.

[toothlessjaws]

Much better for management with multiple smaller aviaries, but i'd kill for a larger aviary that size you are talking. Nothing beats watching finches flittering amongst the foliage. I'd go with the big one, but set aside some small space at one end as a holding aviary (or two).

[Craig52]

Hi, just wanting to gather thoughts on building a large planted aviary compared to smaller ones with selected pairs.
Large build 10m x 4m x 3m or 4 smaller @ 2m x 4m x 2.1m

To me, 4 x 2 x 2.1 smaller aviaries work better if you want to house unrelated prs of finches so you can sell unrelated prs of young from separate aviaries.
If you intend to breed mutations of any specie"s" you can control these birds and not let it be willy nilly, Gouldian mutations are a good example.
You can have four pr of finches of a specific kind, one pr in each aviary if these are aggressive to their own kind such as crimsons,cubans,cordons among others as well as most soft bills like the wrens.
Smaller aviaries like these can be planted out just like a huge aviary, the only thing that is different is a wire dividing wall if they are side by side but in my opinion you can house many more different species that in some cases are not compatible or have the chance of hybridizing such as parrot finches.
I'm a bit bias due to specialising in breeding WB crimson finches on their own in eight 3 x 1.0 x 2.2 mtr aviaries BUT I have contol and keep good records. Craig

[arthur]

It's 'horses for courses' . .

Each aviary size has advantages and drawbacks. If you are lucky enough to have a couple of acres you can have the lot

But on a normal suburban block a bank of smaller aviaries is the way to go

And don't think that larger aviaries will allow the keeping of multiple pairs of aggressive finches, as they will seek each other out, no matter the area . . (as pointed out by E orix in another thread)

[GouldianGuy]

Not much experience in larger aviaries but I would agree larger allows for "more active and healthier birds."

One could consider building the four separate aviaries but allow for removable partitions to permit customization... maybe 2 smaller aviaries and a medium? How magical would it be to watch your own flock of multicoloured gouldians landing at the watering hole next to the flocks of stars and owls?

[jonno0383]

It all comes down to what you ultimately want to achieve. Large planted aviaries are more visually aesthetic and a joy yo sit back and watch and you can experience good breeding results as well. More control and generally better results Imo are achieved in smaller flights. another thing to consider is time and management. More cages equates to more time committed

[finchbreeder]

Pretty comprehensive explanation of what you need to/should consider in the above posts.
So to recoup.
1. What do you intend to keep and breed?
2. Are they compatible or better seperate?
3. Is your time reasonable or tight?
Good luck with whatever you decide.
LML