Aussie Finch Forum

I probably will just buy that $15 portable fan from Kmart this summer given it was 37 degrees last year and it's 34 in spring. My birds probably won't survive.

What is your aviary made out of?

Just a cheap absco steel aviary. I'm thinking of building another aviary because that would be cheaper especially made out of wood.

The should survive
Make the frame out of the RHS 50x50 square steel, and use timber boards as the walls, and corregated iron for the roof
Thats what my community aviary is made out of, and its a life saver, and keeps the aviary quite cool in summer
Or use the the sheet metal that has a thin layer of plastic in between the two sheets of metal, it keeps aviaries a whole 9 degrees cooler, good stuff
Thanks
Noah Till

My avairys are all metal. But I have reticulated water bowls and a big tree and shade sail. And just make sure the water dishes are clean and full early and late in the day. (with the retic that is peace of mind not necessity) Then leave them in peace, instead of constantly checking and disturbing them. Very rare that I have any losses, and 40 degrees in summer is not unusual. Dry heat here.
LML

As you said Finchbreeder, losses are very rare, especially for myself.
African and Australian Finches cope pretty well compared to European and American finches, but generally if they are not stress and left alone, nothing much will concern them.
The main losses really associate with chicks being lost with nests near hot tin roofs, or hens or cocks on the nests getting cooked
Thanks
Noah Till

Yes. Usually chicks that cook. Try to only have well ventilated nests up over summer, and only nests that are positioned to catch any breeze. Take down and rearrange before it gets real hot.
LML

Well we have just had 5 straight days of 40+ and only lost one nest of new hatchlings. Sorry Adelaide apparently it is your turn now.
LML

Set up your own misting system NOW. It is so simple and cheap. One length of 12ml poly pipe,some little misting nozzles and a tap connector,the one that your hose snaps onto.This whole setup would be $20 or so and will be a life saver.If you not at home to turn it on,a cheap timer is the way to go.