The sun conure is a peaceful bird who can coexist amicably with several other birds in close confinement. Larger than a cage, an aviary provides a safe enclosure in which sun conures can spread their wings and engage in enthusiastic playtime. An aviary can be a costly investment, but a do-it-yourselfer can build one in a weekend for a fraction of the retail price tag.
Taking Flight
Step 1
Using the circular saw, cut four of the 2-by-4-by-12 timbers in half. This will leave you with eight 6-foot timbers. A sun conure only grows to be about 12 inches long. A 6-by-4-by-6 aviary should be sufficient in size.
Step 2
On your work surface, or on the floor, lay out four of the 6-foot timbers in a square.
Step 3
Using the power screwdriver and wood screws, attach the timbers together to form a square. Place the screws 2 inches apart for maximum stability. If the square is lying on the floor, for instance, the 4-inch length of the 2-by-4 should be vertical.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3, creating another 6-foot square.
Step 5
Using the measuring tape, measure the top and bottom timbers of one of your newly formed squares. Mark the 3-foot center point with the crayon or pencil.
Step 6
Using the measuring tape, measure the second square. Make a mark 31 inches in from the right side on both the bottom and top timbers. This measurement will differ from what you did in step 5, because you'll be placing the screen door you build into the 31-inch space.
Step 7
Using the circular saw, cut one of 2-by-4s into two 5-foot, 8-inch lengths.
Step 8
Piece one of the 5-foot, 8-inch timbers into one of the squares you've made. Center it in the middle of the square, at the 3-foot mark.
Step 9
Piece the other 5-foot, 8-inch timber at the 31-inch mark in your second square.
Step 10
Attach both timbers with the power screwdriver and wood screws. Place the screws 2 inches apart.
Step 11
Using the circular saw, cut five 4-foot timbers from the remaining 2-by-4s.
Step 12
Using the power screwdriver, attach four of the 4-foot timbers to your premade squares. You'll need to set your squares upright to do this, and you may need a second set of hands, or something to brace your squares so they don't tip. You'll use the four timbers, one in each the lower left, lower right, upper right and upper left corners to form the frame of your aviary.
Step 13
Piece in the fifth 4-foot timber across the top of the aviary, connecting the back to the front, and adding additional stability and surface area onto which you'll attach the wire mesh.
Step 14
With the circular saw, cut two timbers, 5 feet, 7 inches in length, and three timbers, 2 feet, 6 inches in length.
Step 15
On your work surface, or on the floor, lay out the 5-foot, 7-inch timbers parallel to each other. Using the 2-foot, 6-inch timbers, create a full rectangle.
Step 16
Using the power screwdriver and wood screws, attach the timbers together to form the frame of your entry screen door.
Step 17
Piece in the third 2-foot, 6-inch timber, across the screen door, in approximate center. This doesn't have to be perfectly centered, as it's providing stability and extra surface area onto which you'll attach the wire mesh.
Step 18
Add the hinges to the right hand side of the door, one near the top, and one near the bottom, using the hardware provided and the power screwdriver.
Step 19
Attach the metal screen door pull, using the hardware provided and the power screwdriver.
Step 20
Unroll the wire mesh and begin attaching it to the inside of the aviary using the staple gun. Place the staples approximately 1 inch apart to be certain the mesh is secure. Cut away any excess with the wire cutters and discard.
Step 21
Cut a 6-by-4-foot piece of mesh for the roof. You may need to use the step ladder to attach this. Use a spotter, if available.
Step 22
Using the wire cutters, cut a rectangular piece of wire mesh, 5-foot-7 by 2-foot-6, to fit the screen door and attach with the staple gun. Place the staples approximately one inch apart to secure the mesh.
Step 23
Fit the screen door into the 31-inch space on the right front side of the aviary, and attach the hinges to the aviary frame.
Step 24
Attach the hook and eye lock. Place it appropriately so you can lock the screen door when it is closed.
References
Tips
- To simplify the project, ask your hardware or lumber store if they are willing to cut your timber. You also can purchase a screen door to avoid steps 14-19. You may need to adjust your measurements to work with the dimensions of the screen door.
- Use nontoxic paint or stain to match your aviary to your existing décor.
- Hang perches and toys from the inside of your aviary to make a more enjoyable environment for your conures.
Warnings
- Keep all tools away from children.
- Wear protective eye gear when using the circular saw.
- Wear gloves when handling wire mesh.