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Exotic
Bird Guidelines.
Draft Copy - Open for Comment
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.
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