Constructing a solid base for aviary...

[TAftonomos]

I know it's a bit off topic, but there are plenty of construction pro's here. I hope at least a few click on the thread and weigh in.

Next to my detached garage I'm going to build an aviary for the wife's parrots. This gets them the hell off my pool deck, and reduces mess, they will be happier...but I digress.

Size is 16x12, using on wall of the detached garage. I plan on constructing this giant bird cage from 12g wire, framed in 2x2 steel tube. Tin roof with thatch, so nothing really "heavy".

What I need is a solid base. Quotes on pouring and forming 3 yards of concrete have ran from 1k-2.5k....I must look like I'm made of gold.

Another idea that was presented to be was to construct the base from block, using concrete to fill in the void and then mortaring on a top cap.

I'm not sure how stable this would be?

How would the blocks "key" to each other? Would I use rebar in a U shape to run under each adjoining block and then concrete fill?

 

[nolimits76]

Buy a BB gun and practice your target shooting. Kills two birds with one stone, so to speak.

But let's pretend you like being married. Maybe the first step is reducing the size of the bird mansion. I presume you meant 16 feet x 12 feet. At 4" thick that comes out to 2.4 cubic yards. Minimum order is probably 3 yards which is where I presume you are getting the quantity.

Next step is get the cheapest concrete available since it's not for strength. We perform lots of DOT work and there is a 1,500psi mix we use called CLSM. It runs $55-70 (vs $90-100) per yard, depending where we are working. It's the cheapest mix by far. I would order CLSM and put up some 2x4's and pour myself. Alternatively, sometimes plants have wasted partial loads they will sell for cheap since they waste them anyhow.

Get a buddy or two to help you. Rent a few tools to help push the mud around and screed it. Who cares if the finish isn't perfect -- you are building a glorified **** pad for birds.

Alternatively, you could hire some "day laborers" for $8-10/hour/each. Depending where you go, they might bring their own tools.

 

[rockwithjason]

why do you need a solid base? all the aviaries i have seen have dirt floors and the owners muck them out from time to time.

 

[nolimits76]

why do you need a solid base? all the aviaries i have seen have dirt floors and the owners muck them out from time to time.

For that matter why the steel tubing, which is also added costs? Would they eat/peck at the wood framing?

Assuming I couldn't get rid of the birds, I'd make their house as cheap as possible. Something more like the picture below. I think birds might like grass instead of concrete, since it would be more natural. If a base is required, (cheap) pea gravel would also work.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Have you considered patio blocks on a sand base? I did that for my dog run. It doesn't get much cheaper or easier.

 

[sanddan]

I used to train bird hunting dogs and kept pigeons for training birds. The coop I built had a plywood floor which was very easy to clean. The structure was an add on to a shed using 2x4 construction and chicken wire. A concrete floor is way overkill for a "glorified **** pad for birds". Sorry for the quote from a previous poster but it was just too funny

 

[woodrail]

Precast concrete pads from Lowe's. Get them delivered! Level your dirt and thrown down some sand.

 

[hedhunter9]

For that matter why the steel tubing, which is also added costs? Would they eat/peck at the wood framing?

If it is parrots, They chew wood right up.... They can go thru a 2by4 in minutes.

My wife has a 30x40 pole barn full of the flying rats !

Bob

 

[nolimits76]

Wow, a 30x40 pole barn just for parrots? Do you have any pictures?

They aren't parrots -- they're flying rats.

And yes....pics are in order.

No doubt in my mind, I'd "accidentally" leave the door open or bring home a stray cat and let nature take it's course.

 

[TAftonomos]

Here is what I've finished so far. Had to quit after I leveled out each block due to the rain. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to fill the blocks. Then try my hand at putting on caps with mortar.

As far as filling in the voids on the corners, can I just use some wood as an form and pour quick Crete in there (will it bond to the block?)

The cage will be constructed of 5x10 panels out of 2"x2" tube (vertically 10') spanned with 12g welded wire in 1"x2" spacing. Each panel may need some reinforcement in the middle, so I have some 1x1 tube should I need it.

The floor of the cage will be mulch, but under this mulch I will be using 14g welded wire in 1/2" spacing to keep critters from digging under.

I've got 200$ in the base, the cage will cost me another 800 including tin and thatch for the roof. Beats spending 6-10k on a "pro" built cage.

Local wildlife includes raccoons, opossum, and the occasional bobcat.