This aviary for ducks is structurally made of treated wood, 1" by 2" welded wire that is six feet tall, and topped with 2 inch Toprite III netting. The example structure is 50 feet wide and 105 feet long which is in part determined by the width of the net. Continuing to use the net as a guide, the structure could be approximately 155 feet in length. Included in this aviary is a pond which is approximately 25 feet by 45 feet. A 2" x 6" kick board has been placed around the aviary at ground level. Stapled to the bottom of the kick board is a piece of 1" x 2" welded wire 16" in width and 10' 6" in length. The extra 6" allows for overlap from one 2" x 6" x 10' to another. Prior to securing the kick board with the welded wire attached, a trench was dug which was sloped from the bottom of the aviary to about two feet from the aviary and ended with a depth of about 6 inches. After placement of the kick board the wire was bent down into the trench and covered with earth. This action was done to deter entry into the aviary by predators. The aviary will be assumed to minimally provide water for swimming; prepared feed to insure the desired nutritional level; wind breaks for sun and wind protection; suitable nest aids; and a selected level of predator protection.

South To North Photograph From Front Yard

If this aviary is constructed in a climate with significant periods of cold weather, attention needs to be paid to keeping open water. This feat can be accomplished by the use of a small air compressor connected to half inch black plastic roll water pipe. The pipe should pass through the deepest part of the body of water with the open end being placed out of the water on the bank where it is accessible. A water faucet is connected to the end to be opened when flushing the pipe at the beginning of operation and closed when the compressor is operating. The pipe occupying the deepest water should have about five "pin" holes placed five to seven feet apart in that section of pipe. Pieces of metal or concrete should be strapped onto the pipe with copper or aluminum wire to weight the pipe to the bottom of the body of water. The air compressor can be equipped with a thermostat to start the compressor at a point prior to freezing such as 34 degrees. The compressor should normally be set at about 10 pounds pressure or where the compressor will continue to blow air for about twice as long as it pumps. In extreme cold the pressure may need to be increased.

Due to the smaller size of the body of water incorporated into this aviary it is possible that a garden hose could be used to keep open water. In the example used, a white pipe can be seen in the photograph "Close Up Of Pond From North To South." This pipe is fed by water which has passed through a water heat pump. Since the water heat pump is almost constantly in operation during very cold weather open water is not a problem in the example aviary.

The photographs in the presentation below were taken very soon after the construction of the aviary was completed. The initial photographs were taken to show the design of the structure. At the end of the presentation two photographs are repeated which show the beginning vegetation. Incidentally, a white .5" electric fence post by a box indicates there is a nest inside. The number of eggs and the last date checked are written on the top of the post with a pencil so the number can be changed on future visits.

An example of this type aviary with photographs related to its peculiarities follows:

Looking North To South From Inside The Aviary

Close Up Of Pond From North To South

From East Side Of Pond To Southwest Corner Of Aviary

South To North From Inside Of Aviary

East to Northwest Corner of Aviary Showing Compensation For Sloping Terrain

East Side Entrance: Large Enough To Accommodate Garden Tractor

From East Side Of Pond To Southwest Corner Of Aviary With Grass

Looking North To South From Inside The Aviary With Grass

Construction of this aviary is fairly straight forward as is shown by the accompanying photographs. It is virtually predator proof from the air by way of the top net. The same is true by the ground with an electric fence placed at a height of about five feet on the wire walls of the aviary plus the dig wire discussed earlier.

The greatest concern is with ice and snow on the top net, thus the apparent "over" bracing and the use of cables to aid in supporting the top net under unusual weather conditions. If young are to be reared in this aviary a foot wide piece of aluminum flashing will need to be placed at the level of and above the kick board to keep the young from getting out of the aviary and possibly not being able to get back into the aviary.

Cost of this type aviary can be estimated using an example size such as a land area that is 50' wide, 105' long, and contains a pond that is approximately 25' by 45'. This aviary can be scaled down in size easier than it can be enlarged. Major savings would be in wire, treated lumber, and labor. For every 10 feet in length that is eliminated approximately $200 would be saved (July 2004 prices).

This file was placed in service 06/04/2004.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.

Last Modified Saturday, 26-Apr-2008 13:03:38 CDT