Natural aviary

The walls and roof are black powder-coated 1cm (0.4in) mesh, plus sections of corrugated sheet metal (ColorBond) to create a sheltered area.  The wire is powder-coated in black because this enables the eye to see straight through to the birds inside, and it looks very smart.  Dark green powder-coating is also effective and attractive.  By contrast, bare metal looks very industrial and, because it reflects light, severely obstructs viewing.  I strongly recommend going to the trouble of powder-coating or painting the wire.

I chose cream for the sheet metal sections of the walls and roof, being a neutral and bright colour that prevents dark corners.  I also chose to keep the majority of the roof open to the elements, using the black mesh.  Yes, my birds can see the sky — and can get rained on if they choose to.

Many advise against open roofs, as it means wetter floors and exposure to wild bird droppings.  These are very valid concerns.  However, depriving my birds of full sunlight and a view of the sky seems unreasonable to me.  They absolutely love this open setup.

There are also panels of clear PVC sheeting attached to sections of the mesh roof and walls, to extend the sheltered area for additional protection from wind and rain, without reducing light.

As an example of why these things are important, here's a shed-style aviary that's guilty of both offences — an opaque metal roof and sides, plus uncoated mesh.  What's the point, if you can't see in?

An exposed shed-style aviary is also a dangerous heat trap.  With hot Summer sun on that metal roof, in extreme weather you will have birds dropping off their perches.

The risk is high because birds instinctively move into deep shade in hot weather, because in nature the darkest places are the coolest.  In an enclosed metal aviary, however, the darkest area is the hottest.  A recipe for trouble.  At the very least, find a way to shade the roof in Summer to minimise this oven effect.

One way or another, though, it is still essential to provide shelter from cool breezes — even quite light ones, if they are continual.  Finches only weigh about 15g (0.5oz) under those feathers, and can die quickly in a draft they can't escape from.