Keeping birds in an outdoor aviary can be very rewarding, but it’s important to choose species that are hardy enough to withstand the UK climate. An unheated aviary will experience the full range of temperatures throughout the year, so only certain species will thrive.
Choosing Suitable Birds for an Unheated Aviary
When choosing birds for an unheated aviary, here are some key considerations:
- Hardiness – Look for species adapted to cooler climates that can tolerate low temperatures. Origin is a good indicator, with native UK birds and those from northern Europe generally the best choices.
- Cold tolerance – Favor birds that don’t migrate and remain in the UK all year round. These species are accustomed to winter conditions.
- Insulation – Well-insulated birds with thick, dense plumage will retain heat better. Downy feathers trap air and provide excellent insulation.
- Size – Larger birds retain heat more efficiently due to a lower surface area relative to body mass.
- Shelter – Provide plenty of shelters, nesting boxes, and enclosed feeding stations so birds can escape the elements.
Avoid keeping tropical species or those from hot, arid regions, as they are unlikely to cope well in an unheated UK aviary. Also be cautious about delicate breeds and those with minimal feathering.
Recommended Species for Unheated Aviaries
Here are some great bird species that can be kept successfully in unheated outside aviaries in the UK:
Finches
Finches are excellent unheated aviary birds. Native UK species like chaffinches and bramblings are very hardy. Other good choices include:
- Zebra finch
- Bengalese finch
- Society finch
- European goldfinch
These small finches are lively, entertaining to watch, and highly cold tolerant. Provide lots of shelters and roosting pockets.
Doves
Doves and pigeons are resilient birds able to withstand cold temperatures. Suitable species include:
- Collared dove
- Diamond dove
- Ringneck dove
Ensure cozy nesting areas and winter feed are available. Check regulations, as some pigeon and dove species cannot be kept without a license.
Quail
Hardy quail breeds like coturnix quail are good aviary choices. They originate from Asia and Europe so tolerate cold. Provide extra insulation like straw in their housing over winter.
Pheasants
Ornamental pheasant breeds fare well in outdoor UK aviaries. Popular options include:
- Lady Amherst pheasant
- Golden pheasant
- Silver pheasant
Ensure pheasants have a sheltered, draft-free nesting house to retreat to in cold snaps.
Partridges
Like pheasants, partridges cope admirably with cold conditions. Suitable species include:
- Chukar partridge
- Red-legged partridge
Feed a winter diet, provide hideaways, and avoid introducing birds during harsh weather.
Thrushes
Thrushes are ubiquitous UK garden birds. Species like blackbirds, song thrushes, and mistle thrushes thrive in outdoor aviaries. Ensure ample cover and roosting spots.
Robins
Friendly robins brighten up any aviary. They handle cold effortlessly. Provide winter berries and an enclosed roosting nest.
Waxwings
With their colorful plumage and crested heads, waxwings make charming aviary occupants. These winter visitors to the UK relish cold weather and berries.
Starlings
Common starlings are extremely hardy UK natives. Their chunky build and thick, fluffy plumage insulates well in cold temperatures.
Ducks and Geese
Hardy domestic duck breeds like Pekins and calls can be kept in an unheated aviary alongside species like Saxony and Chinese geese. Just provide a shelter and clean, ice-free water.
Game Birds
Hardy game bird species that tolerate UK winters include:
- Pheasant
- Partridge
- Quail
- Turkey
- Guinea fowl
Ensure proper year-round care and shelter from precipitation.
Providing Cold Weather Care
To help your aviary birds thrive in cold conditions:
- Food – Offer high energy, high protein foods and ample fats and oils for insulation and energy reserves. Provide winter birdseed mixes.
- Water – Keep fresh, ice-free water available at all times using heaters. Position near shelters.
- Shelter – Offer enclosed, draft-free shelters for roosting and escaping bad weather.
- Bedding – Use extra insulating material like straw, wood shavings, or newspaper in shelters.
- Heaters – Consider installing low-wattage heaters, heat lamps, or heated perches in shelters.
- Routine care – Maintain your usual feeding, cleaning and monitoring routine throughout winter.
Aviary Design for Cold Weather
When building an unheated aviary, incorporate features to promote winter comfort and survival:
- Choose sheltered location protected from wind, rain, and snow.
- Use insulated solid walls rather than mesh – brick, wood, or vinyl panels.
- Include enclosed, draft-proof shelter space.
- Position shelters away from prevailing winds with entrances facing away.
- Add barriers like vegetation to block wind and precipitation.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
- Maximize natural sunlight but avoid over-exposure.
- Use dual-pane glass in windows to conserve heat.
- Place feed and water stations near shelter entrances.
Following these tips will help create a warm, welcoming aviary for your cold-hardy birds throughout the winter.
Choosing the Right Birds
Choosing suitable species is key to success with an unheated aviary. Avoid delicate tropical birds and focus on hardy breeds from cool climates. Prioritize UK natives and European species as these are adapted to withstand cold conditions. With proper precautions even less hardy species may cope, but provide plenty of enclosed shelter and sustaining winter nutrition. Do your research to select species with natural cold tolerance and instincts to survive the demanding UK climate.
Providing Adequate Shelter
Shelter is crucial for enabling birds to thrive in unheated UK aviaries throughout the winter. Provide enclosed spaces where birds can escape from the cold, wind, rain, ice and snow. Draft-free nesting boxes, roosting pockets and sleeping quarters allow essential respite from harsh elements. Places to perch out of any drafts or precipitation are key. Position shelters away from prevailing winds with small entrances to retain warmth. Plenty of small hideaways are better than fewer large spaces. Ensure shelter ceilings are insulated and overnight heating can allow refuge from freezing temperatures. With good shelters, even delicate species may be able to cope during the daytime when they can access feed and water available close by.
Offering Winter Care and Nutrition
Caring properly for aviary birds through cold seasons is vital. Provide energy and protein rich foods to help counter lower temperatures. Offer high oil content seeds and nuts along with sprouted grains and softfruit for essential calories. Always have fresh, ice-free water available close to shelters. Use plastic bowls which won’t freeze. Bottled water dispensers can work well. Provide extra bedding materials like straw to help conserve warmth in shelters. Regularly check all housing remains draft and precipitation proof. Consider low wattage heaters, heat lamps or heated perches to offer overnight respite when freezing. Maintain normal cleaning routines and closely monitor bird health during harsh weather. With the right nutrition and care, hardy birds can remain healthy through UK winters.
Aviary Design and Location
An aviary’s design and location impacts how well birds tolerate cold conditions. Choose a sheltered spot protected from wind, rain and excessive cold if possible. Construct robust insulated walls rather than exposed mesh to provide insulation. Use solid roof panels with insulation above. Dual pane glass in windows reduces heat loss. Ensure top notch drainage and ventilation to prevent dampness but exclude drafts. Allow maximum, unobstructed sunlight to enclosures to assist warming while including shaded areas. Position bird shelters facing away from prevailing winds. Use barriers like fences, vegetation or granite to further shelter the enclosure. Well designed aviaries with features to mitigate cold conditions and precipitation can make a big difference to bird comfort and survival.
Preparing and Acclimatizing Birds
When stocking an unheated aviary, properly prepare birds beforehand. Obtain them in early fall to allow time for acclimatization before winter. Provide any medications or supplements required to get them in peak health. House initially in an enclosed shelter or indoor facility so they adjust to their new home first. Once settled, allow supervised daytime access to the main aviary area to progressively get used to the environment. Provide retreat areas and continue close monitoring. Delay full overnight outdoor exposure until temperatures drop gradually with winter’s onset. This measured approach helps ensure birds develop suitable cold tolerance and adjust properly before facing the full brunt of winter. Careful acclimatization gives birds the best chance to thrive in an unheated UK aviary.
Conclusion
Providing a suitable year-round environment for aviary birds in the UK climate presents challenges but can certainly be achieved. The key is choosing inherently hardy species from cool northern regions that can withstand cold temperatures and winter precipitation. Proper aviary design, adequate enclosed shelters, sustaining nutrition, and thoughtful bird introduction are also essential. With knowledgeable selection of adaptable species, an understanding of their needs, and proper preparation, an unheated outdoor aviary can allow enjoyable and humane keeping of many beautiful cold-tolerant bird species in the UK.
