244 F. W. Hansell—Construction of an Outdoor Flight for Budgerigars


6 by f in. weather boards are nailed to the outside edges of the

larch poles, round the three sides of the flight. One of the boards is

sunk below the surface of the ground to act as a retaining board for

sand, etc.


It might be mentioned at this point that the flight was treated

in the same manner as the aviary, having § in. mesh netting on all

sides, this being let into the ground for 15 inches and stapled to the

board already referred to. This prevents vermin getting access to

the interior of the flight.


On top of the poles 2 by 2 in. bearers are nailed, also across

at points lettered “A ” on plan (Fig. 1).


As a matter of convenience for the attendant entering and leaving

the flight, it was thought advisable to have a double entrance, to

preclude birds escaping. A small piece of the flight is taken ofl, as

shown on plan, and a doorway formed, the door being hung on a

3 by 3 in. upright, which is braced with 2 by 2 in. batten at

the top and bottom, to the aviary and pole. This inner doorway is,

of course, not a necessity, but proves well worth the little extra time

in making.


Before putting on the J in. galvanized wire netting, lengths of

No. 10 gauze galvanized wire should be stapled on to the framework

at points “ B ” as shown on plan. The netting may now be laid on

in the direction of the two arrows, and securely stapled to the top

of the 2 by 2 in. batten, the netting being laced on to the No. 10

wire strands with No. 18 gauge wire. This makes a tight joint between

each width of netting. It should also be given an occasional lace to

the wires running in the opposite direction : this eliminates sagging iu

wet or snowy weather.


The netting round the sides should be put on in the same manner ;

the wire to which it is laced is No. 8, and a small ratchet is used to keep

it taut.


On top of the 2 by 2 in. batten and netting, on the whole length,

are small plates 3 by J in. to exclude water. The doors are made

up with 2 by 1 in. framework, and netted. On the outer door a

padlock is fitted. In order that the outer door may fit well, two plates,

3 by 1 in., are nailed on to the larch poles.



