Superb Parrot - Nswfmpa.org

Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, RichmondRoofingMetal roofing is a durable product, which, unlike other roofing materials, when installedcorrectly is almost totally immune from storm damage. In extreme climates insulationfitted under metal roofing will assist in moderating temperatures in enclosures. Heat isreflected by the bright surface of galvanised, zincalum and aluminium sheeting or bypainting the metal roof surfaces white or silver to help reduce the internal effects ofextreme summer temperatures.Metal roofing fixed on top of flat fibre-type sheeting provides added insulation due to theair space between the roof corrugations and the flat sheeting. This will assist in reducingthe temperature within enclosures (aviaries) during hot climatic conditions. The sameinsulation will provide higher internal temperatures during colder conditions. The flatsurface of the sheeting will also provide an easy to paint ceiling under the metal roof.Spaces created in a roof need to be regularly checked and kept clear of any pest species.Clear or opaque corrugated sheets of perspex or similar roofing material that is stormproof can be used in small sections of the roof to allow more light into an enclosure. Toomuch clear sheeting fixed around an enclosure may increase internal temperatures andcan be detrimental to the health of birds. All other types of roofing materials may beunsuitable for enclosure construction due to such factors as vulnerability to stormdamage, leaking, excessive weight such as tiles or cost.Fully roofed enclosures provide protection from contact with wild birds, which have thepotential to pass on diseases and parasites by direct contact or from their faeces, feathersand feather dust entering the enclosure i.e. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, worms.A full roof cover gives greater protection from inclement weather conditions, reducingthe potential for having damp cold enclosures and allows the servicing of enclosures to becompleted in all climatic conditions. The potential of attack from predators, especiallyraptors, is greatly reduced with fully roofed enclosures. Alternatively double layers ofwire mesh where no roofing material is used, with space between the layers, can assist inproviding the required protection from predators for an enclosures occupants.Wire meshThe 12mm x 25mm galvanised weldmesh of 1.3mm (17 gauge) or 1.6mm (16 gauge) arethe most suitable wire meshes for P. swainsonii enclosures (aviaries). Methods used toattach the wire mesh to the framework must avoid any possibility of accidental injuryoccurring. The mesh must be cut carefully so there are no protruding wire ends. If wireties are used the long ends, which could catch leg rings or bird legs must be cut off. Poprivets with large heads or washers are a safe method of attaching weldmesh to a metalframe.All wire and any other metal filings and cuttings should be picked up after the enclosureconstruction is completed, even consider the use of large magnets to clean the floorsurface, to ensure there are no pieces of metal remain that birds could fatally ingest.Keith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 28