Cleaning zinc from chain link.

[ShellyBorg]

I found a supplier of chain link today in my rush to find stuff, that has 1 1/4 " openings. That would work great for my larger two , my smaller ones just want to eat the big guys toes, so they will get there own smaller flight. I really want to build these guys a flight so they can get out in the sun for a couple hours a day. And if I can make it part of there foraging even better! 6' tall and 50 ' long for $150 would make a nice sized flight if I go with 6' wide.

I have read that scrub downs with vinegar works. Any other ways?

[keepsmiling]

I have never heard of anyone using chained link, and I live in Florida where there is probably proportionately more birds kept out in outdoor aviaries than not. I can ask my good friend why that is if you like. They do use wire in a roll called English wire, which is seasoned for a year. As far as scrub downs with vinegar on wire, that has to be maintained constantly, it isn't something you can just do once. You also need to double wire to protect from predators, and depending where you are, many also use screen to prevent strike from flies and mosquitoes. Especially the latter which can carry west nile.

[roxynoodle]

I think it would be quite difficult to scrub all the galvinization off of chain link. There is a lot on it as it won't rust for decades usually. I have horse fencing that I put up in 1994 that has very little rust and Ohio is a rainy and humid state as well.

There is vinyl coated chain link but I would imagine it wouldn't take long for a cockatoo to chew it off. Your safest bet might be to use a strong netting as a secondary inner enclosure so that the birds can't access the chain link.

I second the screening to keep out flies and mosquitoes.

[jtbirds]

Many people use what is called GAW wire which you can take off most potentially harmful zinc flakes and use it safely as many many people do, Carole the English wire is great I have a lot of it around here for my outdoor aviary, it is not the same as the wire around here I cannot remember why but it is very very durable and great, they don't really make it anymore if I am correct. As for chain link they may be another story I do not know much about it..

Not saying this is safe or right, but I will add many many people use galvanized breeder cages to breed and they don't ever scrub them or let them weather and they never have a single issue and the birds never die of metal poisoning, it is just odd that this can occur even though it is said to be so deadly. Anyone have input as to why people get away with having birds in galvanized flights or cages and they never have an issue?

[roxynoodle]

Some birds spend more time hanging on, climbing on and chewing on the bars than others. In my house, Rowdy spends a lot of time hanging on her bars and climbing than my other birds do. If you have one who chews the bars, I think you will have a problem for sure. Birds who don't are going to have less exposure.

[keepsmiling]

Ok, just spoke with my friend. Here is the reasons she gave. She said it needs to sit out for at least a year if you still want to use it....vinegar is not enough. But, the reason people do not use it, the holes are too large. Wild birds can fly in, you do not want sparrows, wrens, etc. drinking, eating, pooping, in your bird's dishes.You don't know what they might be carrying. Raccoons can reach right in, as well as a cat or other predators and pull your bird out through the bars. She said the reason they use the wire in a roll, and double wire, is for safety. Not to mention unless you have really big birds{large macaws or toos} your own birds can also get through chained link.

[roxynoodle]

There is a lot of strong fencing/cage material out there other than chain link. Take a look on TSC's website (Tractor Supply Company). The sizes of the openings will be listed. However, you will still need to weather it due to the galvanizing.

[Greenwing]

I had a temporary aviary set up at a piece vacation property I had way up north.. I used this temporarily ... It was a standard dog run ( Craigslist for $70.00)made out of standard fencing.. I then wrapped the whole thing with an additional layer of 1/4" hardware cloth....it worked great.. I was even able to setup brooding lamps along the top for those chilly days...

I'm not sure about the zinc.. But like Justin stated.. I also know quite a few breeders that use zinc coated hardware cloth exclusively to build there breeder cages and outdoor aviaries....

I would wash it often.. Since it will be outside it should be fairly easy...

Good luck



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[ShellyBorg]

This will not be for all day, more of a place to go out and hang while I am working out side. Both the TAG and the RLA will contact call while I am outside driving any one in the house nuts till I come back.

[Greenwing]

If your going to be outside with them.. Then use super screen instead of chain link.... It's tough ... It's pretty cheap here in Fla... It will keep your birds from escaping easily and keep other birds from coming in contact with yours...

Had a hawk dive bomb my flock a week or so back.. And he just bounced off...


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[ShellyBorg]

Great! Thank you!