Building a loft

[Vivi]

well i finally have the permission to build a enclosure for my two pigeons that i have and i really want them to be happy. i basically want a simple home for them. i have been seeing alot of pictures from alot of different sites and they all look very complicated to build. i was wondering if i can build something like this:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...V/DSC00073.jpg

well this be good enough?? of coures im not just going to copy this design but i do want the same kind of structure. i have already begun to make some designs but i need to know will this design work?? could use all the advice.

Thanks, Ruben

[roxtar]

I would build one about that size for two birds. They'll have plenty of room to exercise and it'll be plenty big enough if you end up with more birds in the future.

[AZWhitefeather]

Hi Ruben,
I went ahead & deleted your other thread.

The structure you have posted a picture of looks to be a nice size for two pijjies. As Roxtar has mentioned, there will be plenty of room.

Please let us know how things are coming along.

Cindy

[Vivi]

ohh thank you i was having trouble deleting it. I was wondering is this structure safe for my pigeons?? do you guys recommend anything to improve the structure?? I am planning to put up it against our house so the back will be protected but i also plan to put some walls on the sides for shelter. I plan to make it longer than wider is that ok?? My plan is to make it 7ft high, 11ft long, and 4ft wide. will this be good enough?? This is my first plan but our back yard is pretty big and there is plenty of space so things can change. But i would like to know if my original plan is good.

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by Vivi

* ohh thank you i was having trouble deleting it.

I was wondering is this structure safe for my pigeons?? do you guys recommend anything to improve the structure?? I am planning to put up it against our house so the back will be protected but i also plan to put some walls on the sides for shelter. I plan to make it longer than wider is that ok??
** My plan is to make it 7ft high, 11ft long, and 4ft wide. will this be good enough?? This is my first plan but our back yard is pretty big and there is plenty of space so things can change. But i would like to know if my original plan is good.

* Your most welcome.

** The hardware cloth (that's the type of wire on the structure in your picture & the best to use) comes in 4 ft Wide rolls. So I would go with 12 ft L if possible. That will make a wonderful home for your pijjies.

I'm not sure what type of flooring you plan to have, but you need to make sure no predators can dig their way under the bottom.
Mine is inside a window enclosed room over looking the backyard so I don't need to worry about unwanted critters getting in. But if it's outside, you would.

Cindy

[benjajudy01]

Also this is a great site for a starter loft.
www.redroselofts.com

[Vivi]

well actually i had a question about the flooring. outside in our backyard is pure cement and i was going to ask is it ok if i just leave it like that?? will it harm the birds if they walk on it when they go down there?? of course it is going to be 100% protected. also we have dogs outside and i was wondering if thats ok? i was thinking of getting that fence material and then cover it with the hardware cloth and then cover it with some kind of metal wall. if it is getting confusing then please tell me and i will try to do my best to clarify it. thank you for commenting roxtar and cindy (hope i can call you that) and also thanks for the link benjajudy01. I actually already saw that site and thats when the whole design thing got complicated for me. So thats why i want a simple yet strong yet safe enough structure for my birds.

[Trees Gray]

Hi Ruben,

You can use cement for the flooring as long as it dries quickly after a rain. As long as your birds have plenty of ventilation and perches and cubbies to sit on that are far off the ground that should be fine.

Pigeons have little requirements, like they can't handle any drafts of air, no standing water, and like to be up high, these things are crucial to their health.

They need protection from predators, and the dogs should not be a problem as long as they cannot get in where the pigeons are.

I have an aviary that is enclosed with a heavy gage fencing and that is overlapped with chicken wire/hardware cloth. The coop itself is enclosed with hardware cloth on all ventilation areas, where it is open. Chicken wire CANNOT be used in by itself, anything can get inside.

Please update us with your finished product as we would love to see it, and good luck to you.

[Vivi]

From Trees Gray:
"I have an aviary that is enclosed with a heavy gage fencing and that is overlapped with chicken wire/hardware cloth."

This is what i plan to do but between the fencing and the hardware cloth i plan to but some kind of wall. A metal or wooding one because here in Los Angeles you never know what kind of weather we are going to have. And it will protect my pigeons from the wind.

[Trees Gray]

Yep, wind coming from exact opposites is a "draft" and the funneling effect can cause them to get a cold, or worse, depending on their overall health.

[Lovebirds]

Originally Posted by Vivi

ohh thank you i was having trouble deleting it. I was wondering is this structure safe for my pigeons?? do you guys recommend anything to improve the structure?? I am planning to put up it against our house so the back will be protected but i also plan to put some walls on the sides for shelter. I plan to make it longer than wider is that ok?? My plan is to make it 7ft high, 11ft long, and 4ft wide. will this be good enough?? This is my first plan but our back yard is pretty big and there is plenty of space so things can change. But i would like to know if my original plan is good.

I saw your post and then forgot about it..........I would close in completely at least 1/3 of whatever you build, so that the birds can get COMPLETELY out of the weather. Of course you want a door to you can go in and out but they like to be enclosed at night and during really bad weather. This way, they have the option of being inside or outside. The size you mention is plenty big enough for 2 birds. I would not however make it 7 feet tall, unless you are very tall. 6 feet is plenty. Don't know if your birds are pets or what, but if you need to catch them, a 7ft ceiling will let them fly right over your head........

[TerriB]

That's a lovely setup. One addition I would suggest, if you can, is to add a vestibule or small security space at the entrance. Double doors can reduce the chance that your birds could get out when you are coming in or leaving.

[Vivi]

thanks for the suggestion Lovebirds i was thinking that 7ft was pretty tall especially because im just 5' 8. and yes i do plan to cover 1/3 of it because they do need some protection against the weather. My pigeons are pets and on a good day they perch on my shoulder. Terri i was actually thinking about the door issue because i dont want my pigeons to fly away. What do you mean about "double door" and how do you suggest that i do it.

[Victor]

A vestibule is a small access area with a door, like a small entry hall or area that you can walk out or in, so that if a pigeon follows you out, you can still put him in the larger space where he should be. It safely secures the bird in the "holding" area to keep them from following you out.

[hillfamilyloft]

When I was a kid my loft was exposed on three sides like the one you have shown. The difference was that the two feet around the top were skirted with siding. This left areas for nest boxes and perches that were free from direct draft. In the winter I would put heavy plastic on the north and south side. We get a West wind here so the East was open to the air. The sun would shine on the South plastic and heat the loft. I did not have any sick birds and won races. My loft now is enclosed on three sides and the top half of the East wall is open to the air and the aviaries. I have ventalation low on the West wall. I also have two soon to be three windows that I can open in warm weather. Plenty of air with little or no draft. If you go with the design and leave the loft open, I would enclose a portion of the loft where the birds perch and nest. I would enclose three sides, leaving the down wind or south side open. If you are in colder climates, kill all drafts, but leave circulation. Then build an aviary for the birds. I like the starter lofts on the Redrose page. I have a club member who built one exacly to specs. Great for a few birds. If you want to race I would widen it and build sections. Much like Lovebirds widowhood loft.
Randy