Noob Questions on Perches and Wire

[chayi]

If you going to use wire mesh defently go with 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch i have 1x1 inch and on the floor of the loft too and some cats killed my baby birds that were not flying yet, now i got to make changes to the loft i guess wood floors are safer.

[Microcat]

Originally Posted by ptras

You can buy 1/2 inch galvanized hardware cloth at Home Depot or Lowes. I have seen the green vinyl coated hardware cloth, and I agree that it looks nice. However, it is about three times as expensive as galvanized hardware cloth.

GACK! Ok, so maybe the galvanized is a nice color.

Originally Posted by GEMcC5150

You can get your hard wearcloth through Amazon.com...... Hardware Cloth, 1/2" x 24" $30 36" $45 48" 60 ALL 50' rools FYI

Wow, did not know that. Heading to amazon soon as I post this to take a look.

Originally Posted by chayi

If you going to use wire mesh defently go with 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch i have 1x1 inch and on the floor of the loft too and some cats killed my baby birds that were not flying yet, now i got to make changes to the loft i guess wood floors are safer.

Oo, good information; but sad. I wouldn't have thought about the non flyers on the floor being at such risk! Obviously that shows how much I don't know!


It's official, I am so glad I came here for info well ahead of time before just throwing something pitiful together next spring.


And good points on the moisture. That is something the books didn't really cover in much depth.

Should a wood floor have any kind of water treatment.. like, I forget what it's called, but the stuff used on Decks that makes water bead up and roll off or something? Or just use an outdoor grade plywood?

I've seen how much the little critters can poo, and I just think hosing it down once in a while might be a benefit to sanitation...? Maybe not?

Again, sorry for all the questions, but GREATLY appreciate the info! I'm taking notes, I assure you.

[Quazar]

If your loft is well enough ventilated (although not draughty) there should be no problem with a concrete floor finished with a thin scree to smooth it over.
It can then be painted with a couple of coats of 2 pac floor paint (like garage workshops) which is also hardwearing, waterproof and non slip.
If cleaned regularly (like any floor should) you will find the poops dont stick as much as the surface is non pourous.
Like any floor, it will require maintenance over time, but no more or less than other materials.
The paint is more expensive, but gives a good finish & makes it more practical in the long run. Just depends on how much you want to spend.