Aviary Types and Sizes 

An aviary is more than just a large cage — it’s a safe, stimulating home where budgies can fly, explore, and live happy, natural lives. Choosing the right type of aviary depends on your space, climate, and how many birds you plan to house.

This page will help you understand the different types of aviaries, how big they need to be, and what suits your birds best.

🕊️ What Is an Aviary?

An aviary is an enclosed space where birds can move freely. Unlike small cages, aviaries allow for natural behaviorslike flying, flocking, foraging, and nesting.

Budgies thrive when given enough room to stretch their wings, interact with others, and stay mentally stimulated. Even a small flock needs enough space to avoid stress and injury.

🔲 Indoor vs Outdoor Aviaries

Indoor Aviaries:

• Ideal for people with limited outdoor space or in cold/wet climates.

• Usually walk-in or large freestanding enclosures.

• Easier to control temperature and lighting.

• Less exposed to weather and predators.

• Can be noisier in the home and require careful hygiene.

Outdoor Aviaries:

• Great for large flocks or breeders.

• Budgies benefit from natural sunlight and air flow.

• Must be safe from wind, rain, predators, and temperature extremes.

• Requires secure materials and more frequent cleaning.

• Can be planted or styled like natural environments.

You can also combine the two: a sheltered indoor section connected to an outdoor flight area.

🏗️ Common Aviary Styles

1. Walk-In Aviary

   • Large, often outdoor.

   • Allows you to walk inside for cleaning or interaction.

   • Ideal for flocks of 4+ budgies.

2. Suspended Aviary

   • Raised above ground, often on metal legs.

   • Easy to clean underneath.

   • Great for small to medium flocks, especially outdoors.

3. Wall-Mounted/Indoor Flight Cages

   • Long, horizontal cages along walls indoors.

   • Allow flight room in limited space.

   • Work best for pairs or trios.

4. Converted Rooms

   • Spare rooms turned into aviary spaces.

   • Great for heavy taming, bonding, and safe free-flight.

📏 Minimum Aviary Size Guidelines

Budgies are active flyers, so floor space is more important than height. Long, horizontal aviaries are always better than tall, narrow ones.

Here are some general size suggestions:

• Pair of budgies: Minimum 1.2m long x 0.6m deep x 0.9m high

• Flock of 4–6: At least 2m long x 1m deep x 1.8m high

• Larger flocks: Aim for 1m of horizontal flight space for every 2 birds

More space = healthier, happier birds. Never overcrowd your aviary. Birds need room to get away from each other, especially during breeding or molting.

🔢 How Many Budgies Per Aviary?

There’s no perfect number, but a good rule is:

1 budgie per 0.5 to 1 square metre of floor space

Always give more room than you think you'll need. Crowded aviaries lead to:

• Fighting and feather plucking

• Stress and weakened immunity

• Breeding aggression

• Increased mess and harder cleaning

💡 Tip: Design for Flight, Not Just Standing

Aviaries should encourage exercise. Include long perching zones with space between them so birds have to fly, not just hop.

If they only have room to perch, they’ll get bored, lazy, or overweight. Horizontal flight paths make all the difference.