Outdoor mew addition-ideas?

[SimoneBird]

Hi all,

I'm planning to add an outdoor area to my red-tail's mew within the next couple weeks. One of my friends has a nice outdoor addition that I'd like to duplicate but I am on a pretty tight budget right now and am trying to find something that will be safe but not cost an arm and a leg. She used turf protector plastic meshing for the enclosure and I might end up using that if I can afford it but thought I'd post on here and see what other people have used. My red-tail is extremely calm in the mews and I don't anticipate him bouncing around at all. Another friend suggested plastic lattice work and then just making the area where the perches touch the siding solid so critters can't reach in. Any thoughts or tips? I've attached a photo of my friend's mew so you guys can get an idea for what I'm trying for. Also, has anyone used the turf protector stuff before for mews? If so, where did you get it? I can only find it online in huge quantities (http://www.boddingtons-ltd.com/acatalog/turfprotecta-turf-reinforcement.html)
I did post the same question on another message board and the thinking is that critters could chew or break through any plastic material. But chainlink isn't so good for a free lofted bird either though safer predator-wise. Any thoughts? I'd love to hear what other people might be using for their outdoor parts to their mews.

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[Matt]

Simone, what is your budget like? Are you basically going to add a weathering yard? The ones I've built, if you price your stuff properly cost under 300. I believe my original 8'x8'x6' tall weathering was around 250, and the addition i built that is 6x8x6 was about 200. When we built Aurelia's i want to say the price was around 250 as well. Maybe less.

Do you have my number still? Feel free to call. I have never had an issue with mine, other than the fact i need to redo the roof on the additions chamber, since i slacked on it and it needs to be redone.

I've freelofted a red tail and a harris in them, and had no issue. I used coroplast to make slats to fit in the wire.

I have a TON of the stuff left over.. your welcome to it. Just get it the hell out of my house! I even have some wire left over.

[SimoneBird]

Hey Matt thanks for the info and photos! I ended up finding some nice material at the feed store this weekend and was able to get it at cost as my friend works there It's like hardware cloth but bigger openings (not big enough for a bird to get its head/foot through though). I'm going to start building it this weekend and I'll try to remember to post photos when I'm done. Thanks again for the help and offer of materials-sorry I already got stuff or I might have taken them off your hands!!

[Matt]

No problem. I might be around Saturday evening if youd like a hand.