Bird Shed

A reader from the Midwest wrote:

I need a small outdoor shed that can be heated in winter, and cooled in summer to house my birds. I breed cockatiels. I'd like plans for one that I can build myself. I live in the Midwest. We get very cold winters, snow and ice. The roof soffits would probably need to be vented to prevent ice dams along the eaves. I'd like to be able to add an outdoor area/aviary space. Not large, but a small space where they could enjoy the warmer weather, and have a small flight area. That area would need to be cat, critter proof..open sides..(some sort of metal cage-like) with a roof over it in case it's rains, or is too sunny and hot.

I want windows (to put a small AC in)and for natural sunlight and fresh air.

I live in town so it can't be so big that it would require a permit.

I have stackable cages on stands. 4 of them. I'd like to put 2 against each side wall, with space to walk between and some space at the back for shelves.

We've had requests for chicken coop plans before, but this is the first aivery!

The first step is to determine what's allowable under the local ordinances. You need to plan for enough setback from the property lines and find out how large you can go without a permit (if that's the route you choose to take). You'll also want to check to see if or how the shed needs to be tied down.

The right set of plans is all important. To brave the weather, you'll need to accommodate enough insulation to keep out both the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. Even more importantly, you need a way to prevent those frigid winter drafts. You should give a great amount of consideration to an airlock entry ... while this will eat into your floorspace, with birds it's likely to be an essential feature.

An 8x12 foot shed would give you 96 square feet of floorspace. If you go with a tall gable design, you can put the entry/airlock on one of the 8 foot walls and build your shelving on both sides of the entry area.

South facing glazing can help warm the shed in the winter, although you may want to include some form of removable insulation on the glass areas for night time and the coldest overcast days. You'll also want to place the cages carefully to avoid baking the birds with too much sunlight.