In order of safety it is :

1. SS
2. GAW (galvanized after welding)
3. PVC coated wire but it will have to be watched for UV damage (even though they say not) for it becomes brittle after time and can chip (becoming ingested and cutting or exposing the gal. finish).
3. GBW should never be considered.

I wish I had known you were not using SS for I would of told you about the GAW vs GBW. I have a link if you'd like SS wire. SS you will never need to replace or worry about. GAW you will and you will have to watch for any white corrosion and will need replacement over time.

If you use GAW wash it down w/ White Vinegar and a brush. Feed your birds apples more frequently for the pectin will help flush the zinc. Feed high calcium foods for calcium will help prevent absorption.

Sorry to hear about Woody.

Hi banned,

We are planning to build an outdooe aviary after I recover from my carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgurey in August. Could you please e-mail me the link on the SS wire, as I will need 10 gauge for Scooter the GWM.
His beak power is awe inspiting at the least!!
Thanks,
Bernie

This IS GAW ... I still have the label/panel.

The research we did said that the washing w/ the vinegar & brush wasn't confirmed to really help? Is there any confirmation that it really does? Our vet suggested it, but didn't confirm that it was gauranteed to help. What foods are high in calcium that are not dairy? Woody doesn't like apples

Edit: Depending on the costs of the custom made cover, we will be ordering SS chain link from a local distributer.

I'm so sorry to hear about Woody but glad you realized what was going on in time!

I think we need to keep this topic up top for everyone to see so that this doesn't happen to others.

I'm going to make your post, along with guest information, a sticky, if you guys don't mind.

That's scary!!! I hope he gets well soon!!!!

Would it be ok to cross post this to BirdBoard,as a lot of people are asking about aviaries and this would be helpful to them as well.

What a bummer for you and Woody - especially after you tried so hard to provide something wonderful for the birds. Hope he's feeling better soon!
Almonds are a good source of calcium. Also, broccoli, chickpeas, lentils, canned sardines, salmon, and other fish with bones also are good sources of calcium. You could also soak pellets in fortified orange juice.

Goofy's Dad: You have carpal tunnel from computer use?

I hope your bird makes a full recovery with no long term side effects. When I build outdoor stuff, I use only fencing/materials that had been outside in the weather for at least two years. I have never had a problem.

How is Woody doing?

Oh bummer - shots! Is it Amikacin? I understand it stings. My poor bird didn't like those shots one bit, and neither did I. Good luck!

Chelation treatments are a terrible thing to put a bird through... I hope he's doing much better. Already pretty much said, but I will reiterate that if people are to use galvanized steel, make sure the welds are smooth and done correctly and also definately make sure there are no weld balls or flakes that have been galvanized along with the rest of the material. Even if it is GAW, if there have been sloppy or incorrect welds, those small pieces will be galvanized also and look like nice little ingestible toys to the birds. We all know how appealing little bumps are to their curiosity. In regards to galvanized materials, quality is key. But of course, SS is ideal.

-Matt-

For those w/ smaller birds that would like to give your birds some outside time I found an aviary that "looks" pretty good and is a good price considering. It'll hold a larger bird also but they won't be able to actually fly like smaller birds can. (Comes in SS or PC also optional bottom grate and mess tray).

http://birdcages4less.com/page/B/PROD/A02/PA6000

This post was over on the Too's forum. This wire is big bird safe, a little more than the galvanized but less than stainless steel. It's what we're going to do the outdoor aviary in.

OK... here's the information you'll need:

If you go to Lowe's, tell them that you want Aluminized Chain Link Fence Fabric made by the "Merchants Metals Company" of Texas. You can use product number 00404. Be aware that not ALL Lowe's have accounts with Merchants Metals, but you can Special Order it from those Lowe's nonetheless. If this IS the case... you may want to check your local fence supply because the cost MAY be cheaper than a special order from Lowe's.

If you DO order it from a fence supply or farm supply store... tell them that you want Aluminized
chain link fence fabric made by the Merchants Metals Company of Texas. They should know who MMC is (as they're one of the worlds largest) and so you shouldn't have a problem.

One last thing: I'm still guessing that a ballpark figure for 8 foot high by 50 feet long STANDARD chain link fence will cost "around" $300. This is subject to change weekly due to the high fluctuations of steel prices in our country right now. Also be aware that the smaller the holes in the fabric.. the more steel is used.. the more it costs.

FINALLY: Do NOT call Merchants Metals yourself. This company is STRICTLY wholesale to distributors
and will NOT deal with you as an individual whatsoever.