Aviary Mesh

Aviary Mesh — Buying Guide

What Is Aviary Mesh?

Aviary mesh is a fine-gauge welded or woven wire mesh used in the construction of bird aviaries, reptile enclosures, insectaries and small animal habitats. It is typically made from galvanised or stainless steel wire with smaller apertures than standard fencing mesh, providing secure containment for even small birds such as finches, canaries and budgerigars while preventing the entry of predators such as snakes, rats and cats.

Types of Aviary Mesh

• Galvanised welded aviary mesh — the most common choice for standard bird aviaries; strong, economical and weather-resistant; available in various gauges and aperture sizes
• Stainless steel aviary mesh — premium option for parrots and birds that chew wire; stainless steel is highly resistant to biting and will not corrode or shed zinc that could be toxic to birds
• PVC-coated aviary mesh — galvanised mesh with a coloured PVC coating for improved aesthetics and additional corrosion resistance; popular for display aviaries and garden bird enclosures
• Hex wire aviary mesh — lightweight hexagonal wire netting; suitable for small songbird enclosures in low-predator environments

Selecting the Right Aperture Size

Match the mesh aperture to the smallest bird or animal being contained — the aperture must be smaller than the head width of the bird. For finches and small birds, apertures of 12mm x 12mm or smaller are required. For larger parrots, 25mm x 25mm to 50mm x 50mm may be acceptable depending on the species. Also consider the size of predators in your area — snakes can enter surprisingly small gaps, so use fine mesh if snake exclusion is a priority.

Wire Gauge Selection

Wire gauge affects both strength and the bird’s ability to chew through the mesh. For parrots and other strong-beaked birds, always use heavy-gauge mesh (16 gauge or heavier) to resist biting. Lighter gauge mesh (19–22 gauge) is acceptable for small finches and canaries that do not chew wire. Stainless steel mesh is recommended wherever parrot-chewing is likely to be an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is galvanised aviary mesh safe for all birds?
Galvanised mesh is generally safe when properly manufactured. However, some birds — particularly large parrots — can chew galvanised wire, which may cause heavy metal toxicity. For birds that chew wire, stainless steel mesh is the safest choice.

What mesh do I use for a snake-proof aviary?
For snake exclusion, use fine welded mesh with an aperture no larger than 12mm x 12mm and ensure there are no gaps at joins, frames or doors. Snakes can be very persistent and squeeze through surprisingly small openings.

Can aviary mesh be used outdoors?
Yes — galvanised aviary mesh is designed for outdoor use and will resist corrosion for many years in most Australian conditions.

Order Aviary Mesh Online — Australia-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast dispatch. We supply bird breeders, reptile keepers and aviary builders across Australia. Contact us for advice on selecting the right mesh for your birds or animals.