Ibisring

If we have the idea to keep ibises in a protected environment, we want to make this place as comfortable possible for our birds. Think of it as a nice hotel room, suited for a long and carefree holyday. As a good host you want the best for your guest, don't you?

There will be European guidelines for keeping birds and the size of their home. In Belgium there is a rule for Zoo's, not for individuals, but we give you the measurements as an indication:

7 June 2000

Measurements for cages in zoo's : ibises
One up to 6:

• 20 m² ground space / 2,5 m minimum height + 2 m² per extra bird
• Floor: grass or sand
• Pond with water
• Covered space: 0,5 m² per bird / 2,5 m minimum height
• Area free from frost for species sensitive for frost

Measurements are very important, but you can build an impossible cage using these figures. For the love of your birds, take notice of following instructions.

Ibises like to fly. Just for fun, no special reason, making a little tour. Make sure this is possible. Put the plants in the right place, make it possible to land and take off.

In a narrow garden, you want to make the aviary higher; the birds will feel at ease above you. If there is more room, all can be arranged a bit lower, through the distance the birds are at ease at the same height you are.

They need a pool or pond. As they are waders, not real swimmers it is important to make the access into the water very easy. Ibises prefer to stand and wade where the water is knee high. To prevent the water from warming up in summer you need a deeper part. Make sure the birds can get out of it as they may land there after a flight. The pond should be easy to clean. Ibises drag everything into the water, to rinse it and see if it is eatable. Even the food you provide for them may be washed before eating. It is very handy to be able to clean the pond in a quick way.

Roof over the aviary can be wire or netting. If you use wire, take care that all loose ends from binding are on the outside so the birds can't get hurt while flying. Nets are a problem when there is snow. Overweight can damage a lot. On snowy days I go, dressed in a cape and raincoat, under it with a long stick and shake all snow down. My wife and neighbours enjoy this very much, but it is better than a torn net.

Branches to sit on are put on several locations. Thick enough so they can sit on them with toes open (min 6cm). Put them in such a way that al birds should not have to sit on the same branche. The dominant bird may chase everybody away. Think of how they sit in wild, make alternative places for all birds.

From their nest ibises like to overview the area, so the highest place will be their favourite. Don't hang up baskets surrounded by higher vegetation. Rather cut your trees at the same height and place the baskets on top. If your vegetation is not yet high enough a screen as used to grow climbing plants is a good alternative. Place it horizontal with some baskets on it and some rough branches to separate the nesting places. Nest against a wall are all right. Bald ibis lives in caves, a wooden box 50x50x50 with open front will be much appreciated.

Remember that an ibis will go on building his nest for the complete breeding period. Everything in it will move up, so take care for they might touch the roof. If you want to keep a group of birds make sure there are enough nesting places. Keep the baskets just far enough separated so they cannot steal sticks and twigs from each other's nests.

In the covered part we try to shelter them from the strong winds. If it is to narrow we provide a branch from the ground up so they can reach the best places. In winter you can keep the food free from freezing at this area. Don't heat it up to high for this will weaken your birds with possible illness on colder spring days.

If you take notice of these points, you can start building. Alternatively, maybe visit some breeders and see how they did it. The best out of several places may lead to you perfect aviary.

Think as an ibis for a while, what you would like in your living area. Then add your own 'touch' and make sure you have a good overview of it all. Study and control will be much simpler then.

Happy building, Ibisring