Steve Hutchings Budgie Site

THE BIRDROOM

  During the early months of 1993 I was reading CAGE & AVIARY BIRDS and saw pictures of a new birdroom built by Bob Woods in the Midlands. Bob is just one half of the Chandler & Woods partnership. The pictures of the birdroom were magnificent, and all I could think about was something similar in my garden for my Budgerigars. 

  I started with Budgerigars during the l95Os and had always kept a modest birdroom  but as I had just taken early retirement, I believed this was the time to decide on a new birdroom. I telephoned Bob and he agreed to come down for a chat about my requirements. We made an application for planning permission and eventually all was  agreed. 

 Work started on May 12^th and by September 16^th were able to enter the new birdroom completed. The overall size is 24ft x 24ft the brick construction includes a cavity wall so it retains heat-during the cold winter months and never becomes too hot during the warm summer months. We decided on a Pitch roof that is tiled as a11 too frequently, a flat roof creates problems. The main door is positioned centrally on the front elevation facing my house.

The inside ceiling is eight foot from the floor This provides plenty of height for the free-flow of air and it gives the feeling of plenty of space. Inside there are two inside flights each 9ft x 5ft. I have only included 24 breeding cages as I wanted to keep my birds as a hobby and not a business. I wanted to enjoy the birds rather that them becoming a full-time commitment. After all, I had retired! 

Backing onto the bank of breeding cages are eight training cages for young birds and for Budgerigars being prepared for the shows. Between each of the stock cages is a shelf where a show cage can be placed for the birds to run in and out. This makes such a difference when training Budgerigars for a show team. 

Facing the training cages is what can only be described as tiled kitchen area where all my food preparation takes place. This area is fully wall-tiled for easy cleaning, includes a sink unit with running cold water. I have added a small 7K water heater for a supply of hot water for washing dishes and cages. the addition of a sink and water supply to a birdroom makes good management so much easier. There is never an excuse for not keeping things clean and free from dust. 

           My breeding cages are fairly conventional. I have 36in x 16in fronts with outside boxes which are the box within a box design.
Other birdroom features which are not usually found in most fanciers birdrooms is a toilet and a store room. Obviously a toilet is useful for any fanciers but I have many visitors and it does save the need to keep returning to the house. However; the most useful addition to my birdroom has been the storage room. I am able to buy enough seed and other foods for a whole year and store them. It also enables me to keep show cages in their cases and everything is kept in a dust free environment when not in use.

'For me, the storage room as been a huge advantage over my previous room.

All the modern additions to a birdroom are included. This means I have a 'telephone, which is perhaps a greater advantage to my wife than it is for me. There is a sophisticated security system which is best not described and heating is provided by use of oil-filled radiators which they are needed. During the warm weather these can be removed from the birdroom. 

The cost ? Well, in total it came to a lot of money. However, I spend hours with the birds and still enjoy them. I had taken early retirement from work and I did have the money to use. It was perhaps a retirement present for myself. Before I decided on such a room we agreed that there was little chance my wife and I would ever want to move again. The conclusion has to be that it was worth every penny!

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