Tunnel Size

[sundance]

My first post on here but have been reading a lot of old threads for ideas for my first budgie enclosure with small outside aviary.

I have just broken through the wall of my shed and plan on using a piece of round plastic pipe as my tunnel to the outside enclosure.

I would appreciate advice on what size of pipe to use. I was originally thinking of 4" diameter but am wondering if it should be bigger. The length will be about 50-60cm.

Will the birds be happy to go through a 4" pipe this length or should it be 5 or even 6 inches in diameter?

Would a smooth plastic pipe (with a slight incline to prevent water getting inside) be easy enough for them to walk along?

I did find an old thread discussing tunnels but none of the images work any more. It would be great if anyone could post some pics of how they have done their tunnel and how they cover it up. I was thinking of a screw on plastic cap but I'm sure there are better ideas.

Many thanks in advance for any replies. I'm sure I'll have more questions before long!

[steve05412]

Mine flight has prob 5" square entry/exit on the shed, I also have a 4" landing area on either side of the entrance... hth

On mine the entry/exit has a sliding door which will cover and enclose them into the inside area on cold and wet days

[sundance]

Thanks for our reply. I can't seem to find any square ducting. How did you manage to do your tunnel?

[steve05412]

As it is a wooden shed , just drilled 4 holes in each corner big enough to get a jigsaw blade in, when stops raining will get you some pics ... hth ... cheers

[steve05412]

Just been and measured it's actually 11" high X 9" wide, came as a surprise to me

[sundance]

Thanks, that is a bit bigger than I was planning!

I think I'll go with a 6" diameter pipe. I have to go through two stone walls so the length of the tunnel is going to be about 50cm. Do you think the birds will happily go through this to get outside?

[steve05412]

Took mine a while to get used to the opening but once they sussed it it's all good, so would say the same, just may need a bit of time