Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!intercon!ooblick
From: ooblick@intercon.com (Mikki Barry)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: INDOOR--Converting a Basement
Message-ID: <26FA40F8.23F2@intercon.com>
Date: 21 Sep 90 16:33:59 GMT
References: <902@cfiprod.UUCP>
Organization: InterCon Systems Corporation, Sterling, VA
Lines: 32

Converting a basement can be a wonderful way to keep "living" areas 
separate from "bird" areas.  Just be aware that the birds will want
to interact with you at more or less "set" times each day.  That
way, their life will be consistant, and they won't be so upset at
being separated from the house activity.

We just finished converting a garage.  The things you have to worry
about are mildew, vermin, bugs, and having a place that is easy to
clean.  First, you will have to seal the floor so that when you wash
it down, the water won't run into cracks and start causing damage.  Find
a good waterproofing agent for concrete.  You may also want to seal up 
the walls with it.  ON the walls, you can also put that laminated paneling
found in hardware stores for bathrooms.  White will help to reflect the
full spectrum lighting.  Then use some of that vinyl type stuff at the
bottom.  I don't know exactly what it's called, but it is about 3 inches
wide and sticky on one side.  That will keep water from running into the
cracks.  You may also want to put some tile or something on the floors
to make them easier to clean.  Some nice bird proof plants (in
case they escape and chew) will help with oxygen supply.  You may also wish
to purchase an air purifier.  We use the portable smokemaster units.  They
are electrostatic cleaners that are easy to clean.  With cockatiels and/or
cockatoos, the powder created can be considerable.  It can cause MAJOR
respiratory problems.  You will also want a dehumidifier to keep the
basement dry.

Re:  going price for an adult talking male....well, most people give them
away.  Many of my breeder birds were once pets that people wanted to 
"exchange" for bigger birds and/or baby cockatiels.  They seem much happier
with a mate and little chicks to care for.

Mikki Barry
Natural Intelligence Aviaries