Getting ready for my new arrivals

[ste6]

Ive agreed the purchase of my chipmunks now. And I wanted to post the pictures of the aviary I have built just to make sure I have not made any schoolboy errors with it.
I have put concrete flags down and screwed the wooden frame to it. The wire is 19G 13mm by 13mm. I plan to put a second skin on the outer side of the frame also. Ive bought a big bag of hay to put on the floor, plus ive got a bag of leaves from a hazelnut trees to throw in. The branches I'm putting in are also from a hazelnut tree, Ive suspended 2 of these so they will have swings to play on. I also plan to fill the clay pots with soil so they have somewhere to dig. Ive built a couple of nest boxes so far these are about 6 inches by 6 inches, is this big enough? I am aware I will need to make more.

[tarcus]

Looking good but a bit too tidy for mine (lol)
I have used loads of old drainpipe sections suspended with wire ties from the ceiling and walls along with different size branches from floor to ceiling and across from back to front and side to side.
Mine also enjoy sitting as high up as possible in the corners I just use old bits of plank across the corners held on with a couple of staples.
Perhaps you may get more ideas if you go to some of the older posts in pictures section. hers a link to one such post:-

http://super-chipmunks.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,129.msg872.html#msg872

As for the floor I would personally cover the flags in a mixture of compost and bark and lay some more pipes down for them to run through and hide in.

[ste6]

Thanks for the advice. I was told not to put anything plastic in the cage in case they chewed it, is that just a myth? I have the cardboard tube to put in for them to run in and will put a wheel in also as many people have suggested them.

[tarcus]

As long as you use strong plastic tubes like drainpipes or even sewer/drain pipes there is no problem. Chips will only rip up cardboard tubes and take them into their nest boxes.
Wheels are great bot don't feel restricted as to the height I have three all at different levels, I attach them and most other things with plastic wire ties as I tried string once and they chewed it off.

[Sam_Spice]

I have three plastic tubes and a large 40l plastic tub full of soil and not seen any teeth marks  Attach alot of mine with string and only occasionally he chews it off if its in 'his highnesses' way  Your setup looks amazing! I can't imagine any chipmunk turning his nose up 

[ste6]

i have acquired a bin bag full of wood chippings to put on aviary floor. They have come from some council workers cutting trees down at the side of the road. I know they definitely werent conifers, is there any other concerns i need to address before i throw it in?   

[tarcus]

None whatsoever the best thing is the amount of creepy crawly things that go with the wood makes for a more natural floor for the chips who will eat meat if they find it.

[ste6]

All done now!

Just got wood chippings to throw in, and wheel to fit. Get my chips in a month.

[tarcus]

Looking good but can I make one little suggestion? try making a bit more space in the middle just big enough to put an old stool in or perhaps a log/chair to sit on.
it helps when you want them to come to you if you are comfortable 

[DayleC]

Good suggestion...I have a seat in mine.....if it's a nice day I'll take me cuppa out there and sit with them ..My husband always wonders how one cup of tea can last so long    I took a friend of mine in there one day.....Munks climbing all over the pair of us...Next thing we knew the little devils had got her cigarette box out of her pocket!    Another friend had her hood filled up with sunflower seeds.... The list goes on.  I'm sure there are others with similar stories