Birds and Fishes together?

Question

I have fishes and love birds( this is a common name used in the petshop). Now i am planning to construct a big cage( l x b x h=225 cm X 100 cm X 200 cm) for the birds. My earlier plan was to dedicate it to the birds and make green grass on the flooring. Now I am thinking about constructing a small pond which will use half of the ground area ( may be 125 cm X 100 cm and 100 cm depth) which will add the beauty. I am planning to have small live plants and beautiful fishes in that. I can fix the decoration tree, where the birds will sit most of the time, on the other half of the cage so that much waste meterials wont fall in the water. The pond may be useful for the birds also in summer season to take a cooling bathe.

But i am not very confident about the plan. Whether it will create problems to the birds in the future or whether the fishes will survive?

What are the points i need to attend in my design and construction? Which fish species are suitable?

Answer 1

A pond that size would be about 330 gallons (for the US users who are still online). I think that sounds like a nice setup, myself. I thought about the bird waste in the water, and saw you had already considered this. Just remember that branches on a live tree will grow, and may have to be trimmed back to keep them from growing over the pond.

I take it this is to be an outside flight cage rather than an indoor one? Lighting and air circulation are the concerns here - outdoors, there won't be a problem. Indooors, you might need some strong artificial lighting, but as long as the cage is some kind of screen so air can freely flow, you should be okay. Depending on where you live, temperature and rain can be outdoor problems. You might need an enclosed shelter to keep the birds from getting soaked, maybe with a small ceramic heater that can be used to warm the inside if the temperature gets cool overnight (of course, should bring them inside if it's too cold).

The fish should have something for aeration (a small waterfall or fountain) and some type of pond filter. I'd locate the cage so it's convenient to a water source, for the inital filling and periodic partial water changes.

The only other design feature I can think of is to have a very shallow area that the birds can get to for bathing and drinking. A larger piece of stone that's tilted so part is in the water and part is above water would be good for this.

With the size of your pond, there are several fish species that could work for you. If you expect the pond to have a cold season, I'd use goldfish or sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and longeared are colorful). Your pond will be around 39" deep, so it shouldn't freeze solid. For a pond that would stay warm (in the 70s) year round, you could use almost any of the tropical fish as long as the ones you choose are compatible with each other. Remember that with that large of a pond, especially if you use plants in it, you fish will likely spawn. Just buy a few of the kinds you like, and they'll fill the pond for you.

This website has ideas for fish communities for an aquarium for tropical fish. Maybe you'd be interested in using it if your pond will stay warm year round to get some ideas. If you want info on any of the fish listed in one of the community types, just click on it's name. http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h701elmers_freshwater_handbook.htm

Your birds are going to feel spoiled!

Answer 2

Sounds wonderful, however Your fish pond will need to have a cover perhaps a clear plexaglass one that has a hinge on the top for cleaning and feeding. The bird droppings and scattered bird food may prove to be a slight problem. Also, a plexaglass cover sitting about 3-5 inches above the pond will also allow you to feed and clean your fish with ease. A filter located below the floor of the bird cage would be a bonus so you can now vary your fish. You will need to post pictures. Betta or a small goldfish would work to start. These are really your only two options for fish since you don't have a design for a filter or a heater. Guppies but they would be too small really to see. Good luck with your project. Koi are not an option here. They get entirely way too big. Perhaps if you have a filter a larger school of barbs. They kind of would add an amazon jungle thing to the cage.

Answer 3

Didn't you just ask this question? 5 times in the past 18 hours? Refer to your other answers

Answer 4

You will have some full birds.