Guía de construcción de la muda de cetrería

Regulatory Note

Your mews must meet state and federal regulations before you can get a bird. These requirements vary by state—check with your wildlife agency for exact specifications. The information here covers general best practices.

Minimum Requirements

Federal regulations establish minimum size requirements:

Floor space: At least 8’ × 8’ (64 sq ft) for large birds
Height: High enough for the bird to jump/fly to a perch
Perch: At least one suitable perch
Protection: From weather and predators
Ventilation: Adequate airflow without drafts

Note: Minimum is not optimal. Larger is almost always better.

Types of Mews

Traditional Mews

An enclosed building with a door, window, and solid walls. The bird is kept on a perch inside, usually tethered or free-lofted.

Best weather protectionSecurity from predators

Weathering Yard

An outdoor enclosure where the bird can sun itself and bathe. Usually used in addition to an enclosed mews, not as a replacement.

Natural sunlightMental stimulation

Free-Loft

The bird lives untethered inside a larger enclosure, able to fly short distances. Requires more space but eliminates equipment risks.

No equipment tanglesRequires more space

Design Principles

1. Safe Walls and Surfaces

The interior must not damage feathers or feet:

Smooth walls: No rough surfaces, exposed nails, or sharp edges
Vertical slats: If using bars/slats, make them vertical (horizontal = broken feathers)
Padding options: Carpet or AstroTurf on walls where bird might contact

2. Proper Ventilation

Good airflow is essential for respiratory health:

Cross-ventilation: Openings on opposite sides
No drafts: Ventilate high, perch positioned out of airflow
Moisture control: Humidity causes aspergillosis—keep it dry

3. Light Control

Natural light cycles keep birds healthy:

Window: At least one, ideally facing morning sun
UV access: Direct sunlight for vitamin D synthesis
Shade option: Bird should be able to escape direct sun if hot

4. Security

Protect your bird from predators and escape:

Solid construction: Raccoons are persistent and clever
Secure door: Latches that wildlife can’t open
Double-door entry: Prevents escape when you enter (recommended)
Hardware cloth: 1/2" welded wire for any open areas

Interior Setup

Essential Interior Elements

PerchProper size for the species, padded if needed
Bath panShallow container for bathing (not drinking)
Shelf/ledgeAlternative resting spot, especially for free-loft
Floor coveringPea gravel, sand, or easy-clean surface

Materials

Frame Options

Wood frame: Traditional, easy to work with, insulates well
Metal frame: Durable, predator-resistant, less maintenance
Shed conversion: Pre-built sheds can be modified (common approach)

Wall Materials

Plywood: Smooth, easy to clean when sealed
FRP panels: Fiberglass reinforced—very easy to clean
Vertical slat: Allows airflow but needs to be bird-safe spacing

Perch Considerations

The perch is where your bird spends most of its time:

Diameter: Bird’s foot should wrap ~2/3 around
Material: Natural branch, wrapped rope, or padded
Position: Not too high (can’t bate hard onto floor), not too low (feels unsafe)
Types: Ring perch, bow perch, block perch, or shelf—species dependent

Common Mews Mistakes

Too small: Minimum size is not optimal size
Poor drainage: Standing water breeds bacteria and parasites
No shade: Overheating kills birds faster than cold
Rough surfaces: Damaged feathers don’t grow back until molt
Weak security: One raccoon visit can end in tragedy

Visita los mews de otros cetreros antes de construir el tuyo para ver qué funciona en tu clima y para tu especie. Construye más grande que el mínimo requerido, ya que podrías querer aves adicionales más adelante. Instala un sistema de doble puerta aunque la normativa no lo exija, porque las fugas de aves durante la alimentación o limpieza son un riesgo real y prevenible. Usa superficies interiores lisas y lavables que puedan desinfectarse. Coloca las perchas de modo que el ave no pueda ver perros, gatos u otra fauna que cause estrés y lesiones por intentos de escape.

Budget Considerations

Expect to spend $500-$2,000+ on mews construction, depending on:

Building from scratch vs. converting existing structure
Size and complexity
Material quality
Your DIY skills

A converted garden shed is often the most cost-effective approach for beginners.

Before You Build

✓ Check local zoning and permit requirements
✓ Get your state’s specific facility requirements
✓ Have your sponsor review your plans
✓ Schedule your facility inspection before building (some states)
✓ Consider future birds—build bigger than minimum

Limpia tu mews a fondo al menos semanalmente, eliminando excrementos, egagrópilas y restos de comida que atraen insectos y albergan bacterias. Inspecciona la estructura trimestralmente en busca de huecos, herrajes sueltos y señales de intentos de depredadores. Trata las superficies de madera anualmente con sellador seguro para aves para prevenir la absorción de humedad que lleva al moho. Reemplaza el acolchado de las perchas cuando se comprima o desgaste. Revisa las mallas de ventilación en busca de obstrucciones por escombros o hielo en invierno. Realiza una limpieza profunda y desinfección del mews completo entre aves o al menos una vez por temporada durante el período de muda anual.

Mews Construction Guide