Building a Birdcage...
 

We want to have a birdcage built off our lanai with artificial turf built with drainage (for the dogs) and a water element.

We will be coming down in December to start the building process and get as much as possible in order.

Who would you recommend to do this and why?

I would recommend T&D Pool, since they do hundreds of lanai's and birdcages every year. I believe they are the exclusive builders of these for new Villages homes. Not sure about the turf though. What would the purpose of that be? Surely not for your dogs to "do their business" on...right?

We were under the impression T & D would do this kind of thing when building our home. My sales agent said we would have to find someone and she would give us some names. *shrug* So... I don't know!

There is Turf built on drainage that dogs do their business on. You can clean it up just as you would the grass except you would then wash it as well!!! One of the threads inspired me to look into it. It's a great way to have green grass and it is washable! It seems it works quite nicely.

A link to one of the companies...
 

http://www.pup-grass.com/

http://www.artificial-grass.com/pets.htm

You're right....but, I've been told T&D have a lot more options, if you get it done after your home is built. It might have changed, but they used to be limited in what they could put on a new home. I know, doesn't make sense, but that's how it is here, sometimes.. :shrug:

For sure, I'd get the other recommendations [from your sales agent] and get quotes from all of them.

Still not sure about that turf thing... I would think the smell would get to you, but ???????

I know.... I thought the same thing. But then I realized that almost all the dog hotels and day cares have this and look at all the dogs they have. I've been to them and there is no smell. Its the way it's built. If you look at the links I sent, if it's done right, there is drainage just like your yard. They just can't kill it like they can your grass!

Oh geeezzzz.... That's what your neighbor's grass is for. Wait, you're not gonna be my neighbor are you? :1rotfl:

Seriously, you will not have time to be cleaning that turf all the time. You'll be too busy out play golf, going to the rec centers, the squares. You'll be busier here than you ever thought possible...I Promise!

And where does all this urine drain to??

Thanks for resolving that issue... We are in fact moving next door to you!!! :1rotfl:

Ummmm You do realize that dog poop has to be cleaned up regardless.... right???

ummm Bogie Shooter... where do you think it goes in your yard???

We've had two birdcages built, one on a CYV, and one on a Designer. Both by Whites Alunimum. It is my understanding that the Birdcage Company MUST install a concrete floor to receive ARC approval. In the past, apparently owners had installed real grass or artificial turf inside birdcages for pet bathrooms, and I guess that it was deemed unsanitary. You may wish to give the ARC a call to find out their current list of birdcage restrictions.

We solved the pet bathroom dilemma by installing invisible fencing. I had previously thought it was cruel. I've been delighted with the whole process. It isn't cruel and works like charm. If you want, I can tell you more.

I have no dogs P####ing in my yard.

I will check with the ARC about this. If it's a rule, it's a rule. However, I don't understand what difference it makes if they are using the doing their business in the yard or in the lanai.

You can have the Turf put in with a drainage mat over concrete, but that seems less sanitary then the rock and soil. hmmmmm

I was also under the impression that you could do as you wanted in the back you were only restricted in the front so that brings up something else I was unaware of.

One suggestion on this forum was someone who stopped the lanai about five feet to the end and then put in mulch and plants for their dogs... Could that be another option or would that be against the rules?

I'm concerned about the invisible fences as it keeps your dogs in, but not the predators out. Up north we have issues with the wild animals (including birds) getting in our yards and having our dogs for lunch.

1. Front yard, side yard, back yard all need ARC approval.

I knew you needed approval for the birdcage, I was under the impression what you did in it was your choice.

Yes... I meant stopping the concrete under the "birdcage" for the dogs.

Of course I agree you wouldn't leave your dogs out without supervision, but here, it doesn't matter, dogs have been swooped up before the owner could stop it.... Yes my pooches are under 10 lbs.

Thanks!

Always good to hear of more people who think they are beyond the rules.:mad:

Bogie, you are absolutely right. I understand what you're saying, and I didn't mean to downplay the importance of the ARC. I would never suggest anything that deters from the beauty of TV. I'm deleting my post.

Awww Bogie Shooter... Let's say we not be so judgmental. You nor I know what anyone did and even if we did, if it's something we can't see, hear or smell... Do we really care?

The rules are the rules. If you bend one, it becomes a me too and everyone will be saying "why not me". Damn right I care.

In this whole thread you have not said anything constructive to answering my question or made any suggestions to the situation. You have done nothing but sidestep the question.

If you don't have any suggestions to my situation, would you mind not harassing the people who have come on here who might?

Thanks,

You will hear a lot of recommendations for T&D and they are good. But, right now it takes 30 days just to get someone to come out and give you an estimate...then time needed to complete the project. So, if you want them you have to wait.

We're looking at doing pocket full glass sliders under the roofed part of our lanai (T&D did our birdcage a couple of years ago). Got an estimate (and good recommendations) on White's aluminum but still seeking out a couple more vendors. Also heard good stuff about Jammie Stevens and Express Windows.

Thanks I'll send a note to them as well....

We are coming down in December and are trying to line up our contractors!

My birdcage and pool has 2 small dirt areas built for gardens. I'm sure that it was not altered from the developer built pool in 1996.
I haven't dug more than 8 inched deep in the soil but I think they are open on the bottom.
It would be fine for a small dog as long it was frequently watered and they have good aim.

Thanks snowbirdtobe. That's kind of what was mentioned in another thread except larger.

When we were looking at pre owned homes we saw a couple with birdcages over the grass. While that would work... It didn't look right.

There is another thread where she had dirt areas at the back of the cage for the dogs with mulch. She said she planted some trees back there for them as well. That was my original thought but then when I started looking into the turf. It's beautiful, has a long life and if done correctly, works just like grass without the upkeep of mowing, watering and worrying about the dogs killing the grass. I have a feeling people are thinking about the stuff you see that is like carpet laying over the concrete and that's not what it is.

I'm not trying to argue with anyone, but I've seen plenty of cages with plants growing out of the ground at the end of the cages. Maybe a different village. I don't know.

I don't know anything about the ARC or how to get permission for something like that, but I will check into it. In the meantime, I'm sending emails out to some of the recommended companies on TOTV to see if they have ever done it or can do it if I can get permission.

Go here to learn about the ARC. (this is not intended to be harrassment)

http://www.districtgov.org/departmen...rchreview.aspx

Thanks Bogie Shooter!!!! That's a GREAT help! I will contact them about this and see what I can do!

THAT truly was helpful! :MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

Why oh why are screen rooms in TV called birdcages? I have lived in Florida for 12 years, and never heard that term until I came here. Anybody actually keep birds in there? :smiley:

I don't know why cquick but they are and no birds as far as I know. I was in a brand new house just this week that had a beautiful flower garden and fountain in the middle of the enclosed screen area. (birdcage) So times are a changin'.

There was a poster who suggested we all raise homing pigeons in our birdcages and for those who didn't have birdcages, could foster birds in their birdcages for the rest.

I think I kinda miss him.... :D

You will not have any problem getting ARC permission; they are concerned about what the birdcage looks like from the outside. As long as it is structurally sound and looks good from the neighboring houses, you can do whatever you want inside.

Don't know about the area for pets, but my neighbors and I all used Kilcrease for our birdcages. They did a great job, and I understand they are a bit less than T&D