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: