Thanks everyone. Still trying to figure this out. How long do you think it will take them to make concrete? I only have 3 weeks and I feel like I won't have time. Do you think my mom will not want to do this project at the end because of the work needed?

Pouring the concrete won't take all that long, maybe a day to get everything set up and poured and another day or two for it to dry. But since the birds will be living in cramped conditions during the construction period, it'll be good to have all your other materials prepared and ready to go so you can put it all together as fast as possible after the concrete is dry.

It'll be good to get your grandfather involved in the planning process. Show him online pictures of aviaries that are similar to what you want and some 'how to build an aviary' sites, and get his input. He'll be able to tell you a lot about the work involved and how long it will take.

This site goes into detail about what's involved in pouring concrete: http://www.wikihow.com/Pour-Concrete

This one has some more info on what's involved in the mixing, pouring and setting process: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-build-a-patio2.htm

Thank you. So once I make the hole in the concrete; I wait for it to dry, then put in the wood? Or do I stick it in and let it dry with it. If I make the hole? Will the wood fit nicely?

I think putting the wood in while the concrete is semi dry might work.

Thank you. How long does it take for it to dry? I want to know so I can see how fast I should get everything in before it's too late.

This video might help; it's for setting fence posts but should still be applicable to an aviary.

Thank you so much! That's exactly the information I needed. You answered at least 3 of my questions!

No problem; I helped my dad build a fence long long ago and I still vaguely remember the steps if you need elaboration.

Thanks!

If I end up using metal poles, what type is soft that a nail can be driven into?

You don't nail metal; you pre-drill holes and use screws. There's special drill bits for drilling into metals. Be sure to use eye protection and to sweep well after you're done--the little metal pieces that come out are sharp and fly everywhere.

I'm not sure what metal would be best. Aluminum or steel, probably. Aluminum is more expensive (about twice as much, I think?) but is lighter and doesn't rust. Steel's cheap but it's heavy and rusts if you don't have it coated.

EDIT: And you want anodized aluminum, which is bird safe. Apparently plain ol' aluminum is not.