Introduction
Birds can sometimes be very particular about
their nests. While I have had zebras lay their eggs in
food dishes, the majority of the time the birds tend to be
particular about their nests. I have tried many different
types of nests, but have had the best luck with two different
types of homemade nests. One is made of cardboard, and the
other is made of some materials readily available from the local
craft store. I have used the cardboard nest boxes successfully
for several clutches of zebra finches. I have had several
clutches of Gouldians in the the other type.
I have also had good luck with plastic nest boxes. The
ones that I buy are hinged at the top, and allow you to look
inside and check on the status of the eggs or nestlings. I
put a single piece of thin balsa or basswood on the bottom of
the nest box. A coffee filter also can be used for this. The box that I used had some slits in the
bottom for ventilation, but the nestlings got their nails caught
in it. To give them increased ventilation I drilled
several 1/8 inch holes in the sides and the top.
Quite often pet stores have several different types of finch
nests for sale. These are usually made of wicker or some
other material, and look like little baskets with an arched
cover. I have tried these with little success.
In fact, I have had some problems with finches injuring
themselves on the wicker nests. They have gotten their
nails caught on the wicker and injured themselves trying to get
free. |
