FINCHforum

Has anyone used the nesting material by UltraCare? It's the pieces of heavy thread that the birds can pull out of a box and they're about three inches long. I noticed that one of the birds got a little tangled in a piece but luckily he got himself out of it. I guess I'm wondering if anyone has had any compaints about it. Could it be one of those "just because you can buy it doesn't mean it's any good" things?
I've since been giving them pieces of raffia or little strips of newspaper.

I have read stories of birds getting string twisted around their legs causing serious damage even death.

I use a Kaytee product...I think it's called Orchard Grass. You can find it in the dept for small animals such as hamsters and such.

They really like the grass and it makes a great nest.

I used to use that string, before I went online and read some negative comments about it--I never had a problem, but I don't use it anymore. I have Bermuda hay for my horses, so I use that, plus coco fiber, as the basic nesting material. All my waxbills like to line their nests with white feathers. Most of the birds use the coco fiber, it is a must for waxbills, but I've never seen it locally, always have to order it.

Sally, you always have great answers! I bought some of that Orchard grass and I find that it breaks just pulling it out of the bag. The bermuda grass is more flexible and it's not as messy. I prefer the more natural material than some of that stuff you can find at the local pet store. I did get a bag of all natural material which contains Sisal, Jute, Coconut Fibers, Cotton Pods and enriched with Horse Hair! Yummy! I haven't used it yet since mine are happy with the bermuda grass.

the main item I supply for my birds is coconut fibre, they will build 90% of the nest using this. also have different grasses growing in the aviary to which they help themselves. the button quail supply lots of feathers

Thank you...thank you...thank you everyone!
I am definetely going to look for these things.
I can't even begin to tell you guys how helpful this is. I'm glad I can rely on everyone to give me a helping hand now and then.
You guys are great.

I've gotten cocofiber basket liners in the garden department of Home Depot. The birdies like it. They seem to like a lot of the stuff I offer them. Unfortunately, the zebra boys steal all of it! The poor societies end up with nothing.