Help Identifying Type of Nest

[ApricotMuffins]

I have a male zebra finch who is very very picky about his nest. He flat out refuses any nesting cups or boxes (even the hooded bamboo nests). He tried to build his own from the provided nesting material (sisal, jute, and coconut fiber) but he never quite seemed to be able to build one that was structurally sound, and wouldn't fall to pieces when they tried to roost for the night. In the mean time his mate was laying her eggs on the floor and ignoring them.

But then I found this when I was buying some more water silos at Petsmart:





It took him all of 10 minutes to decide this was an acceptable compromise and starting filling in the back to create his own little tunnel nest. He was happy, my hen was happy to have a place to lay her eggs, and that made me happy.

Well, the downside to this nest I can't really clean it, and since they've been nesting in it for about three months, I figured it was time to get a new one.

Here's the problem, my local pet stores don't carry them anymore and I don't even know the name of this type of nest so I can search for an online seller.

Oh, I should mention: I tried to give him a bamboo tunnel nest a few weeks ago, however, he decided it was a trap and neither of them would go near it.

My husband jokes that I should see if he'll accept a piece of wide pvc pipe, but I don't know how I feel about that

[Sally]

I used to have one of those too, I'm pretty sure I got it at my local Petsmart, but they don't seem to carry it any more. I did a general search for a small pet tunnel (I think Petsmart carried it in their small pet section) and still didn't turn up anything like it. Perhaps you could use something like this, which at least would be washable?

http://www.petsmart.com/bird/nesting/mu ... 3Dcategory

[Derk]

ApricotMuffins
I know some people have trouble with the original tube nest you used. Toenails got stuck in it which is never a good thing because finches may struggle so hard they dislocate their hip or cause other damage. This might be avoided by keeping toe nails trimmed short. ?

A year or more I saw several tube type nests provided to finches that were constructed of wire mesh. Some people threaded some material in and out of the mesh to give the birds the right idea. I can't imagine why you could not also use the plastic barrier mesh - not the light way mesh you throw over berry bushes to keep birds from eating the fruit.

I found this site that should provide you with enough information to understand what I mean. It is for constructing a mesh tube nest for a mallard duck. Obviously much bigger than you need.
http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/forums/vie ... hp?t=49167

[ApricotMuffins]

Derk
I can see the concern for toes getting caught in the waxy mesh. Initially, I felt I could chance it because I place a grooming perch in front of their water silos so all my birds have short nails (Especially useful for the strawberry finches who nails grow so long so quickly)

But that plastic wire sounds like an interesting idea. I'll have to stop by a hardware store and buy a roll of 1x1. Maybe that darn strawberry finch male of mine will like it too.

Sally
I guess I could try the tent style. Although I worry about the smell that might accumulate in the fabric since you can't really wash it with scented or harsh detergents.