FINCHforum

Do waxbills need a smaller nest entrance than Bengalese?
I'm trying to think how to give them their own hidey hole without the others filling it up with themselves. You know societies!

Some waxbills like their nests lower, covered by a plant/tree, etc....

I tried last year giving them a small and a large bamboo nest--though they put some nesting material in both nests, they settled on the larger one to finish off. This year, I tried a couple of the plastic nest boxes, and they didn't go for them at all, went right for the larger-size bamboo nests. They pretty much cover the opening, leaving just a small hole for entry. My CBs are in separate breeding cages, so no problem with other birds bothering them. Are your birds in a flight or an aviary?

What kind of waxbills do you have? Some like nests higher in the cage, while other build their own on the floor (like rosy rumps).

I have them in a 6'x2' flight that is 4' high. I have golden breasted waxbills. I'm still learning about them. So far they haven't tried the nests (tube bamboo) that the societies like. I'm wondering if the competition is just too much.

My goldbreasts use a small wicker nest (not the tube shape). Of course, they're only sleeping in there so far - no eggs - so there may be something else they'd like better.

That's my Cordon Bleus that use the large bamboo (wicker) nests. A Goldbreast breeder told me they will use a small bamboo (wicker) nest. I believe they do a little better in a breeding cage by themselves, too.

I'm not too concerned about breeding them yet, but had read that they like to roost in nests so was thinking I could start with finding one they like.
I was thinking of setting them in a breeding cage this winter when I can pay attention to them more.
They seem pretty cheerful with the 6 societies and the button right now. Do they sing? So far I've only heard tweets/chirps.

The male has a PIERCING call. I don't think I've heard an actual song from mine yet......