Adventures in trying to make a nest out of a Coconut

[epriddy]

So I was reading this forum a couple of weeks ago and read a great thread about a finch keeper in Vietnam (i think). Her birds were gorgeous and she made her nests out of coconuts.

So I picked up three coconuts from the store with full intent to do the same. Needless to say I destroyed all three. I was unable to make the round opening in the front of the nest without cracking the coconut the entire way around? Maybe they're pre-marked to be that way in the USA, who knows.

So now I have three semi nice 1/2 open coconut nests....the directions on the previous post (which I have not been able to find) said to let the coconut just dry up in the sun. No such luck again!!! turns out dogs really like coconut and cleaned out my shells post haste. sigh.

I think the coconut nests on amazon are actually less $ than a fresh coconut, so that may be the way to go for me.

[ranchnanny]

I had a friend give me a coconut cut in half and they work great for my canaries. I lined one with felt and left the other empty. I really like the natural look of them.

I suppose you would have to drill a hole then use a jig saw or something like that to create the hole and leave the coconut whole. Is that what you tried to do?

[epriddy]

no, although what i should have done! I drilled a hole manually and then tried to use a flathead screwdriver to sort of notch out a hole. i'm sure a saw would have had a much lighter touch!!!

I have two 1/2 shells now as well and plan to use them. Hopefully the finches will like them too!!!

[CandoAviary]

Use a doornob drill. You can get a kit that has many different sizes that cut perfect holes. They work well on coconuts

[epriddy]

sweet idea! thank you!!

[CandoAviary]

Just make sure you put the cocnut in a vice/clamp to hold it steady before you attempt to drill , Safety first

[FeatherHarp]

Using a door knob drill kit....what a great idea!

Elissa good luck with your coconut venture. I hope you can make some useable nests. I will have to try that too.

Now I know what to get Hubby for Christmas...hehehe!

[epriddy]

does anyone know where that original thread is, by chance?

[CandoAviary]

That would be HoangQuan, he has many post mentioning coconuts........
http://finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2 ... nut#p91828

http://finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=5 ... it=coconut

http://finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=5 ... it=coconut

[debbyloo]

Okay, I will ask the next question - how do you get the coconut meat out of the coconut via only the nest entrance hole? I have a hard time getting the meat out even if I have the coconut cracked all the way in half. It is usually stuck onto that shell something fierce! Do you have to cook the coconut in the oven first to get the meat to turn loose from the shell - I have heard that can be done. What is your secret?

[epriddy]

time. let it all dry up and it will either dry up and fall out or be easy to shake/scoop out...

my dogs ate mine out for me...also an option, but mine were in half as i was unsuccessful in making the small hole.

[epriddy]

So here are a few photos that I snapped hastily this morning with my phone of my one successful coconut nest this morning. Sorry they are all a blur!!!

I used the coconut for my new pair of cut throats with no other nest provided. It took my male about a day to "find" it. I put some timothy hay in there when I afixed it to the cage.

The both seem to really love it!!!!

The only interesting thing is that when the male goes in and calls to the female, it makes this strange echo sound throughout the room.

[nelloyello11]

Nicely done, Elissa!
How did you attach it to the cage bars?

[epriddy]

I have a small manual drill and was able to drill two holes to hold it where and how I wanted it and just afixed it with one ziptie through both holes.

I wanted to make sure that no eggs could roll out, so if you see, it's hung such that the bowl of the cocount wouldn't let anything slip out. The parents could easily push anything out though, obviously.

[WhiteMagicWoman]

HAhahahaha! I never thought about the echo if they call from inside. That must sound pretty funny.