Nests

[RC#1]

What is the preferred nest for a Gold Breast waxbill pair. I have a domed wicker style nest located in the upper corner of the cage which is secluded by plants. The pair refuses to add nesting material. The pair does not sleep inside the nest at night but they will go inside of it throughout the day.

I am just a little frustrated with the pair. Any advice with getting these little guys going will be appreciated.

[kenny66]

Mine prefer the nest not surrounded by any vegitation and prefer to nest in the more open areas, However yours may choose the wicker baskets where they are placed. The basket should be on the smaller size rather than large as they like a relatively confined space. I know all of us want the birds to breed asap but you need to let your birds nest when they are comfortable. They are probaby not ready to nest yet. Some suggestions to start them off:
1. Provide 2 nests so there is a choice of nesting locations
2. Provide suitable nesting material (straw, hay etc) including white feathers
3. Provide a premium finch mix
4. Provied soft food such as egg and biscuit
5. Provide live food (meal worms) if possible
6. Provide regular greens such as bok choy. kale etc
7. Provide small slice of lebanese cucumber

[cindy]

I agree with Kenny. Mine used tube nests and slept in them at night and sat in them during the day. Some of my pair built, others did not and used only the bedding material I added to the bottom. If using tube nest angle the bottom downward a bit to prevent the eggs from rolling out. I offered more than one nest per pair.

[RC#1]

Ok thanks, I'll try adding a second nest. According to the list of foods Kenny suggested the diet I proved is pretty squared away with the exception of the lebanese cucumber.

When I got the pair at the beginning of the year they immediatley went to nest however they had some seriously overgrown nails that were puncturing the eggs. After this failed clutch I clipped their nails. removed the nest, and gave them a rest. Since returning the nest I have'nt had any luck.

But thats the good thing about the forum. I can tap in to the experiences and creative ideas from hundreds of persons all over the world when any of the infinite issues that could arise while keeping finches.

[RC#1]

Kenny, I understand the importance of providing a variety of green food. Why did you specifically mention the cucumber?

[kenny66]

for some reason it seems to act as an aphrodisiac in finches. To begin the breeding season I increase the live food and add lebanese/continental cucumber to the breeding diet. It appears to mirror the effect that the provision of half ripe seeding grasses, which are plentiful to finches when they breed in the wild. Parrot Finches/Emblemas/waxbills particulalry relish it. A number of Australian breeders have also noted excellent breeding results with it. The provision of multiple nest sites and plentiful nesting material (not coconut fibre) including white feathers works very well for me. I have had about 25 young out so far this season. Nests have included mostly wicker baskets and coconuts-no wooden boxes of any type were used.

[RC#1]

Ok Thank you kenny, I'll let you know how everything works out.