Nests vs boxes

[love4finches]

I have two nesting homes for each pair of finches. (zebras and societies).

They all use the bamboo nests but I prefer them to use the boxes attached on the outside. More room and easier to deal with.

Is there a way to wean the breeding pair to use the boxes? They have all has a clutch in the smaller bamboo nests and only one pair stuck their head in the box but none will go in.

Do I just have to not put in bamboo nests and hope they will eventually use the boxes?

[debbie276]

I would remove all the nests I didn't want them to use and make sure they have access to the ones I want them to use.

[love4finches]

Debbie,
Which nests do most use? I love the box wooden ones because they are so roomy but my pairs have only had clutches in the bamboo ones. Hope they can get use to them.

[debbie276]

I only supply wooden boxes that everyone use except the owl finch, they build their own in twigs I hang.

[L in Ontario]

Remove all the other nests and only give them the option of the nest box. To entice them in - hang a few pieces of nesting material in the opening.

[love4finches]

You gals are amazing!! Just got done doing just that. I still have a bamboo nest of 6! CFWs. I only saw 4 eggs. All doing great and 3 BCs are fledglings. Can't wait to see how long it takes for them to do a switch over in nests. Any chance they just won't take to it even though they've had babies,, I would guess they will eventually use the box since breeding seems to be the action of the season for me right now.

Thanks again. Love this board!! Lyn

[cindy]

Are the boxes the kind with the removeable pieces in the back...if so turn the box around, remove the top piece to form a open face box. You will have to cover the round hole with mesh on the outside to prevent them from escaping and it will give you a way to peek to.

I found most zebras will not go into a box easily with just a round hole as an entrance. The open face will allow for more air flow as well.

[love4finches]

Are the boxes the kind with the removeable pieces in the back...if so turn the box around, remove the top piece to form a open face box. You will have to cover the round hole with mesh on the outside to prevent them from escaping and it will give you a way to peek to.

I found most zebras will not go into a box easily with just a round hole as an entrance. The open face will allow for more air flow as well.

I have the "reverse" boxes with the round hole as an entrance. I'm bumbed out now. If I turn the boxes, the top will be the full opening and the round hole will be on the bottom. Now whatdo I do?? Where do you get the type of boxes you described? can't find them here in jersey.

[cindy]

I got the plastic nests from ABBA Seed

shaftail in their box.jpg (34 KiB) Viewed 1040 times

You can buy the open face wooden nests from ladygouldian.com (this is where I bought mine a few yrs ago)

or you can take the box you have and alter the front to make a wider squared opening.

[debbie276]

Not sure where you are in Jersey but Abba Seed's showroom is at 38 LONG AVE HILLSIDE, NJ. 07205
OFFICE HOURS MON. - FRI 9 am to 4.30 pm
SHOWROOM OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY M-F 9.00 AM TO 4.30 PM
SATURDAY 8 AM TO 12 NOON BREEDERS ONLY NO PET SHOPS
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED ON SATURDAY CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
http://www.abbaseed.com/index.htm