FINCHforum

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

cindy wrote: 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.

I got the plastic nests from ABBA Seed
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.

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