Using hay nets in the aviary for nesting area's

[Rox]

I found this tip on the 'Birdkeeping the South African Way' dvd's and I am going to give it a try this season.

Basically you fill the hay net with hay/straw and then the birds can burrow in and make nests in the nets. Finer grasses and feathers are then offered to line the nests. I'm just wondering if anyone else has tried this?

I think the waxbills or any bird that prefers to build their own nest "should" like it

[monotwine]

Hi there Rox,

I've tried it, but I warn you to watch for mould developing on the teff. We live too close to the coast and have higher humidity than up country. That encourages mould etc and its no good for the birds.

I would say though to try fill them with Slangbos or brush of plants that keep their leaves.

Happy decorating.

[Rox]

monotwine

Hi Monique,

Thanks, I didn't think about mould. I'm going to give it a try and if there is any sign of mould, I will take the nets down. I was thinking of using oathay to fill them and then the birds can line it themselves with teff. I still need to go hunt down some slangbos...

Going to start spring cleaning the aviary's tomorrow. I'm rather excited to get stuck in Got some lovely fern branches which we cut down over winter. Works well for nesting area's!

[monotwine]

I started last weekend. cleaning putting up nests etc. weather is turning and the birds are looking to breed. enjoy.

[poohbear]

I've used these successfully for years....2x hanging basket wires

[Sam007]

Looking very nice. What is the diameter of this nest. Do you make a hole or cavity in it before hanging it in birdcage?

[monotwine]

I used those too and the Owl finches loved them. I used coir which was less prone to getting mouldy.
Only down side is if you are a nest peeker.... you can't get in there without destroying the nest. So perfect if you want to curb yourself

[MariusStegmann]

I would like to suspend a wire cube and fill it with slangbos for my waxbills. I took out all my slangbos because mice were hiding out in it.
There were two waxbill nests with eggs in it when I removed it. Pity, but the smell of mouse urine turns my stomach. Rattex took care of the mice nicely.

[MariusStegmann]

poohbear Is that snow on your aviary? I can't imagine having snow all over the show. How big are these wire balls?

[poohbear]

Those are 14 inches with a few holes punched in...I've made them all sizes.

And snow?.... this was three years ago.



That's why my aviaries are fully glazed for bad winters now.

[Rox]

poohbear glad to see someone else has had success with this idea! Your gouldian's look so cute peeking out of there

Gosh that looks freezing. I'll stick to our mild winters thanks

[saulosirds]

Rox

I use what we call here, orchard grass. It's not as course as alfalfa but it is a heavy hay type of grass that all of my birds love. I buy a plastic mesh material that has 1" squares in it and make it into hanging tubes that I obviously hang from the top of the flights or cages. You can make it whatever diameter you want and then cut some holes in the mesh at different heights for the birds to climb into and nest. Try and leave some space between the top of the mesh and the top of the flight. My birds love to nest at the very top for safety.

It is similar to this but in squares not poultry netting:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tenax-3-ft-x ... 384027-_-N

Rob

[Rox]

saulosirds

Rob, thanks that is a great idea. I have been thinking of how to get more roof high nesting in the aviary for certain waxbills without having to put brush up (everyone just uses the branches for roosting). The hanging tubes would work perfectly!