Nests

Gizmo92 · Post by **Gizmo92** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:04 pm

This is the nest i just bought i was wondering if its okay for 2 zebras. so far all they do is sleep on top. So I moved it to a higher location so there was no room on top to sleep. If it isnt okay should i go with bamboo?

j · Post by j » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:10 pm

Are you trying to breed them? From everything I've learned here, zebras (and other finches) don't need a nest to sleep in. They only need a nest when it's breeding time, and giving zebras a nest will encourage them to breed.

Post by **Sally** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:12 pm

That should work--it's hard to tell the exact size from the picture. It looks like it is small, so if they have a large clutch, you will have to watch out for babies falling or being pushed out. The larger nests have the disadvantage that Zebras often will make a nest, lay a clutch, then start laying more material on top of the eggs. I once had a pair of Zebras do this, ending up with four layers of nesting material and eggs--a good reason to take out all nesting material once they have started laying eggs. I use the bamboo nests a lot, many finches do well with them, and they are roomier inside than the one you are using.

Gizmo92 · Post by **Gizmo92** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:13 pm

I do want to breed them. But Zebras do enjoy just sleeping in nests. I have had them since friday night.

Post by **Sally** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:42 pm

Yes, Zebras do love their nests, and they look so cute peeking out of them. However, they really don't need nests for sleeping, and the nest will trigger the breeding instinct to the point that they sometimes don't know where to stop--they are like rabbits! So if you want to breed them, give them a nest. When you are ready to stop the baby factory, take the nest out. They will do fine without it. You can always put a silk or plastic vine or plant in the cage for them to perch on, too.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:59 pm

hi
that size nest will be fine i have used these in the past for my zebras and they have worked ok

ken

moe moe2 · Post by **moe moe2** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 1:56 pm

i had that same nest and my two zebra tore the top off and then when they started breeding the eggs would end up on the ground they went to far as to lay a egg on the back of the raw food bowl that why i started my thread about nest http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1435

because that nest was not working for me

moe

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 4:09 pm

Zebras and Societies should always have nests ! Even if you don't want to breed them - Take the eggs out and use plastic eggs if need be. How would you like to have to stand up sleeping when you prefer to lay down...Think...Don't you want your birds to be happy! What's the big deal about giving them a $3.00 nest and some nesting material, when they keep busy building in the day and sleeping comfortably in the night!!! By the way - yes that nest is fine, and some birds will nest on TOP of the nest - and you did just the right thing, moving the nest higher and putting in some flowers on the top. Good Job. *Blaze*

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 3:36 am

That size nest is good, however, I have found that my zebras usually lay at least 6 eggs, and it can get very crowded. So when breeding my zebras, I try to give them the large bamboo nests, or a finch nest box. That way there is more room for the babies as they get bigger.

moe moe2 · Post by **moe moe2** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:39 am

at least they are standing on top of the new nest now now but they havent tried to go in.

is it ok to use plain white shredded paper for nest material ? i put some through the paper shredder and placed a little in the cage. i see that they pull it down off the bars but that it.

moe

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:50 am

Plain white paper is OK for nests that the birds are using JUST to sleep in. It still should be changed out of the nests every couple of weeks.

But remember that once they get started laying eggs or with their clutches they are going to be in that nest for a couple of weeks, and that paper is going to get very, very dirty! Especially after the chicks are born!! You will not be able to get in there to change it out with the babies and/or eggs so using something that will allow air and movement within the nest is better.

With something that allows air movement, the parents can move the nesting material around and away from the chicks. At times they will actually throw some of the stuffing out of the nest once it becomes too dirt.

Paper clumps together and they can't move it. That's why I add the sisal {cut up} or the wood chips {the ones made for birds-again Kaytee makes the kind that I use.} These don't seem to clump as badly.

I know some people use pellets of some kind but I'm not sure what they're made of, and I'm not sure they are very comfortable for the birds to lie on either. Think about it - they're round and hard and I wouldn't want to lay on them, but I'm not a bird; so I just don't know! So I don't use them.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:31 pm

Instead of cut up paper I would use ripped up tissue.

However, justbirdstuff.com has some great nesting materials.

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:43 pm

That's a great site Emily thanks for remembering it!

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:53 am

Are you being sarcastic?

SproutBeep · Post by **SproutBeep** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:48 am

I had that nest and my male got his leg caught and broken in it. I found him hanging by his broken leg.