Nest Building

[dunker817]

My male canary is shredding the paper I put under the perches and trying to build nests. Of course he has no place to put one but he keeps trying. Should I put a nest in the finch room or will that cause to much commotion amongst the residents with all wanting the nest?

[lovezebs]

dunker817

Does he have a girlfriend? Were you planning on breeding?

If not, than I wouldn't offer a nest.

If you offer one nest, it will cause all sorts of problems, if you have some true pairs in your room. Everyone will try to claim the nest for themselves.

[Zebrafincher]

Canaries are quite happy to play with feathers, shredded paper etc and carry them around. My previous canary, Kevin, was a confirmed bachelor but loved to do so. I gave him nests occasionally and he would pull them apart~!

Birds!

Zebrafincher

[Rox]

I don't think you should add a nest. That will drive him more into breeding mode and then he could start defending his nest from other birds, causing disruption in your flock.

Canaries love to play with all sorts of things. It keeps them busy and entertained for ages. Just let him be and enjoy watching his nest building attempts

[dunker817]

Will do. Thanks everyone.

[Jamm972]

Will a canary use a nest as is and not make any improvements for comfortability. I have a pair and the hen is sitting in the nest but not using any nesting material. its a whicker basket nest.
I am planning on replacing the whicker with the plastic ones but for the time being using what I have on hand.

I'm just concerned if the hen lays eggs in the nest as is the eggs wont stay warm not to mention be very uncomfortable. I am hoping maybe she is just getting a feel of the nest and mapping out her game plan.

Any advice on this predicament?

[Dave]

I've built nests and the canaries used them. Just pile the nesting material (I use burlap strings, 2-3 inches long) into the nest. Then push a ball or light bulb into the pile and twirl it around. The result is a bunch of burlap strings with a place for the hen to sit. You don't have to be fussy, the canary will get the idea and re-arrange it to suit her.