Nest Building

[dunker817]

Will canaries use a nesting box?

[Sally]

I believe most canaries like open nests. Most of the Serinus family have similar breeding requirements. My Gray Singers, closely related to canaries, use an open nest. You can get round wire, plastic, or wicker open canary nests.

[dunker817]

Thank you Sally. I saw a nesting box that was designed for finches and wondered if it included canaries.

[Sally]

dunker817 Here is a link to an assortment of canary nests and liners:
https://www.birdsupplynh.com/catalog/in ... 3d0097943d

[Jamm972]

hi dunker817 Canaries are very picky on their nests. They usually prefer an open bowl nest, but will use anything that is supplied. I wouldn't suggest a box because it makes it hard for you to monitor the progress. Open nests have its advantage. you can shoo the hen off the nest to see how the eggs are doing, You can observe if the male is feeding the hen, and you can see if the nest if fully built and or if you need to add more nesting material. Also Open nests are usually easier to keep clean and sanitary.

All in all I would not suggest a boxed nest unless the canary has already chosen to use it as a nest.

[Sally]

Jamm972 has brought up an interesting point. I loved the open nest that my Gray Singers used, because I then had a front-row seat to the whole incubating/hatching/brooding/feeding/fledging process. With my other finches, tucked away in private nests, I never get to see any of this, so the open nest adds so much fun to breeding.

[dunker817]

Jamm, thank you for the information. I ordered some wicker nests from Glam Gouldians and three bags of various nesting material. I am hoping they will build a nest for themselves.

Sally, I will go to the link and look at the items they offer. Thank you.

[Jamm972]

Glad we could help best of luck