Cotton balls in nest?

rach · Post by **rach** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:20 pm

Is this safe?

Post by **Hilary** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:00 pm

I personally wouldn't. I'd be afraid that nails would get tangled or hooked.

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:29 am

I use cotton balls in my nesting materials all the time. I do not just stick the cotton balls in the nests though - what I do is pull them apart and mix them with wood chips{check and make sure the wood chips you're using are made for birds} and/or sisal {which is a natural nesting material the consistency and the texture of dried silk} Then I use this mix in the nests. I have never had any trouble with the birds nails getting stuck in the material.By the way the wood chips I use are maded by Kaytee, and it states right on the bag that it is a special blend that can be used for birds. Most wood chip are NOT to be used on birds! Pine is the first one that comes to mind!

rach · Post by **rach** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:27 pm

Ok thanks a lot.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:11 am

be careful of sisal also i had a button quail nearly lose its leg through that stuff....and 2 zebra finches

ken

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:35 am

I'm sorry, Ken is absolutely right! I forgot to say that I cut up the sisal before I use it. I don't care what you use in regards to your birds - finches need small things. I cut up, smash, mash, mix up, pull apart, everything I use. These are little birds, and nothing should be used whole or large!! Little birds, little things! This of course is only my opinion, and what the heck do I know!

I know that my birds are happy and usually health, so some things I must be doing right. Although like everyone else I too have had problems with my babies - some health problems - but the easy stuff, nesting, lighting, raising little ones, those I think I have down pat! {cross my fingers that God didn't hear that and send a plague down on me! LMAO} If your new to birds let me say that the best thing you can do for them - read! Read everything you an get your hands on about your birds and how to care for them. *Blaze*

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 12:55 pm

It's true... reading is most important. When something doesn't make sense or you can't get it down right, or can't find information, then ask questions...

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 9:13 am

emily
when i first started with my birds ( 1 pair of fawn zebras ) i was given these by my soon to be father- in -law on the understanding that i go to the library and read everything i could on keeping finches so thats what i did and i still stand by that you cannot read enough..it helps with the internet now but books are a world apart! i applied to my library for a book just recently and recieved a letter to say the book had been stolen that really appalled me i have to say

ken