Nests for waxbills

NDan · Post by **NDan** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 11:54 am

Do waxbills need a smaller nest entrance than Bengalese?
I'm trying to think how to give them their own hidey hole without the others filling it up with themselves. You know societies!

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 12:56 pm

Some waxbills like their nests lower, covered by a plant/tree, etc....

Post by **Sally** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:34 pm

I tried last year giving them a small and a large bamboo nest--though they put some nesting material in both nests, they settled on the larger one to finish off. This year, I tried a couple of the plastic nest boxes, and they didn't go for them at all, went right for the larger-size bamboo nests. They pretty much cover the opening, leaving just a small hole for entry. My CBs are in separate breeding cages, so no problem with other birds bothering them. Are your birds in a flight or an aviary?

FLAMEonfire · Post by **FLAMEonfire** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 3:42 pm

My birds also like the large size bamboo houses. For privacy I use silk plants around the bamboo huts. They seem to like them, although they do try to put parts of them off and put some of them in the nests themselves.

Post by **Hilary** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:12 am

What kind of waxbills do you have? Some like nests higher in the cage, while other build their own on the floor (like rosy rumps).

NDan · Post by **NDan** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:21 am

I have them in a 6'x2' flight that is 4' high. I have golden breasted waxbills. I'm still learning about them. So far they haven't tried the nests (tube bamboo) that the societies like. I'm wondering if the competition is just too much.

Post by **Hilary** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:26 pm

My goldbreasts use a small wicker nest (not the tube shape). Of course, they're only sleeping in there so far - no eggs - so there may be something else they'd like better.

Post by **Sally** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:07 pm

That's my Cordon Bleus that use the large bamboo (wicker) nests. A Goldbreast breeder told me they will use a small bamboo (wicker) nest. I believe they do a little better in a breeding cage by themselves, too.

NDan · Post by **NDan** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:10 am

I'm not too concerned about breeding them yet, but had read that they like to roost in nests so was thinking I could start with finding one they like.
I was thinking of setting them in a breeding cage this winter when I can pay attention to them more.
They seem pretty cheerful with the 6 societies and the button right now. Do they sing? So far I've only heard tweets/chirps.

Post by **Hilary** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:56 pm

The male has a PIERCING call. I don't think I've heard an actual song from mine yet......