What nest material should I use?

[Charles]

Hi , I have 7 species of finches with doves and quails , I want to know what nest material is best for all of them and how should I manage it

[wilkifam]

I only do Gouldians and Societies, I use burlap, washed, cut into 4" squares and shredded.

[Charles]

Thank you , I also have gouldians , society's with the rest of my "swarm " of birds , I will try it thank you very much . I was thinking of using carbadust with my nest material for ticks and lice, is it ok ? Or not

[Sally]

I'm not familiar with carbadust, so I can't comment on its use. I use cocofiber, both curly and straight, plus dried grasses and hay, and white feathers for lining the nest.

[Charles]

Ty Sally , carbadust is like flea powder only stronger, I use coconut fiber and hay but is interested in more nesting materials

[Sally]

I know that some breeders used to put some Sevin dust in the bottom of their nestboxes before putting in the nesting material. I've never done this, and I also don't treat the nesting material before I offer it to the birds.

[Charles]

And I assume you are a long time breeder so I will try your methods Sally thank you guys

[Colt]

I've used a variety of nesting materials: long stranded coco fiber, orchard grass, timothy hay, shredded and crinkled paper, sisal, jute, cotton, and spagnum moss.

The quail won't really use any of the materials in my experience. Just be sure to offer them several well "hidden" spots where they feel secluded. You can use hides designed for small animals like chinchillas and "plant" around it making it into a brush pile. Often the quail will just scrape a depression out in the bedding of the floor to begin their nest. Not many buttons go broody either. It has been bred out of a lot of strains so you may have to artificially incubate the eggs if you want more babies and mom isn't up to the challenge.

Doves also appreciate small sticks. For diamonds I'd go with twigs no larger than 6 inches.

[cindy]

please read the warnings on this site and be aware that it is not to inhaled. Any powder can be inhaled and cause lung, eye irritation

Our avian vet does not recommend anything in a dust or a powder for this reason...there are other products like Avian Insect Liquidator that are safer and can be used in nest and around birds to control mites.

http://www.biggreengarden.co.za/index.p ... l?Itemid=0

Warnings
•Allow 14 days between last application and harvest or grazing and 7 days between last application and slaughter of fowls for human consumption.
•Poisonous by swallowing and inhalation.
•May irritate eyes.
•Toxic to fish, bees and wildlife.
•Store away from food and feed.
•Keep out of reach of children, uninformed persons and animals.
•Keep container well closed.



Precautions
•Avoid prolonged contact with, or inhalation, of dust.
•Wash thoroughly with soap and water after use or accidental skin contact.
•Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst applying.
•Prevent drift onto other crops or areas not under treatment.
•Destroy empty container and do not use for any other purpose.
•Prevent contamination of food, feed, drinking water and eating utensils.

Nesting material...timothy hay, orchard grass, long cocofiber. I avoid any type of string or hair or fiber due to nails and feet can get tangles in it

[Charles]

Thanks guys for info will be precautionate , and will try it colt for doves and quail