Should you allow your parrot to breed? This is not a step to be taken without much consideration. Breeding birds introduces a number of challenges, ones that are far more difficult than simply looking after an adult bird.
One of the triggers that initiate breeding behavior in female birds is the availability of a suitable nest site and nesting materials. These may come in the form of ordinary boxes or comfortable areas in your home such as behind some couch cushions. Limiting your birds’ access to nesting areas can help control their urge to breed if that is your goal.
Those that want to encourage nesting and breeding in their pet birds have some materials and items available that make it more likely that they will be successful. Let’s look at a few of your options.
Bedding for Parrots
This natural coconut fiber is fully sterilized for your bird’s safety. It is a dust free and absorbent material that birds can use as nesting material or just to dig around and create hiding places for themselves. A few piles of this material in your breeding birds’ cage will be appreciated and put to good use.
Open Nests for Parrots
This cotton rope nest is 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in diameter and attaches securely to your bird’s cage with a clamp and two screws and wing-nuts. It is designed to be used as a bed or nest by small birds such as budgies, cockatiels, canaries, and other small birds. The materials used to manufacture the nest create a warm environment that is conducive to parrot breeding.
Nesting Box
Here is a small wooden nest box that is perfect for breeding finches and other small birds. Its dimensions are 4.9 x 4.9 x 5.9 inches (12.4 x 12.4 x 15 cm) and it can be mounted inside a cage or aviary as well as being used as a birdhouse for small wild birds. Constructed out of all natural hardwood, the box features an external perch to help attract birds to the nest.
Why You Would Want to Get a Bird Nest or Bird Box
- Triggers breeding behavior in your birds.
- Will provide comfort and ensure bird breeding attempts are more successful.
Factors to Consider When Buying Bird Nests and Boxes
- You need to use a box that is large enough for the birds you intend to breed- species size can vary greatly.
- The right type of box or nest needs to be obtained for the species. Some species prefer nesting boxes with a hole in the top rather than on the side, others prefer open nests.
- You must be able to attach the box or nest securely attached to the cage to protect your bird and its babies.
Related Posts
Check out our guide to pet bird breeding available here.
Our other guide to parrot egg laying can be found here.
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