Bird Nesting Boxes: A Must-Have Addition to Any Bird Cage

Birds in captivity still have natural instincts to build nests lay eggs and raise young. Providing a nesting box in your bird’s cage allows them to engage in these natural behaviors, improving their quality of life. Nest boxes are also useful for providing a safe, comfortable place for the bird to sleep or retreat when they want privacy. If you’re considering adding a nesting box to your cage, this guide covers all the key information you need to choose the right one.

What is a Bird Nesting Box?

A bird nesting box is a small enclosure placed inside a bird’s cage that replicates a natural cavity for nesting and sleeping. It provides a safe, enclosed space meeting the bird’s instinctual needs. Nest boxes come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and designs depending on the type of bird. Some nesting boxes offer a simple enclosed space, while others have perches, side entrances, and removable floors to make cleaning easier.

Benefits of Providing a Nest Box

Here are some of the main benefits nesting boxes offer

• Allows natural nesting behavior – Birds innately want to build nests, lay eggs, and rear young A nest box lets them engage in these instincts

• Provides security and privacy – The enclosed space of a nest box gives the bird a place to retreat when they want to get away or feel insecure in their environment.

• Reduces stress and boredom – Nesting activities provide mental stimulation and fulfillment for birds. A nest box gives them an outlet to prevent stress or destructive behavior from boredom.

• Offers a comfortable place to sleep – Birds often prefer sleeping in an enclosed cavity. A nest box provides this cozy space.

• Improves bonding with owners – When birds utilize a nest box it shows they feel secure and settled. This strengthens the human-bird bond.

• Allows breeding – If breeding your birds, a nest box provides the environment they need to successfully produce young. Some nest boxes have removable floors to make checking eggs and cleaning easier.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Nest Box

Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a bird nesting box:

Bird Type and Size

Nest boxes come in different dimensions suited for different sized birds. Measure your bird from head to tail to determine the appropriate box size they need. Small birds like finches need nest boxes with a 4-6 inch footprint. Medium birds like cockatiels need at least an 8×8 inch box. Large parrots need even bigger boxes around 10×14 inches.

Material

Nest boxes come in a variety of materials like wood, plastic, wicker, and metal. Metal nest boxes are the most hygienic and easiest to clean. Avoid painted or treated wood which can release toxins. Ensure the materials are non-toxic for bird safety.

Design and Features

Look for a nest box with features that make your particular bird feel secure. Darker colored nests offer more privacy. Some birds like side entrances rather than top entry boxes. Removable bottoms allow for easy cleaning and checking eggs. Perches let the bird sit at the entryway.

Number of Birds

If housing multiple birds, provide at least one nest box per bird so everyone has their own space and less competition. Having multiples allows birds to choose a preferred box.

Placement

Place the nest box in a quiet, low traffic area of the cage away from food, water, and perches. Mounting it at eye level allows for easy entry. Ensure it’s securely installed.

5 Top-Rated Bird Nesting Boxes

Based on customer reviews and bird owner feedback, here are 5 top-rated nesting boxes to consider:

1. Prevue Hendryx Corner Nest Box

• Made of durable metal with a black powder coat finish
• Designed for medium to large birds
• Has a side entrance and removable bottom
• Angled corner design takes up less space

2. Kaytee Wicker Nest

• Made from natural seagrass wicker
• Suitable for small to medium birds
• Provides privacy and ventilation
• Has a front entrance hole

3. Pets Imperial Double Nest Box

• Made of solid wood with non-toxic stain
• Two compartments for multiple birds
• Good for small to medium birds
• Hanging design saves cage space

4. Prevue Pet Products Breeding Box

• White metal construction with sliding plastic pan
• Larger design for breeding medium to large parrots
• Pan makes egg and chick monitoring easy
• Easily disassembles for cleaning

5. A&E Cage Company Cozy Corner Nest

• Made of rigid vinyl with corner installation
• Opaque white color provides privacy
• Ideal for small finches and canaries
• Mounts and removes easily from cage

Where to Place the Nesting Box

Proper nest box placement is important for your bird to feel safe utilizing it. Here are some tips:

• Install it in a quiet area of the cage away from high traffic and noise.

• Mount it at the bird’s eye level for easy entry and exit.

• Place it away from food and water dishes to prevent contamination.

• Avoid corners near perches where droppings accumulate.

• Position it with the opening facing into the cage for privacy.

• Ensure it’s securely attached and can’t fall or easily be knocked out of place.

Preparing the Nest Box for Use

Once you’ve selected and installed the nest box, here is how to prepare it for use:

• Place nesting material inside like pine shavings, aspen wood wool, or shredded paper. This allows the bird to shape it to their preference.

• Consider sprinkling a small amount of millet spray or favorite treat in the box so your bird associates it with positive rewards.

• For a newly adopted bird, leave the door open initially so they can explore it at their own pace.

• Monitor the box daily and remove droppings or soiled material. Frequent cleaning prevents diseases.

• Wash the box with bird-safe disinfectant weekly or if visibly dirty. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry.

• Gradually introduce box training. With time most birds will learn to utilize their nesting space.

Caring for Eggs and Chicks

If your birds utilize the nest box for breeding, special care is needed for the eggs and chicks:

• Mark each egg with pencil so you can monitor them. Candle eggs weekly to check development.

• Maintain the nest environment between 75-85°F and 50-55% humidity.

• Remove any broken shells or displaced eggs promptly.

• Once hatched, monitor chicks closely for signs of illness and ensure they are being fed.

• Weigh chicks daily to check they are gaining weight. Healthy chicks should double their hatch weight in 2 weeks.

• When the chicks near fledging, allow the parents out of the nest more to encourage independence.

• Thoroughly disinfect the nest box after chicks fledge before reuse.

Troubleshooting Common Nest Box Problems

If your bird is reluctant to use their nest box, here are solutions for common issues:

Problem: Bird sits on top of nest box but won’t go inside.

Solution: Add treats to lure them in and leave the door open so they don’t feel trapped. Darken the room to make them feel more secure entering.

Problem: Bird stuffs food in nest box but doesn’t rest in it.

Solution: Clean out the box and use different, less desirable nesting materials. Position the food and water farther away.

Problem: Bird is sleeping on the bottom of the cage instead of the nest box.

Solution: Place a familiar toy or fabric with their scent in the box to provide more comfort.

Problem: Bird gnaws and destroys nest box.

Solution: Ensure the box is their preferred size. Give them cardboard tubes and toys to redirect destructive chewing.

Problem: Eggs are disappearing from the nest.

Solution: Monitor to identify the cause. Reinforce the cage for security. Remove the other bird if they are disturbing the nest.

With patience, your bird is likely to eventually embrace their nesting box as a safe space to call their own. It provides mental enrichment and satisfying natural behaviors. Pay attention to your bird’s signals to tweak the type of box and setup to their individual preference. With time, the nest box will become a well-loved addition to the cage.