Nest Box thoughts

[Staples915]

Folks i have a possible idea to make nest boxes for our destructive feathered friends. I recently had an issue with my GCC chewing out the bottom of her box, I have lost so far one baby even tho all of them fell. I have been racking my brain thinking of a way to make a nest box for them and the rest of the birds that they can't destroy as easily. My husband and i at times make our own boxes out of 1/4 to 1/2 inch plywood. At first i thought of using flashing to line the interior of the box and am seriously concerned of them getting cut on the edge of the hole. So then i thought we have a supply of Plexiglas perhaps i could use it to be a barrier to be on the inside of the box, if there are no nics or areas for them to get a beak on they cant chew it. I have also thought of a peek spot on the back of the box that would act as a peek hole to check status of goings on inside using a slide action section on the back of the box. To me would be less evasive on the nesting parents. Any input would greatly appreciated.

 

[Terry57]

My friend who raises caiques uses plexiglass on the outside of the box, which seems to help alot.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Using plexi as reinforcement sounds like a great idea! That would definitely prevent them from falling through.

I'm truly sorry to hear you lost a chick!!

 

[Terry57]

I apologize, I am also so sorry for your loss of the chick. I was concentrating on my answer and should have added that above

 

[Staples915]

Thanks for the input folks......one question tho in using the plexiglas... does it or would it affect the humidity?? and i think we have a new one as of yesterday.... she laid 6 eggs, hatched now 4 but still lost the first one..... i should be hand feeding in maybe another week....thanks for all the thoughts. oh here is a new one... received a call yesterday from a neighbor who has a African Grey... I think she is about 20 yrs old.. nothing promised as of yet but i think we are getting her grey... she's up in age and cant handle her dander... i look forward to Dallas coming here.. she is friendly toward me and that surprises me as most are one person birds. I think with tons of socialization and time i can convince her most humans are ok lol

 

[JerseyWendy]

If you only used the plexi on the bottom and on one side with the peek hole, the humidity shouldn't be affected much at all.

WOW, how exciting that you'll be getting Dallas the Grey.

 

[Staples915]

Thanks for the input everyone... I will make one sometime this week and let you know the results.

 

[Staples915]

yes i am looking forward to Dallas . her mom raised her from an egg, i know most Greys are one person birds but she will let me to pet her witch i think is a blessing... all good things come in time lol... oh i have also acquired an incubator and a brooder.. does anyone know the proper temp for GCC chicks at 2 weeks old??

 

[henpecked]

Buy the book, "Parrots, handfeeding and nursery management" by Howard Voren . Nestboxes,,, i have raised Many species of New World parrots,( which conures are ) and never had issues with them chewing though the bottom of the box. Yes they chew the entrance holes but i use a scarifical piece over the hole. The only times they chew holes in the sides are when the joints are sloppy and let in light. Are you building your own boxes or buying them. Even the zons and macaw boxes last several breeding cycles. Something must be wrong with the design you are using. Build your own. What nesting material are you using in the box? Do you add soft wood blocks for the male to chew up?