BIRD NEST BOX

A bird nest box is a human-built box that a bird can use for nesting. There are many different nest boxes available, but they all serve a purpose – they provide a safe and sheltered place where a bird can lay their eggs.

THE NEST BOX FOR CAPTIVE BIRDS

A nest box is specifically used for captive birds when they are breeding. Birds that are not breeding do not need a nest box.

When provided with a nest box, a bird is encouraged to carry out breeding behavior. So, if birds are not going to be bred, they should not have a nesting box in their enclosure.

A nest box in your bird’s enclosure will also trigger specific hormonal and behavioral changes – for example, a male will become territorial over the box.

NEST BOXES FOR BREEDING BIRDS

A breeding box serves as a place for captive breeding birds to breed, as well as a location for their eggs to remain safe.

The ideal nesting box should have some soft nesting material where the bird can lay their eggs and should be kept dry. It is also important that the floor not be perfectly flat as this can cause splayed feet.

CAVITY NESTERS

Nest boxes are particularly useful for parrots and other cavity nesters.

Cavity nesters are birds that seek out a dark cavity (in a tree, for example) and lay their eggs there instead of building traditional nests. For these birds, a nest box mimics the type of cavity where they can do just that.