Nesting material.

[Netsurfer]

Netsurfer you just acknowledged what I said...they are covered in parasites, they fly over or land on aviaries top or sides or whatever, something will drop off them, nesting grass sure it may the bugs/parasites but microwaving isn't going to stop them getting into aviaries...mites are in most nest boxes come out and feed on young and parents thats why we coopex everything...and even then 2/3months later they're back....goodluck trying to keep them all out

Thanks god not in my Aviaries, I've been keeping birds since I was a kid, don't remember I ever had to worry about those pests here in Sydney but yes unfortunately some of the young wild birds that nest in hollows do get infested.

[E Orix]

Hygiene is important but you can sanitise too much.It is up to the individual on how far to take it.
Too much hygiene can be nearly as bad as none.
I have seen birds in collections kept in incredibly clean conditions,or medicated to their eyes but so soft that they
would generally die in a short time when moved away.They seem to lose their defence against even the mildest problem.
There was a person who did this and his reputation grew to the point that anyone knowing him wouldn't buy his birds.
My cleaning program with regard nest boxes is clean and spray them before each season, and put some swamp grass in to start a nesting base.
If during the season I notice a nest box that is overflowing or a dirty front I will pull out the contents providing the chicks have fledged.
At times boxes positioned out of general site may have had three clutches throughout the season.Nesting material is picked and bagged for the future use,all I would worry about has dogs or cats been on it or has it been sprayed(no problem here)When grass is required I simply pull out what I need.
The other area that raises peoples interest are my earthen ware water dishes, all have green algea on the sides but the water is changed often and is clean.
My birds are tough,they have to be because of our cold winters, last week a Zoo Director/Aviculturalist of note visited my home it was around 11am
the water bowls were still frozen over,yet his comment was how great the Cordons and smaller finches looked and was surprised in how small my losses were.
While not planned and assisted there was even some young Cordons at the feed station.It can be quite amusing to watch Red Faced Parrot Finches trying to take a bath when the water is frozen over,its like kids on an ice rink.
Opinions differ but there is no need to go over board unless you want to,also in large set ups it is not possible to do all those things.

[vettepilot_6]

Totally agree E.Orix....and I doubt Netsurfer your aviaries are that sterile you dont have some kind of bug/parasite in them....I have the same view as E.Orix..keep em tough they will survive and will be extremely hardy...otherwise you end up with hothouse flowers like Gouldians were originally dropping of the perch for no reason...anyway back to topic

[Netsurfer]

Totally agree E.Orix....and I doubt Netsurfer your aviaries are that sterile you dont have some kind of bug/parasite in them....I have the same view as E.Orix..keep em tough they will survive and will be extremely hardy...otherwise you end up with hothouse flowers like Gouldians were originally dropping of the perch for no reason...anyway back to topic

Definitely not sterile the only bug I guess is OK to see is an occasional mealworm on the floor and plenty of Aphids on the Roses. It's winter and most of my birds are in an outdoor Aviary and they produce lots of mess on the floor and on the leafs so it can't be sterile. Four to 5 pairs are kept at other times during the breeding season which means not as much and not as often do I have to worry about the messy floor and leafs. Just like you guys I try to keep the water as clean as possible. However the nesting grass is another thing, but that depends where I get it from.