Nest Boxes

[Saara]

Hey can anyone tell me if nest boxes for any finch same or are there specific nest boxes for specific finches .
And if so can i see some photos.

[Myzomela]

Hi Saara,

It depends a bit on how domesticated your finches are to some extent.

Gouldians and parrot finches take to them readily, as do other grassfinches and waxbills if domesticated. Munias may also utilise them. Cup nesters tend not to as much.

Whether you use wooden, wire or woven nests depends on local climate and availability & individual preferences eg in a hot tropical climate a solid wooden box may build up too much condensation.

Parrot finches make larger bulkier nests than some smaller species.

If you're not sure try to seek out a local breeder in your area who has the species you are interested in. If not, then try a range of sizes and types and see what the birds choose.

I'm sure others on the forum will have more to say on this.

Good luck!

[Diane]

I have seen and bought different sized wooden boxes from different places. Some call them gouldian boxes, others say budgie boxes.

double up nests.jpg

These ones are all the same but I do have a couple on the other wall that are narrower.
Gouldians, fire finches, emblema and BF and RT parrot finches have used these. This is the type I have most of. The parrot finches tend to make a really thick lined nest in these boxes and they like feathers as do the fire finches. Some gouldians are rubbish nest builders so I usually start some nest boxes off with the coconut fibre and swamp grass, others I put just a bit in and others I leave empty.


I also have the woven wicker type nests, large and small. The orange breasted waxbills prefer the smaller ones, emblema have made nests in the larger ones before, emblema dont seem to be fussy, they will build anywhere. See this topic
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=4154&hilit=+mrs+emblema

[GregH]

I find Java's go for half open boxes in preference to the box with a hole. My stars and double bars perfer to build themselves a nest in the brush and my Diamond sparrows almost always choose a wire cylinder if available. Gouldians may prefer a box with a hole but readily take to any enclosed nest (boxes - with or without a porch and cane baskets). My Zebs , Hecks and Cut-throats don't care were they lay and usually like some one to stat teh building for them.

[Diane]

Loads of pics of different types of nests.
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=3795&p=20492&hilit=+capping#p20492

[Saara]

Hey guys thanks for the insights i really appreciate it, i will just try different ranges, keep my fingers crossed and see who takes to what.