What do you think? re-using nesting material

[Misso]

What do you think about re-using nesting material?

for example i have swamp grass placed in nest boxes for my gouldians and because i put in more nest boxes then pairs some don't get used. do u think its ok to re-use the nesting material for the following season from the boxes that were not used by the gouldians?

[Tintola]

YES

[Tiaris]

I wouldn't. Fresh is best even with nesting material. I reckon fresh nesting grass is highly stimulatory to birds half inclined to be ready to breed. Just look at the response to fresh feathers or nesting grass given on a nice sunny day.

[Simba]

Providing last breeding season you had no sickness and it's clean then yes, If you had problems last season then I would say no and use fresh, just in case.

[jusdeb]

Going on those responses perhaps mix it with some fresh stuff .

[Nathan Morleyy]

Misso,
I think it would be better if you got them fresh nesting material. I think the finches would like new clean nesting material better than old nesting material.

Thanks Nathan

[matcho]

That to me is a definite NO. You may think that the birds have not used it but I would lay odds that there have been a number of birds inside inspecting it for nesting although not deciding to use them. Parasites carried by those birds could be sitting in there in the nesting material. Personally I get rid of all nesting brush, boxes and cane nesting baskets after the end of each season, scrub and spray with Coopex to get rid of all the little blood sucking ooglies and ants that cause us and them so much grief. Its not that expensive to make your own boxes but I would hate to try and weave a cane one.

Just my thoughts

Matcho

[gomer]

Atleast once a year I pull out all the nesting material if not used and clean the boxes and put in some pestene or coopex or both.

[djb78]

If its nesting material which you brought/picked then yes but if its nesting material that has been put in the aviery for use then probably best not to as mentioned mites, lice and many more issues using it.

[jusdeb]

Looks like a NO ...the reasons given make sense .