The most effective way to enable
breeding is to introduce a
nest box. Typically this is a wood box for smaller species or metal
box, much like a heating duct with all six sides and a hole for and entryway,
for larger species. Usually chicken wire of some sort is installed in the
metal and larger wood nest boxes so the birds can climb in and out readily.
Hens will naturally fill the box with bedding, lay eggs and sit on the eggs
until hatched. A small nest box can be 6" x 6" x 6". It may be hung inside the
cage. A large Macaw nest box can be 30" tall or more to accommodate the bird. A
box this large would occupy too much space in the cage.
Thus the boxes are hung outside the
cage with the entry hole lining up with the nest box door. This
enables the bird(s) to reside in the cage but have a room addition during
the breeding process. Until recently, bird owners would have to cut a square
hole by sawing bars off the cage to hang an outside nest box. Due to
improvements in manufacturing an additional door, usually like a an extra feeder
door can easily and economically be added higher on the cage. With the door in
place the bird(s) can't escape. Remove the door, hang a nest box and you have an
easy way to hang an outside nest box.
Mitch Rezman
General Manager
WindyCityParrot.com
The Avian Supply Experts
