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Nesting
Jan 17, 2006 20:43:14 GMT 11
Post by John on Jan 17, 2006 20:43:14 GMT 11
Do you use nest boxes or logs for your birds? do you take them out when breeding season finishes? what nesting material do you use? if you use nest boxes are they any special shape or size?
John
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Nesting
Jan 17, 2006 22:14:12 GMT 11
Post by viraba on Jan 17, 2006 22:14:12 GMT 11
Hi John, I use old ammo boxes cut down to size (square) and have my guys nest in boxes sized 250Wx250Dx400H to a nest box I put into an larger cage for some Kings. It was 500Wx500Dx1500H Long climb for them with the last one. Most books and breeders that I know use or recommend boxes around 150Wx150Dx450H. I use the size I do because it means that I don't have to cut down the ammo boxes too much more and I can get about 3 out of one box with some extra ply. I also fix a small 'ladder' inside, normally a piece of 3x2 pine cut on the angle and screwed under the access hole. I find this stops them from landing on top of the eggs/ chicks and gives the hen a place to sit when she's being fed. The only log I may use is as an entry screwed onto the front but normally I can't get them so I make up a tunnel of ply that the bird crawls down rather then a dowel perch. I did a test a couple of years ago and had both boxes in a few of the cages. The hens chose to use all the ones with the tunnel rather then the perch so I stuck with it. I haven't used logs, mainly because I haven't been able to get them easily but the breeders I've spoken with recommend not using them because of the difficulty in cleaning them and cutting access doors etc. On the other hand, one guy I know uses them all the time and actually burns them out after each season. A couple sheets of newspaper stuffed down into them and a match probably kills all mites and worm eggs etc. I take the boxes out after each season or if I don't want the birds to breed. Unlike budgies & cockatiels I've yet to find an egg laid anywhere else then a nesting box. I don't know whether that's the breed or just my luck !! I put the boxes back in around mid/ end of June up here in NQ. It is the middle of our winter (if there's such a thing !!) but I find it gets the birds used to the box being around. Normally take it out late Jan/ early Feb. I've had one pair go down 3 times this season (without success mind you, first batch clear and the others were attacked by red mite !!). The cock bird was attempting to get the hen to go down again late last week after some rain, but I figured she'd had enough and removed the box. Since then he's left her alone. For nesting material, I mix a bag of parrot nesting material I get from the pet-shop with the clean rodent nesting material. Also from the pet shop. The later is basicaly cleaned wood shavings. The mix I use is 2 parts nesting material to 1 part wood shavings. I also spray it all with insecticide for red-mites (until the whole mix is slightly damp) and let it 'breath' out the fumes of the spray for a couple of days before putting about 5 to 8 cm's into the bottom of the box. I spray the inside of the box as well before placing the nesting material making sure I get right into the corners and any 'open' timber edges. You'll need to give the box a day or so to breath as well. I do up the mix because I was using just the parrot nesting material but found that it became very hard in the bottom of the box and was a bit worried that the chicks may have leg problems. Don't know if that's an issue or not but just something I do. Hope this helps .............and I'm open to any other ideas others may have if it makes these little guys easier to breed and make comfortable. Cheers Viraba
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Nesting
Jan 28, 2006 14:34:37 GMT 11
Post by jodabry on Jan 28, 2006 14:34:37 GMT 11
I use both nest boxes and logs. Iam lucky to live in the country where logs are available and I have tried a few different sizes. Some hens like to log to be small inside when others like to have plenty of room. I have give hens choices of both nest boxes and logs and have had them choose either. I have placed natural enterences and others i have just cut a hole in the front and let the hen land on the front of the log and climb in. Most I dont put ladders in. The bigest trouble with the tight logs is that if you get more than two young then they get very tight in the hollow and may even kill each other. If anyone in sydney would like to buy some natural logs let me know can chase up diffenent sizes.
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