Nest Boxes

We have tried a number of different shapes and sizes, with varying results. I feel that "Z" shape boxes are generally the go for Conures. Well, the ones I use aren't exactly a "Z", I'm trying to think of a letter that best describes them...take a look at the picture!
   I think the benefits of a...this style of box is that they are easy for the parents to enter the chamber and also the chicks to exit as they wean. The access is more of an angle rather than a vertical climb. In the case of some Conures, the male also has a place to roost, rather than squeeze in with the hen and their eggs. During breeding season, the birds mate in between laying, and can cause damage to the eggs. They upper flat section of the nest gives the birds a private area, without being directly in the egg chamber. I always make an access hatch and position my nests in the walkway, so I can keep an eye on proceedings. Another style of nest, that has been successful with Conures is the PVC pipe style. I have tried different size pipe for different species of Conure. There are a few benefits of PVC nests. Clean and hygienic for a start. The PVC doesn't allow anything to soak in and can be scrubbed after breeding season. They are very cheap and easy to make also the birds can't really destroy them so they last. See the photos of each below.
          
    Two nests with different style hatches, either way works well.   .....................    PVC nest.

For our Eclectus we use a "boot" shaped box. We have a ledge in the bottom for the birds to climb down the ladder onto. They can then move into the egg chamber. Eclectus can dive aggressively into the box during breeding season if they feel the nest is under threat and break the eggs. This helps avoid the problem. For the same reason, I use a closeable trap door system that allows me to close off the box for nest inspections or times when I want to limit access for bonding. I have a spring attached to the rear of the box and a stiff wire rod screwed to the internal hinged door. I can hook the door either open or closed...brilliant hey!!  See my photos below.

           
   Access from the secure walkway. ..........................  Trap door closed and starting to open.

Cockatiels are very simple and use a basic box. Because Cockatiels pose no problem regarding egg breakage or aggression, we simply place the Cockatiel boxes on a shelf that I constructed across the back of the aviary. Each shelf holds around five boxes. They can be lifted down from the shelf for inspection from within the aviary. I don't bother constructing my own Cockatiel nests as they can be purchased ready made for around $10.

Quakers...now here's a different species when it comes to nesting. Although they can breed in a conventional type nest, they prefer to build their own design when provided with the necessary materials. They build their nests with sticks and twigs...I have seen footage of them building an entire nest from paddlepop sticks...it's on youtube. A simple wooden box (around Cockatiel size) will do the job. A wire frame can then be attached to the front of the box. This will give your Quakers the foundations to start weaving their nest. A fresh supply of stick matter should be provided daily. The birds will drag this inside the box and shape it to their liking, then they will start on the front wire section. They can create a nest with multiple chambers, one section being for roosting and the other for babies. They like to do renovations each day, with the appearance constantly changing. What's the chance of them designing the nest so that when you open the hatch to inspect the babies, they are right there in your clear view? You guessed it...Buckleys! I will try and get a photo of a Quaker nest and add it to this page asap.