Nest boxes for finches
Nest boxes for finches: When choosing a nest box for your finches, it’s essential to consider the size, material, and design to ensure comfort, safety, and breeding success. Different species of finches may have specific preferences, so understanding the options can help create an ideal breeding environment.
Nest boxes for finches factors to Consider:
- Size of the Nest Box
- Finches are small birds, so nest boxes should be compact but spacious enough for the pair and their young.
- The typical size for finch nest boxes is around 4 x 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 x 10 cm). However, larger finches like zebra finches may require slightly bigger boxes.
- Material
- Wood: Natural wood is often preferred for its durability and insulation. It helps maintain a stable temperature inside the box.
- Plastic: Lightweight and easy to clean, but may not provide as much insulation. It can be used, but it’s less natural compared to wood.
- Wicker/Bamboo: More natural-looking and often mimicking the types of nests that finches would use in the wild.
- Entrance Hole Size
- The entrance hole should be just large enough for the birds to enter but small enough to prevent predators or larger birds from getting in.
- For most finches, a hole size of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) works well.
- Design Features
- Covered Nest Boxes: Many finches prefer enclosed, dark nest boxes that give them privacy and a sense of security.
- Open Cup Nest: Some species, like zebra finches, may use open cup nests that replicate their natural nesting habits.
- Perches: Providing an external perch near the entrance allows the birds to sit comfortably and guard their nest.
Types of Nest Boxes for Finches:
Traditional Wooden Box Nest
These are small wooden boxes that provide privacy and security for finches. The top or side usually has a removable panel for easy access and cleaning.
Good for zebra finches, society finches, and other common species.
Wicker or Bamboo Finch Nest
Wicker nests resemble natural nests and can be hung in an aviary. These are ideal for aviary settings and provide a more natural nesting environment.
They are commonly used by small finches and waxbills.
Plastic Finch Nesting Box
Lightweight and easy to clean, these boxes often come with hooks for easy hanging. They are more hygienic but less natural in appearance.
These are great for breeders who need to clean and disinfect nests frequently.
Open Cup Nest
Open cup nests mimic the types of nests finches make in the wild. Some finches prefer this more exposed setup.
Best used in aviaries where the environment is already stable and protected.
Coconut Shell Nest
These are made from hollowed-out coconut shells and provide a natural and eco-friendly option. They often have a natural, round entrance and can be used in aviaries. Suitable for species that prefer an enclosed yet natural setup.
Nesting Materials:
Finches need soft materials for nest-building. You can provide coconut fiber, grasses, cotton, or burlap strands for them to use.
Nest boxes for finches additional Tips:
- Placement: Place the nest box in a quiet and less trafficked part of the cage or aviary to reduce stress.
- Cleaning: Make sure the nest box is easily accessible for cleaning. It’s essential to clean out the box after each breeding season to prevent parasites.
By considering these factors and understanding your finches’ preferences, you can choose a nest box that will encourage successful breeding and provide a comfortable environment for your birds.
Ideal nest box for parrot finches: Graham Guthrie
I have had Parrot finches for around 34 years. I have experimented with different nests over the years, and I have found they prefer my longer nest boxes, they do use other nest boxes I have made & also my G nests, but they do prefer the long ones by far, I ended up removing a lot of my shorter nest boxes.
You will notice most my boxes have hole in them, I experimented after watching babies hanging out the nest to cool down. I was worried I would put the birds off nesting so I only put a few holes in each end, they did not mind at all, so I added more holes & still no problems.
Nest boxes for finches, wire by Graham Guthrie
The bigger wire nests were an experiment, stepping up in size from the smaller wire ones that were around 10cm on top. I used different off cuts of wire I had lying around, some turned out to be 17cm high & others 15cm, I had great success first time round, a pair of painteds and a pair of sea green parrot finches were interested in it, the sea greens ended up nesting in there.
With the wire nests, the babies stay in the nest longer, are less likely to fall out & don’t get as hot as in boxes. I also experimented with wooden fronts but saw the top was wire, I didn’t want other birds crapping into the nest from above I put a wooden screw-on lid with a hole under it for easy access.
It is a cross between my wire nest & a normal fronted bird box to allow for more airflow in the hot weather, originally I was going to make a full wire top but changed my mind as I didn’t want other birds crapping into the nest, lucky I did as there are pics after the nest was used & you can see the crap on top, I made a removable top to allow me to clean easier. A pair of painted took this nest as soon as I put it in the aviary.
Pipe nests for breeding Black-faced Firefinches, Tri-coloured and red-faced parrot finches.
Finch category for further reading. Plus a category for finch mutations.
