Why Don't My Parakeets Get in Their Nesting Box?

Breeding parakeets, also known as budgies, offers an inexpensive but potentially profitable hobby. Having the proper equipment and using the right techniques can insure that your female happily goes into her nesting box. Choosing the correct pair is the first consideration. Younger birds are preferred since they may not already have had a bad experience that would hamper their mating. Do not mate siblings as this can increase the chance of continuing masked diseases.

  1. Possible Reasons for Avoiding the Nest

    • Consider the conditions of the nesting area as this may be a reason for the female parakeet to avoid the box. Make sure your cage is in a cool (not cold) room and never too near a heater, as this may damage the eggs once hatched. The heat and dryness of the box may prevent the female from entering the box at all. Female birds are particularly sensitive during the breeding period and must not be disturbed by loud noises or too much activity.

    Choosing Good Parents

    • Choose birds that have no obvious defects such as crippled feet or poor plumage. The pair you select, if compatible, should begin to bond rather quickly. This is exhibited by mutual grooming, sitting side by side and chirping to one another. It is best to wait until the birds are fully matured, around 1 year old, before breeding. Before breeding your pair, prepare the nesting area.

    A Nesting Box Worth Coming Home To

    • Select a nesting box that is made specifically for a parakeet. The nesting box entrance hole should be 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A small opening may prevent a bird from venturing in. Attach your nesting box outside the cage so that your interior space is kept open for activity. You can do this yourself by cutting some of the wire bars to allow the opening to face into the cage. Attach the box with wire hooks.

    Make the Bed Appealing

    • The purchased box generally comes with a perch located on the outside of the entrance hole. If yours does not, simply drill a hole directly below the door and fit the perch into it. The nesting "bed" should not be located directly in front of the entrance but off to the side to avoid trampling of the young once they hatch. Pet stores sell bedding for nesting, and it is best to use this as opposed to straw, pine or cedar bedding.