How to Build a Nesting Box for Conures

Conures are easy parrots to breed. Age of sexual maturity depends on the individual species but all conures, when ready to breed, require nesting boxes with suitable nesting material be placed inside the female's cage. The pair will usually use the nesting box as sleeping quarters first. Boxes may be made of either wood or metal but must be deep enough so the birds don't toss all the nesting material out and lay on the bare floor. Once they begin breeding they will generally clutch at least once a year thereafter, with 3 to 8 eggs being the usual. Expect an incubation period of 23 to 28 days.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-inch plywood or metal sheets
  • Saw
  • Medium grade sandpaper
  • Fine grade sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing nails
  • Nesting material; shredded newspaper, non-toxic sawdust, clean straw, or aspen wood shavings
  • 3-4 yards strong but flexible wire, cut in 3 equal lengths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut four pieces of 8-by-18 inch plywood for the sides of the nesting box. Cut an entrance hole 3 or 4 inches in diameter about 4 inches from the bottom of one of the sides. Cut a piece of plywood 8 1/4-by- 8 1/4 inches for the top and cut a 4-inch-diameter observation hole. Cut one piece 8 1/2-by-8 1/2 inches for the bottom.

    • 2

      Smooth all the rough edges, including the entrance and observation holes, with medium, then fine sandpaper.

    • 3

      Glue the edges together and secure with finishing nails, hammering one at each corner and one in the middle of each edge. Ensure that the entrance hole is at the lower end, away from the roof with the observation port.

    • 4

      Set the nesting box aside to dry. Remove the finishing nails when the glue is completely dry.

    • 5

      Fill the nesting box almost up to the level of the entrance hole with shredded newspaper, non-toxic sawdust, clean straw, or aspen wood shavings.

    • 6

      Secure the nesting box to the side of the cage. Wrap one length of wire just under the roof, the second above the entrance hole and wrap the third just above the bottom rim. Twist the wires tightly so the nesting box does not move about.