How to Build a Parakeet Nesting Box

Parakeets do not build nests in the wild but use holes in trees to lay eggs. You can build your own nesting box for your parakeet pair with a minimum of tools. You can be assured the box will be large enough for successful breeding and made with nontoxic materials to protect your birds when you build it yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 12x16 inch pieces of untreated plywood at least 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick
  • 2 12x12 inch pieces of untreated plywood
  • Hammer
  • 2 hinges
  • Drill
  • Dowel about 4 inches long
  • Glue
  • Jigsaw
  • Mirror plates
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Instructions

  1. Building a Nesting Box

    • 1

      Make a dent in the center of one of the 12x16 pieces of plywood using a hammer. This will be the bottom of the box.

    • 2

      Drill a hole about 3 inches in diameter, 1 to 2 inches from the top of one of the 12x12 pieces of plywood. This will be the front of your nesting box. Drill a smaller hole to fit your dowel about 1 inch under the entry hole.

    • 3

      Sandpaper the entry hole so that it is smooth.

    • 4

      Cut one of the 12x16 pieces of plywood at a 45 degree angle about 3 inches from the end so that you have two pieces, one that is 3 inches and one that is 13 inches. This will be the top of your nesting box. The angle of the cut will allow the top to hinge open. Be sure the slope of the cut is down toward the 3 inch piece.

    • 5

      Glue the front panel to the bottom of the nesting box and secure with nails or screws. Attach the uncut 12x16 side pieces and the 12x12 back piece in the same manner, using the jigsaw to trim the wood as necessary for a tight fit.

    • 6

      Nail or screw the cut 3-inch top piece in place, being sure the 45-degree angle cut is forward. Hinge the larger, top piece to the smaller piece so the lid easily opens and shuts.

    • 7

      Glue the dowel in the smaller hole on the front of the box.

    • 8

      Attach the box to the outside of the cage by screwing or nailing small, metal plates used to hang mirrors to the top back of the nesting box and screwing the box to the parakeet cage.