How to Use Trash Cans for a Cockatoo Nest Box

There are 18 species of cockatoos, most of which breed well in captivity. They tend to like deep, narrow nests, making trash cans ideal for this purpose. The nest box should be placed in a breeding cage that allows limited flight between perches. PetPlace.com suggests a breeding cage that is 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 8 feet long. The cage is suspended 4 feet off the ground.

Things You'll Need

Lidless plastic garbage can, at least 12 inches wide and long by 24 inches high
Marker
Kitchen or garden shears
Wood shavings

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a plastic trash can, tubular or rectangular, with a base length that is equal to the height of the bird minus the tail. The trash can should not have a lid or cover. The minimum height of the nest box should be at least twice the width of the base.
  
  Typically, for small cockatoos the nesting box should by 10 to 12 inches wide and 23 to 31 inches high. A medium-sized cockatoo should have a nesting box that is at least 12 to 14 inches wide and 31 to 39 inches high. Large cockatoos should have a nesting box that is 14 to 18 inches wide and 47 to 59 inches high.
- 2
  Draw doors on two sides of the trash can, facing each other. For small cockatoos, the door should be 4 inches (high and wide); 4 to 5 inches for medium cockatoos; and 5 to 6 inches for large cockatoos.
- 3
  Cut along the lines you drew to make two entrance holes. Cut the sides from the base up, leaving the base uncut. However, you should cut alongside the base to remove the plastic rectangle/door, leaving an open hole.
  
  A male cockatoo can become aggressive toward his mate, even with compatible pairs. Having two entrances reduces the chance of the male trapping the female in the nesting box and biting her to death. Make sure to place the nesting box in the breeding cage where both entrances are accessible.
- 4
  Line the bottom of the nesting box with wood shavings. The shavings should be about 4 inches deep.