How to Get Birds to Make a Nest in Their Cage

Getting a bird to make a nest in a cage can be quite difficult if you don't go about it just right. Every bird is just a bit different, and if you want it to nest in a cage, you may be quite frustrated when your attempts to help it have failed again and again. With the right supplies and options to let the female choose, you will find that you can encourage her to make her nest quite easily. By following these guidelines, you may find that a bird that has never nested in the past will happily do so now.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 premade nests
  • Squares of flannel cut to fit the inside of the nests
  • Camphor twigs (optional)
  • Random twigs (optional)
  • Grasses or hay (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Boil and then air-dry square pieces of flannel that will fit nicely on the inside of the nest where the eggs will be laid. Boiling will do away with any germs and smells that will turn the female off from laying in the nest.

    • 2

      Bake or boil and then dry the nests to rid them of all germs and scents.

    • 3

      Place the flannel in the pocket of the nest to act as a heat barrier for the eggs to be laid in the nest.

    • 4

      Buy or find twigs, grass and other items to present to your bird so she can build her own nest atop your premade nests.

    • 5

      Carefully place both nests into the cage and allow the female to choose which nest she would prefer. Leave the nest that she does not choose in the cage.