What to Use as a Parakeet Nest

Parakeets, also known as "budgies," a name derived from their formal name of budgerigars, are playful pet birds that can live comfortably as a domesticated pet in a cage. However, providing a nest for a parakeet allows a space for your bird to rest, relax, play and lay eggs. A parakeet nest can be created at home with a few useful resources and takes only about an hour to set up.

  1. Wooden Box

    • Start by selecting a sturdy wooden box that measures around 6 by 6 inches in length and width. Don't use a cardboard box or any other material that the parakeet can easily chew through, as they are prone to shredding up materials that are easy to scratch and peck through. Place a wooden insert with a concave circle on the floor of the nesting box. The concave circle will help during the nesting process, and prevent any babies from contracting splayed legs, a disease that occurs in baby birds when either the mother sits on the eggs too heavily or from improper nesting and bedding materials.

    Measure and Cut Holes

    • Cut a hole into one side of the box, measuring a couple of inches above the flooring and about 1.5 inches in diameter. Note that the circle doesn't have to be perfect, but it needs to be large enough for the parakeet to fit through. Cut a few small holes measuring around 1/8 inch in diameter along the top of each side of the box for ventilation.

    Nesting Materials

    • Fill up the concave circle at the bottom of the box with nesting materials. Again, make sure to use materials that your parakeet will not destroy. Woods chips are an ideal choice, but make sure that they are the larger type such as guinea pig wood shavings or unscented pine chips. Avoid materials such as cotton balls or shredded newspaper.

    Box Location

    • Place the nesting box firmly inside the parakeet's cage. Parakeets will not nest if the nesting box is unstable, so be certain that it is situated flat on the bottom of the cage and in an area that will be accessible for your bird.