How to Make a Wood Nest Box for Parakeets

Parakeets belong to a family of relatively small parrots which includes the popular budgerigars. Parakeets require a secure nesting box in order to successfully breed, Without one, a female will be very unlikely to lay eggs, and even more unlikely to sit on them. Making a wood nesting box is not a difficult task, so if you're planning to breed your parakeets you can make their nesting boxes, too.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 3/4-inch
  • Saw
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Nails, 1 1/2 inch
  • Hinges
  • Drill
  • Screws, 1/3-inch
  • Wood shavings
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your plywood into two 8-by-6-inch pieces; two 6-by-10-inch pieces; two 9.5-by-10-inch pieces and one 6-by-9.5-inch piece. In one of the 8-by-6 pieces, cut out a circle in the center about 5 inches in diameter. On one of the 6-by-10-inch pieces, cut out a 2.5-inch circle in the center.

    • 2

      Place the two 8-by-6-inch pieces on top of each other to create the base. The cut-out circle will form the nesting area where the female parakeet will lay her eggs. Glue the pieces together. Place the base cut-out circle side up.

    • 3

      Place the two 6-by-10-inch side pieces abutting the 6-inch side of the base at right angles. Glue, clamp and let dry. Nail in place, nailing three nails through each piece of the base, six nails on each side. Place the 9.5-by-10-inch pieces over the remaining open sides; glue, clamp and let dry. Nail in place, with three nails through each part of the base as well as a nail every inch through the corner joint with the other side pieces.

    • 4

      Screw on the hinges to the back of the remaining 9.5-by-6 piece of plywood, which is the roof. Position the roof over the top of the box, then screw it into the back of the box.

    • 5

      Drill three holes, around 1/8-inch wide, at the top of each side of the nesting box for ventilation.

    • 6

      Scatter wood shavings---the larger ones like those used in guinea pig cages---on the floor of the nesting box before placing it into the parakeet's cage.