Nesting Box for Conures 2024 (Selection and Making of Conure Nesting Boxes)

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Ali Shahid

Conures, colorful birds native to Central and South America, can make wonderful pets. But for conure owners, providing an appropriate nesting box is essential for the health and happiness of their pet bird.

For those passionate about caring for conures and offering them a comfortable nesting place, choosing the right conure nesting box is essential. An optimal nesting box typically has dimensions of 12″x12″x12″ (30x30x30 cm), which is perfect for the snug preferences of Pyrrhura and Aratinga conures.

These boxes, commonly made of sturdy 12mm plywood, are designed with a slanting structure and a detachable top, making them convenient for cleaning and accessing. It’s crucial to place this nesting box in a protected part of the aviary, roughly 5 feet high, to prevent excessive heat during hot periods. When picking a nesting box, always factor in the size and type of your conure, ensuring there’s enough room for them to move comfortably.

If you enjoy hands-on projects, making a nesting box can be fulfilling. You can fashion one from plywood or robust cardboard, shaping it into a 12-inch cube with a 5-inch entrance, then fasten it securely to the cage using sturdy yarn.

Inside the box, add appropriate nesting materials like fine wood shavings, and think about introducing a rubberized shelf liner to safeguard the young chicks from leg issues. By providing your conures with an appropriate nesting box, you’re creating a secure and supportive space where they can flourish and potentially rear their offspring.

Considerations for Choosing a Nesting Box

Choosing the right nesting box for your conure can be a difficult decision. It is important to find one that meets all of your bird’s needs and keeps them safe and comfortable. The first factor to consider is size.

Avian vets say nesting boxes should be large enough to accommodate the bird and any others you plan to keep in the cage with it. You also want it to be tall enough so that your conure can stretch its wings when inside the box.

The next factor is material. Most nesting boxes are made from wood or plastic, though some may be made from metal or other materials.

Wood is often a better choice as it is more durable and easier to clean, but plastic or metal can also work if they are treated properly.

Finally, make sure you choose a nesting box with plenty of ventilation holes to allow airflow and prevent the build-up of bacteria or mold in the nest. With careful consideration, you can find the perfect nesting box for your conure!

Size and Material Options

Finding the right nesting box for your conure can be an intimidating task. After all, it is not just a matter of size. You must also consider the material that will best suit your pet’s needs.

With the right selection, you can provide a safe and comfortable home for your beloved companion.

The size of the nesting box is an important factor in making sure that your conure has enough room to rest comfortably and make itself at home. A box that is too small may not provide sufficient space for them to turn around or spread their wings.

In contrast, one that is too large could be difficult to access. The ideal size will depend on the breed of conure you have, so research before making a decision.

Choosing the right material involves considering how durable it must be to withstand regular use and cleaning. When there are sharp edges or crevices in the design, plastics can provide entrapment hazards when they are easy to clean.

Natural materials such as wood can be more aesthetically pleasing but require more maintenance due to their tendency to absorb moisture and harbor bacteria.

Installing the Nesting Box

The joy of having a conure as part of your family is incomparable. Installing the nesting box for them is an essential step toward providing a safe and comfortable home for them.

It is important to place the nesting box away from any draft, noise, or disturbances that can make your feathered friend feel uneasy. Make sure you use materials that are non-toxic and safe for your pet.

You can use recycled wood like untreated lumber or pine boards, along with non-toxic paint and sealants to ensure they are not exposed to any harmful chemicals.

The nesting box should be placed at least 15 feet above the ground, in a corner of the room that is away from direct sunlight and drafts.

The size of the nesting box should be determined by the size of your conure, ensuring it has enough space to move around comfortably.

Finally, adding additional perches or toys inside the nesting box will help keep your conure entertained and engaged while in its home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance of nesting boxes are often neglected by owners. It is an essential part of the conure’s care. To clean the nesting box, first remove all bedding material, such as coconut fiber or paper shavings.

You will want to do this at least once every few months. Once these materials are removed, take a cloth dampened with warm water and a mild detergent to wipe down the inside of the nesting box.

This will help keep it germ-free and ensure that your conure’s environment is kept clean and healthy. It is also important to perform regular inspections on the outside of the nesting box as well.

Look for cracks or holes in the sides, which can allow drafts into your conure’s home and cause injury or discomfort for them. If you find any damage, make sure to repair it right away so that your conure remains safe and comfortable in its new home.

Taking the time for these simple cleaning and maintenance tasks will pay off in the long run by ensuring that your conure lives a healthy life in its new nesting box.

Ensuring a Safe Environment

Cleaning and maintaining the nesting box for conures is an important part of providing a safe and comfortable home for them. With that in mind, it is equally important to ensure that their environment has all the necessary features to keep them safe.

This includes making sure there are no sharp edges or small openings that could present a potential hazard. It is also essential to place the nesting box in an area where it won’t be disturbed by other animals or people.

Additionally, it should be located away from drafts or direct sunlight, as these can cause discomfort for your conure. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your conure is living in a secure and healthy environment.

How to Make a Nesting Box for Conures?

Creating a nesting box for your conures is a thoughtful way to offer them a comfortable and safe environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can craft a nesting box using plywood or a robust cardboard box:

Using Plywood:

1. Procure plywood from a nearby construction or building materials store and cut it into segments to assemble a box measuring around 10 inches in length, 10 inches in width, and 15 inches in height.
2. Carve out a 5-inch entrance hole on the box’s front side.
3. For added comfort, place a rubberized shelf liner at the box’s base, ensuring a stable surface for the young birds.
4. Fill the box nearly to the entry point with soft bedding materials like shredded newspapers, clean straws, or other suitable options.

Using a Cardboard Box:

1. Securely close the flaps of a sturdy cardboard box that closely resembles a 12-inch cube using tape.
2. Make two small holes at the box’s top corners and the bottom corners to loop thick yarn through, allowing you to attach the box firmly to the cage.
3. On the front side of the box, craft a 5-inch entry hole for the birds.

Additional Suggestions:

• If you’re offering the nesting box to a conure pair, sprinkle some newspaper, toilet paper, or paper towels around their surroundings. The female conure will shred these materials to construct her nest.
• Place the nesting box away from strong winds and direct sunlight to ensure a comfortable environment.
• Some conures might reject certain nesting materials. Experiment with options like fresh pine shavings, coconut fibers, string, cotton, and straw to see what they prefer.
• Be cautious with providing a nesting box to an adult female, as it can stimulate aggressive nesting behaviors.
• Ensure the entrance hole’s size is appropriate, keeping predators out while allowing easy access for the bird.
• Regularly clean the nesting box to minimize the risk of parasites and germs.

Keep in mind that the size, materials, and design of the nesting box can differ based on both your preferences and those of your conures. Continuously observe your birds’ behavior and make necessary adjustments to the nesting box to ensure their well-being and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Nesting Box Is Best For Conures?

The best type of nesting box for conures depends on the size and species of the bird. For smaller conures, such as green cheek or sun conures, a box made from wood is ideal.

This type of box provides a secure environment and can easily be lined with soft material. Larger conures, such as blue-crowned or jenday conures, may require larger boxes with more room to move around.

Ultimately, whichever type of nesting box you choose should provide enough space and security for your conure to feel comfortable while nesting.

How Often Should The Nesting Box Be Checked For Eggs?

It is important to check nesting boxes regularly for eggs, as this helps ensure the health and safety of baby birds. How often you should check depends on the species of bird.

In the case of conures, it IS recommended that their nesting box be checked at least twice a week. This allows you to inspect for any eggs or chicks that may have hatched and also allows you to monitor if everything looks healthy inside.

What to Do if I Find an Injured Baby Conure in the Nesting Box?

If you find an injured baby conure in the nesting box, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of both you and the bird. You should handle the bird with care, and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could further distress it.

If possible, place the baby conure in a warm, dark container for transportation to an avian veterinarian for treatment. Don’t attempt to treat the injured bird yourself as this could cause more harm than good.

How Do I Know What Size Of Nesting Box To Buy For My Conure?

If you are looking to buy a nesting box for your conure, it’s important to know the size that will best suit them. The right size of the nesting box depends on the species of conure you have, as well as their age and size.

Generally, the nest box needs to be at least 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep with enough space for your bird to move around comfortably. It should also have an entrance hole big enough for your conure to easily get in and out of.

Additionally, make sure the nesting box is placed high enough in your cage or aviary so that it is secure from any potential predators.

Conclusion

The nesting box is an important part of keeping conures safe and healthy. It is important to choose the right size, check it regularly for eggs, and take steps to discourage predators from entering.

If you find an injured baby conure in the nesting box, be sure to contact a veterinarian or bird rescue expert as soon as possible. With the right care and attention, you can ensure your conure has a safe place to nest and grow.

I hope this article has helped you understand how best to provide a nesting box for your conure.