How to Build a Nest Box for Cockatiels

There are many options when it comes to nest boxes for cockatiels. You can purchase a ready-made box or can make you own out of wood, plastic or cardboard. Cardboard nest boxes are low-cost and require no clean up or storing. You simply throw the nest box away after the babies come off.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Heavy Duty Cardboard Box
• Utility Zip Ties
• Utility Knife
• Duct Tape

1. Recycle a heavy duty cardboard box from a local store. Cockatiels will nest in just about anything, so just make sure that the box is large enough for both the male and female to sit in at the same time.
2. Tape all flaps closed with duct tape to assure the cockatiels do not escape.
3. Decide how you want your nest box to attach to your cage and cut a 3- inch hole in the cardboard for your cockatiels to enter the nest box. Remove and dispose of this small piece of cardboard completely.
4. Cut a small peep hole in the top or side of the box so that you can look inside to check on your cockatiels without disturbing them. Cut the cardboard on three sides and bend the cardboard along the fourth side to make a door for the peep hole. Attach a piece of duct tape to the cardboard to make a pull tab for easy opening and closing.
5. Cut holes in the nest box in the appropriate places so that it can be attached to the cage with zip ties. The nest box can be placed inside or outside of the cage depending on how big the cage is.
6. Add about 3 inches of nesting material to the nest box. This can be wood shavings, shredded paper or clean hay.
7. Attach the nest box to the cage, using zip ties. Make certain that the box is secure and will not fall with the cockatiels entering and exiting it.

Tips & Warnings

• Small appliance boxes and wine boxes make good nest boxes.
• Placing duct tape across the bottom of the box can reinforce weaker cardboard.
• Cockatiels will chew on the cardboard. If this happens it is easily repaired with cardboard and duct tape.