Do you have a nest box in your parrots cage even if you don't breed your parrot?

Question

I'm trying to make my Eclectus parrots cage a bit more interesting for him. I often see "Birdee bunks" for sale and I was wondering if parrots like to sleep or play in nest boxes? I don't plan on breeding him or anything, so do parrots only use nest boxes when they breed or do they like to use them other times as well?

I know this question may sound silly but the breeder who I bought him from over a year ago had a pair (not his parents) that had a nest box attached to their play stand. As it was on their play stand I assumed it was just for play, not the box that would be used for actual nesting. I remember the female poking her head in and out like she was playing peekaboo but I can't remember if the male really took much interest in it.

What do you think? Does any body else have a nest box in their parrots cage? Does your parrot sleep in it? I probably will make one rather than buy one as it would be cheaper. I'm not even sure if he would use it has he hasn't had one all this time any way...

Answer 1

Any vet will tell you that the best place to put a scared a bird is to place it in a dark, warm environment.

All of my birds have access to a nesting box. (They are all different species and have such different personalities that I give them all their own space.) I started giving my birds boxes to hide in after seeing them freak out and flap around in their cages when they were frightened. This is dangerous as they could catch their feathers/wings/claws in the bars which could injure them. The box gives the birds a sense of security by being in an enclosed space. Whenever my birds get scared they shoot straight into their boxes.

All of my birds sleep in their boxes at night, and the Lorikeets love to have a midday nap in them as well. Birds also love to 'personalise' their boxes by chewing on the entrance holes, which is good exercise for their beaks and brains. Just make sure the box is made from non-toxic materials.

A bird will only use a box for nesting if they intend on nesting, otherwise, it's just a box.

Answer 2

Yes. Having a nest box in your Parrot's cage would be a favorite toy for your parrot. It would love to play and sleep in it. And making a nest box would be a good idea because they are very expensive. ($80-$95)

Answer 3

Having a nest box in your bird's cage isn't a very good idea if aren't breeding it. Having a nest box in your birds cage will make him want to mate and may make him irritable and cage aggressive. I tried to buy one for my lovebird and the person at the pet store told me not to because of those reasons.