Cockatiel nesting box guide – Everything you need to know

Have you ever realized, what is the reason that your cockatiel breaks its eggs? If not, then take a look at their nesting boxes and necessities. We have come up with a complete cockatiel nesting box guide for beginners, as well as expert pet takers. Undoubtedly, a cockatiel is friendly but also emotional. 

Think about what happens if your cockatiel lays eggs openly? Do they accept their break eggs, or do they nourish their babies like caring parents without nesting boxes? For all questions, we just have one solution. So, to enhance the breeding of cockatiels, one must try to develop a good interaction between a pair.

However, try to develop your knowledge about nesting box sizes and tricks to make a box at home. Let’s get started on knowing the best nesting box material.

Cockatiel nesting box size

For every pet, you should arrange a safe house. However, it is much better to know which kind of pet you have. And which size of the box can be suitable. Hence, a cage is required, but the breeding box should be smaller, which can fit at one corner of the enclosure. However, for a pair of cockatiel, the box length should be 30cm, height 20cm, and width 20cm. 

This box size is perfectly fit, otherwise, you can also fix a slightly larger nesting box. So, if you are crazy to fix a big breeding box in a large cage. Then try to arrange the size of 30cmL, 20cmH, and 50cmW. Although the entrance hole size is not deniable, you should keep the 7cm length of the circle. Your cockatiel will not be satisfied with a larger 8-10cm hole.

 If you are thinking about placing two pairs of cockatiel in a single cage, then it is totally wrong. Just make a box for one pair in one enclosure. 

How to make a cockatiel nesting box at home?

Making a cockatiel nesting box at home is not a difficult task, but it’s interesting. With our easy guide, it will be more engaging for you. Without wasting time, let’s make a cockatiel breeding house with us.

1. First and foremost, you should need basics like a Steak knife, box material, nails, hammers, inchi tape, marker, glue, and scissor for cardboard. 
2. Secondly, cover your hands properly to avoid injury. 
3. After that, take box material and measure the size with a measurement tape. Mark with a pencil and give a shape with a knife.
4. Measure the enclosure hole and cut it from two sides. 
5. Take up glue or nails and join the parts of the box. Wait for some hours to dry the glue. 
6. The bedding of the box should be soft and cozy for the security of eggs and baby cockatiels. Use soft papers and newspaper pieces to give warmness in winters. 
7. At the last, fix the box in a cage with proper copper wire or rope. 

Note: Make sure that the nesting box is fixed properly without tilt. It can irritate cockatiel. 

Best nesting material for cockatiel

Nesting boxes are available in wood, plastic, and metal. But the best material is wood because it provides the comfort of chewing for a cockatiel. However, pine, red cedar, cypress, redwood, and Polywood are common and useful for boxes. Below are some detailed benefits of each material that you can add to your cockatiel box.

Cypress wood: Cypress wood helps to stay long due to its water and insect-resistant capability. Yet, as a softwood, it makes the cockatiel more optimistic. 

Red cedar wood: For making a stronger and more durable nest box, try red-cedar wood. It is a little bit costly but weather resistant.

Cardboard: Cardboard is accurate for cockatiel health but not a durable one. It is just for temporary use and the drawback is worthless material. 

Where do you put a nesting box for cockatiels?

There are some conditions to put a nesting box for cockatiel. 

• If your cockatiels are trained and you are satisfied that they are secure. Then you can put a nesting box outside of the cockatiel cage. 
• Perhaps, if you have lots of pairs and numbers of cages, then avoid fixing the box outside. Because it can make you cockatiel sensitive and aggressive. In this condition, the best way is to place a breeding box in a cage.
• Although for just a single pair, fix a trained cockatiel nesting box anywhere. Most preferable is to be in a cage. 
• The last condition is the number of cockatiel pairs in a single large cage. In this concern, place a nesting box for each pair. 

What do you put in the cockatiel nesting box?

You should put some materials for the breeding boxes like shredded papers, straws, and grass. 

Also, add wood chips for more security of eggs and baby cockatiels

Wooden chips: Wooden chips can be best for inside decoration. Actually, for cozy bedding, softwood chips are used to prevent any type of skin allergy. But the drawback is that insects and mites attract softwood rather than harder ones. 

Shredded paper: Shredded paper not only provides comfort but also plays an important role as a playing material. Paper or newspapers can assist in the conserving of eggs from breaking. 

Will cockatiel breed without nesting box?

Cockatiel wants a nest box for safety, privacy, and encouragement of protection. Therefore, cockatiel rarely breeds without a nesting box. They lay their eggs on the ground level of the cage, but eggs remain unsafe. 

Does a cockatiel need a nesting box to breed?

Definitely, cockatiel wants a nesting box to breed. Nest boxes and cages ensure a quick bond between a pair and inspire them to breed. Most cockatiels break their eggs or leave their babies alone due to breeding without a nest. In short, cockatiels cannot prefer to breed throughout the year until they meet the proper requirement of the box. 

Last words

Shortly, cockatiel wants light, high nutrition, and a nest box for breeding. Wooden boxes are easy to make at home and highly recommended for cockatiels. Fixing a box in a large cage promotes the breeding maximum one time a year. 

Moreover, various kinds of requirements such as wood chips and softwood are a must for the completion of the nesting box. Perhaps, you can fix the box in the cage as well as outside according to the best material.