Post by Tamborine Aviaries on Nov 22, 2007 13:18:56 GMT 10
My preferred nest box material for parrots that would, in the wild, nest in a cavity essentially on bare wood or chewed wood, is one to two cupfuls (depending on the size of the nest box bottom), of hardwood sawdust (sold for orchid growing) mixed with about a rounded tablespoon each of char-grit, and activated Zeolite, and a level teaspoon of insecticide powder e.g. Coopex. I vacuum out the nest material (first removing the chicks!) and replace it entirely after the chicks have hatched, at intervals of about two weeks. Adjust this routine depending on the size, number and 'messiness' of the chicks. The Zeolite acts as an odour and moisture absorbent, as does the charcoal in the char-grit. All the nest material can be safely nibbled-on by the nesting birds.
