What To Put In A Budgie Nesting Box {Full List Here}

Are you looking to adding a nesting box to your budgie cage and are unsure exactly what you need to put in there.

In this article I will list everything you need to put in a budgie nesting box

What To Put In A Budgie Nesting Box

Here are the essential items you should put in a budgie nesting box:

Nesting material: Budgies need nesting material to create a soft, warm, and secure environment for their eggs and chicks. You can use materials such as shredded paper, coconut fibre, or untreated wood shavings.
Breeding substrate: Budgies require a substrate to hold the nesting material and provide a suitable surface for their eggs. You can use materials such as pine shavings, sawdust, or sand.
Perches: Adding a perch inside the nesting box can provide a comfortable resting spot for the birds and support the nest.
Calcium supplement: Budgies require calcium to produce strong and healthy eggs. Providing a calcium supplement, such as a cuttlebone, can help ensure your budgies have enough calcium for successful breeding.
Darkness and privacy: Budgies prefer to breed in a dark and private environment. You can cover the nesting box with a cloth or place it in a secluded area to provide privacy for the birds.

More information about these items below

Question : Do budgies need a nesting box for breeding? If your not sure take a look at this article I wrote.

Nesting Material

Budgies require soft and cozy nesting material to create a warm and secure environment for their eggs and chicks. Some suitable nesting materials for budgies include:

Shredded paper: You can use shredded paper from newspaper, paper towels, or tissue paper.
Coconut fiber: Coconut fiber is a popular nesting material for budgies. It is soft and helps to hold the nest together.
Untreated wood shavings: Untreated wood shavings, such as pine or cedar, can provide a natural and comfortable nesting material for budgies.
Cotton: Cotton can be used as a soft and warm nesting material. However, it is important to avoid using synthetic cotton, as it can be harmful to the birds.
Grass and straw: Budgies may also use grass and straw to build their nests. You can provide them with fresh grass or straw from a pet store or outdoor environment.

It is important to avoid using materials that can be harmful to your budgies, such as materials that are treated with chemicals or have sharp edges that can injure the birds or their chicks. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the nesting material is clean and free of mold or other harmful substances.

Breeding Substrate

Budgies require a suitable breeding substrate to hold the nesting material and provide a suitable surface for their eggs. Here are some requirements for breeding substrate for budgies:

Absorbent: The breeding substrate should be absorbent and able to hold moisture, so it can help maintain the humidity levels required for successful breeding.
Dust-free: The substrate should be dust-free to prevent respiratory problems in budgies and their chicks.
Non-toxic: The breeding substrate should be non-toxic and safe for budgies and their chicks. Avoid using substrates that are treated with chemicals or contain any harmful substances.
Easy to clean: The substrate should be easy to clean and replace, as regular cleaning and replacement can help maintain a healthy environment for the birds and their chicks.

Some suitable breeding substrates for budgies include:

Pine shavings: Pine shavings are a popular breeding substrate for budgies. They are absorbent, dust-free, and provide a natural environment for the birds.
Sawdust: Sawdust is another suitable breeding substrate for budgies. It is absorbent, dust-free, and can be easily cleaned and replaced.
Sand: Sand can also be used as a breeding substrate for budgies. It is absorbent, dust-free, and provides a natural surface for the birds to build their nests.

Perches

When choosing a perch for your budgie, there are several things to consider to ensure your budgie’s comfort, safety, and overall health. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a perch for your budgie:

Size: The perch should be the right size for your budgie’s feet. It should be thick enough to prevent foot problems, but not too thick that it is uncomfortable for the bird to grip.
Material: The perch should be made of a safe and non-toxic material, such as natural wood or untreated branches. Avoid perches made of plastic or other synthetic materials, as they can be harmful to your budgie.
Texture: The perch should have a rough texture to help keep your budgie’s nails and beak trimmed. Natural wood or rough branches can provide the necessary texture.
Variety: Providing a variety of perch sizes and shapes can help prevent foot problems and keep your budgie entertained.
Placement: The perch should be placed in a location that is comfortable for your budgie and allows for easy access to food and water.

Some suitable perch options for budgies include natural wood perches, rope perches, and manzanita branches. It is important to regularly clean and replace perches to prevent the build up of bacteria and other harmful substances

Calcium Supplement

Calcium is an essential nutrient for budgies, as it helps to maintain strong bones and a healthy beak. Here are some calcium supplement options for budgies:

Cuttlebone: Cuttlebone is a popular and readily available source of calcium for budgies. It is a natural product that provides both calcium and other essential minerals.
Mineral block: Mineral blocks are another common source of calcium for budgies. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be hung in the bird’s cage.
Calcium powder: Calcium powder can be added to your budgie’s food or water. It is an effective way to supplement your budgie’s diet with calcium.
Crushed eggshells: Crushed eggshells can also be used as a source of calcium for budgies. They should be cleaned and baked before being crushed and added to the bird’s food.

When selecting a calcium supplement for your budgie, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is safe and appropriate for your budgie.

Darkness and Privacy

Budgies have specific darkness and privacy requirements that are important to their overall health and well-being. Here are some guidelines for providing adequate darkness and privacy for your budgie:

Darkness: Budgies need a period of darkness to regulate their sleep patterns and maintain good health. They require around 10-12 hours of darkness each day, ideally at night when they are naturally more active. It is important to provide a consistent dark period each day to prevent disruption to their sleep patterns.
Privacy: Budgies also need a degree of privacy to feel secure and comfortable. They should have a designated area in their cage or aviary where they can retreat for solitude and rest. Providing a hiding spot, such as a covered nest box or a sheltered perch, can give your budgie the privacy they need.
Light exposure: While budgies require darkness for rest and sleep, they also need adequate exposure to natural or artificial light during the day. Exposure to light helps to regulate their circadian rhythms and maintain good health. A balanced schedule of light and darkness is crucial to their overall well-being.
Noise level: Budgies can be sensitive to loud noises and disruptions in their environment, so it is important to provide a quiet and calm atmosphere in their living space. Avoid placing their cage or aviary in noisy or high-traffic areas, and minimize disruptions as much as possible.

By providing your budgie with the right amount of darkness, privacy, and exposure to light, you can help to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Other Things To Consider With A Nesting Box

When looking to add a nesting box to your budgies cage you will also need to consider the following.

Nesting box size: The size of the nesting box should be appropriate for your budgies, with enough space for the birds to move around comfortably and build a nest. A suitable size for budgies is around 8 x 8 x 12 inches. For more information on this take a look at this guide I wrote
Entrance hole: The nesting box should have a suitable entrance hole for the birds to enter and exit. A size of around 2 inches is suitable for budgies.
Food and water: It’s important to provide food and water near the nesting box, so the birds can easily access it and provide for their chicks.
Monitoring tools: It’s essential to monitor the birds and their breeding activity regularly. Having tools such as a camera or a monitoring system can help you keep an eye on the birds and ensure their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Budgies Stay In A Nesting Box

Budgies typically stay in the nesting box for around 3-4 weeks, from the time the eggs are laid until the chicks are ready to leave the nest. The exact duration can vary depending on various factors such as the temperature and humidity levels, the age of the chicks, and the availability of food.

During the first few days after hatching, the chicks are unable to regulate their body temperature and rely on their parents for warmth. The parents will typically stay in the nesting box with the chicks, providing warmth and feeding them regularly.

As the chicks grow and develop, they will start to become more active and may begin to venture out of the nesting box. Eventually, they will become independent enough to leave the nest and join the rest of the flock.

Why Won’t My Budgies Go In The Nesting Box

There could be several reasons why your budgies are not going in the nesting box. Here are some possible explanations:

Inappropriate nesting box: The nesting box may not be suitable for your budgies. It may be too small, too big, or not provide enough privacy. Make sure the nesting box is the appropriate size for your budgies and has a small entrance hole to provide privacy and security.
Location of the nesting box: The nesting box may not be in a location that your budgies feel comfortable with. Try moving the nesting box to a more secluded and quiet area, away from high traffic areas and sources of noise.
Lack of interest: Budgies may not be interested in breeding or nesting at the moment. This is normal and may be due to a variety of reasons, such as age or health. Ensure that your budgies are in good health and that they have a balanced diet, as this can affect their breeding behavior.
Lack of bonding: Budgies may not bond well with their partner, which can affect their breeding behavior. Ensure that your budgies have had sufficient time to bond and build a strong relationship before attempting to breed them.
Stress: Budgies may not feel comfortable or safe in their environment, which can lead to stress and prevent them from nesting. Ensure that their living conditions are appropriate and provide them with plenty of toys, perches, and stimulation to reduce stress.

It is important to be patient and observe your budgies’ behaviour to determine the cause of their reluctance to go in the nesting box.

Do Budgies Need A Blanket At Night

Budgies do not need a blanket at night as they are able to regulate their body temperature and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, providing a cover over the cage at night can help to create a sense of security and reduce disturbances that may disrupt their sleep.

If you choose to cover your budgies’ cage at night, ensure that the cover is made of a breathable material, such as a light cotton sheet, and that it does not completely block out all light and airflow.

Do Budgies Sleep In Nesting Box

Budgies do not usually sleep in the nesting box, as it is primarily used for breeding and raising chicks. Budgies typically sleep on perches or branches, and it is important to provide them with enough perches to choose from, as they may prefer different perches for sleeping and daytime activities.

It is important to ensure that the perches are of appropriate size and material for your budgies, and that they are placed at different levels and positions to provide variety and stimulation. Avoid using sandpaper or rough surfaces on perches, as these can cause foot injuries and irritation.

Additionally, budgies require a consistent light/dark cycle to regulate their sleep patterns, and it is recommended to provide them with 10-12 hours of darkness each night. Covering the cage with a light cloth or providing a separate sleeping area can help to create a sense of security and promote restful sleep.