I am planning to make my own nesting boxes later on.

 

What do people use to cut out the indent in the floor for the eggs.

Maybe you can chisel it? Then some sand paper to finalize... That could do the job

Derek,

 

Daz could tell you, he makes nestboxes. There is a certain tool that is used, but the name escapes me at the moment.

 

 

Feathers.

I know Daz has it in another thread somewhere.. but I remember he used a fostner bit to cut a small starter hole and then a 80 grit flap disc sander to make the concave. I used this method on my new nestboxes and it worked great.

Dave is getting ready to make mine up!!! he is thinking about using a router and then a curve chisels so would love to see the answers to this too .....

Edited March 31, 200817 yr by Neat

I am planning to make my own nesting boxes later on.

 

What do people use to cut out the indent in the floor for the eggs.

 

 

Derek

I made my own from a old metal file. It is a bit of mucking around but once it's right it will last forever. Good also for cleaning the concave out after the breeding season.

find a old flat file and cut it to the required lenght,stand the file on it edge and weld a 20 mm shaft in the middle. Now the tricky bit is grinding the cutting edge, one on one half of the file and one on the opposite side so it cuts as it goes around.

 

Hope this helps mate

 

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Edited April 1, 200817 yr by throwback

I am planning to make my own nesting boxes later on.

 

What do people use to cut out the indent in the floor for the eggs.

 

 

Derek

I made my own from a old metal file. It is a bit of mucking around but once it's right it will last forever. Good also for cleaning the concave out after the breeding season.

find a old flat file and cut it to the required lenght,stand the file on it edge and weld a 20 mm shaft in the middle. Now the tricky bit is grinding the cutting edge, one on one half of the file and one on the opposite side so it cuts as it goes around.

 

Hope this helps mate

 

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Brilliant !! My ex father in law did the same thing and he said it worked a treat

Very good idea.. I might try that.

 

I use a Fostner Bit first.

 

Then i use a flap sander.

 

 

The concaves come out great.

 

 

There are a lot of theories when it comes to the function, ideal size and depth of the nest box concave. As many as what type of nest box is best etc etc.

 

My thoughts are not to make it too big it really only needs to keep the eggs together.

There budgies, not Rosellas!

Not too deep as this can cause the hen to bridge them instead of sit on them, heat too can also escape. The result no young.

 

I agree. I have mine at 1/2 inch 12mm deep. But I also add sawdust. Many of the hens throw it out before laying but those that don't keep the eggs together anyway.

You can't beat 2ltr ice cream container,Make the nest box to fit the container,no scrapeing,just change over the container & the chicks are kept nice & clean.I use a mixture of pine shaveing & kitty litter,in the icecream container.

You can't beat 2ltr ice cream container,Make the nest box to fit the container,no scrapeing,just change over the container & the chicks are kept nice & clean.I use a mixture of pine shaveing & kitty litter,in the icecream container.

 

 

O.K in the cooler months, but the birds can sweet a lot in the hotter ones and the plastic doesn't breathe well or absorb any moisture.

Edited April 2, 200817 yr by throwback

I have been useing icecream containers for 6 yrs, No trouble,use the kitty litter,mixed with the pine shaveings & you will have no problems,& a clean nest box.

I have been useing icecream containers for 6 yrs, No trouble,use the kitty litter,mixed with the pine shaveings & you will have no problems,& a clean nest box.

 

 

The birds don't pick at the kitty litter George?

I wouldn't think it would be nice to consume.

I have been useing icecream containers for 6 yrs, No trouble,use the kitty litter,mixed with the pine shaveings & you will have no problems,& a clean nest box.

 

George

 

Have you got any photos. I always find it intriguing when people come up with different ideas.

 

Thanks

I have no photos Derek,My computer know how,stops at replying on here.But I will try &

explain,what I meen.I made the nest boxes to fit the containers.My nest boxs are ID mesurements are 170mm square by 200mm tall & the pop hole is near the top & hang on the outside of the breeding cage,As I said the nesting material is a mix of pine shaveing & kitty litter,I put a hand full in the container,some birds scratch it out.If they do I leave it till they have layed there eggs & sitting,I then put another handfull in container,I leave it till the chicks are a week or 2 old & I will replace it with a fresh container.I may have to change it again before the chicks leave the nest.

Still not sure

 

Are you saying that you have normal wood nesting boxes and you put ice cream containers inside them.

all these people that make there own... makes me think i should stop being lazy and learn how to build things...

I have no photos Derek,My computer know how,stops at replying on here.But I will try &

explain,what I meen.I made the nest boxes to fit the containers.My nest boxs are ID mesurements are 170mm square by 200mm tall & the pop hole is near the top & hang on the outside of the breeding cage,As I said the nesting material is a mix of pine shaveing & kitty litter,I put a hand full in the container,some birds scratch it out.If they do I leave it till they have layed there eggs & sitting,I then put another handfull in container,I leave it till the chicks are a week or 2 old & I will replace it with a fresh container.I may have to change it again before the chicks leave the nest.

Yes Derek,the container is in the nest box & the nest box door is on the back of the nest box.

Cheers. Got it now. Hehehehehe.

The Kitty Litter would absorb the moisture am I correct in saying that ???

But Plastic not being breathable would cause MOULD on this inside of the nest box .

Edited April 2, 200817 yr by Neat

It does when cats pee in it.

The Kitty Litter would absorb the moisture am I correct in saying that ???

 

 

If its doing what kitty litter was invented for then yes... you are 100% correct. actually you are 100% even if it isn't doing what kitty litter was invented for...

There are many that use "Kitty Litter" and have no problems. You will find in the fancy that there are many many different ideas on how to do things.

 

Nest Boxes are wide and different and everyone has "THE" nest box that works best. I believe that if the birds like them than thats good enough for me. :yellowhead: