What’s in the nest box?

[Trev]

Hi again - more questions, sorry!

What’s the thinking on nest boxes these days. All I could ever afford was Dandynests back in the day and recycling them at that, which didn’t ever seem to be the healthiest!

Anyway, I bought some plastic ones up at Doncaster and some nest pads, but now that it’s getting to that time I don’t know whether there’s upside and downsides to those? Also nest box grates so the nest bowl is off the wooden base, any parasite treatments in the next box, any particular flooring in the stock loft like pea straw vs other materials?

As ever, any advice gratefully received.

I am sure you will get different views on this subject Pete, I used the clay bowls with a nest felt and some deep straw. Under the bowl I used a beer mat, which had been soaked in Creosote. I think it is all down what you would like to spend on floor dressing, there are so many you could choose from.

Andy and I knew a fancier years ago who always put news paper soaked in creosote under each nest bowl, never tried it myself.

[NeilA]

I use to cut cardboard just larger than the bowl base paint it in creosote and put it under the bowels

[PeteDerby]

Thanks guys. I’ve heard the creosote one from a few people. I’ve also read mixed views regarding cleaning the nest box whilst the babies are still in the nest - some saying clean daily, some saying don’t touch the nest bowl other than to ring the birds. I’m not sure which is the right way? I vaguely remember the dandy nests getting a bit ‘maggoty’ when I was a kid which used to freak me out.

[Murray]

This something you can find your own "best" way of doing.
I do like to keep my nests and nest boxes clean.
I get heaps of newspaper free from the news agent, and don't skimp on it in the boxes. I also have plenty of nest bowls and change them out if they get messy.
One thing I have observed many, many times. I've put the babies on the floor in their nest bowl. Taken all the soiled paper out, given the box a brush, put clean paper and bowl in and put the babies back in. In two seconds the parents are in there pumping feed into them.
It's just my way, but I can tell you that pigeons like a clean nest box.

[Buster121]

I don't clean mine until I have rung them, then done every day

[Andy]

I don’t clean the bowls out but do clean around them. I also sprinkle fresh wood shavings in and around the bowl every couple of days if needed.

[PeteDerby]

I don’t clean the bowls out but do clean around them. I also sprinkle fresh wood shavings in and around the bowl every couple of days if needed.

That’s probably what I’ll do. Unless a get a sudden lottery win and I can afford those Hermes next boxes with the conveyor belt system !