On this page you can see how I prepare my nestboxes for my Javas............items required are:

A Nestbox		Coconut Fibre		Shredded Paper

I build the nest in 5 stages for my Java's, click on any image below to see a larger version in a new window.

		First I pack the nestbox with shredded paper to the top of the nestbox.
		Secondly I then make a bowl shape in the shredded paper by making an indentation with my fist.
		I get the coconut fibre and separate it out so it is not in clumps and is easier to spread into the bowl shape previously made. This also get rid of a lot of the dust that is in the bundles of coconut fibre
		I then put in the coconut fibre into the bowl shape made before with my fist, I use plenty here and ensure the fibre is spread apart and going in all directions in the nest bowl to make sure that there are no holes where eggs can fall through.
		I then make sure there is nesting material hanging out of the nestbox entrance hole to tempt the birds into the nestbox.

I put a limited amount of nesting materials, both shredded paper and coconut fibre on the cage floor, normally in a corner for the pair to pick what they want to put in their nest. You can see a typical breeding cage of mine in action. Please click the image below to see a larger image.

As an alternative to using shredded paper I have used meadow hay or long stemmed grasses, used as rabbit bedding. Please click the image below to see a larger image. I use this type of nesting material for other finches like Timor sparrows.

You may find that a pair will use all the material you give them and some will only use one sort of what you provide. Just observe and supply the birds what they want, if you have say, 6 or 7 pairs you may well have 4 or 5 different nesting material combinations due to the different preferences of the pairs.

Just go with what they want and I think this will increase the chances of successful breeding. I also make sure there is a little nesting material in the cage even if the hen has started laying her clutch. I believe that this aids in keeping the cock a little steadier, giving him something to do and not bother the hen too much!

When I see both the cock and hen sitting on a full clutch of eggs I stop putting anymore nesting material in the cage.

Enough information for you on this page? Please e-mail me and tell me your thoughts

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