Do Parakeets Need a Nest? If Yes, What Are the Benefits? (Solved!)

Pet parakeets are usually raised in homes, especially in cages. Sometimes, you may notice parakeet nesting behavior like preening, increased vocalization, collection of materials, and other behavioral signs, which raises the question, “Do parakeets need a nest?”

Yes, parakeets need a nest. Parakeets like having their privacy intact so they can feel safe without disturbances. Besides their cages, it is important to provide a nest where they can escape everything and rest peacefully. Recent statistics show that nests make sleeping easier for parakeets by reducing stress levels and providing warmth and maximum privacy.

Furthermore, the breeding phase is also very important for parakeets. Parakeets will primarily need a nest during their breeding phase for mating and a conducive place to lay their eggs. Parakeets’ nesting materials are usually soft to prevent egg breakage and provide a soft spot for parakeets to sit on their eggs until the incubation cycle is over.

Pet parakeets cannot weave their own nests using nesting materials like grass and dry leaves. Therefore, as a parakeet owner, it is your duty to get a nesting box that your parakeets will use for privacy, breeding, and resting, even though it will not look like a parakeet nest in the wild. Remember, nests make parakeets feel at home, hence making them happy.

Should I Make a Nest for My Parakeet?

It is best to make a nest for your parakeet that is simple and comfortable. All you need is a nesting box that you will hang in its cage, where your parakeet will feel its privacy is in check.

Furthermore, a good nest offers a conducive environment for breeding that will help mother parakeets hatch more young ones without straining.

Why Should I Make a Nest for My Parakeet?

It is important to make a nest for your parakeet for the following six reasons:

1. The Ideal Place to Lay Eggs

Female parakeets are usually sensitive to where they lay eggs. They mostly want a safe place where their eggs will not be tampered with. Providing a nest will help your parakeets feel at ease when laying eggs.

2. Nests Offer Privacy

Unlike an open cage, a nest offers privacy, where a parakeet does its thing without anyone noticing. In most cases, nests are usually attached in a darker place, creating privacy for your parakeet. Thus, nests are always a getaway place for parakeets.

3. Suitable Place to Raise Young Ones

Baby parakeets need a warm and safe place that will facilitate their growth. Having a nest will help female parakeets protect their young. Besides, nests are more secure, and many predators will not get access to them.

4. Resting Place

Parakeets also need a place where they can hide and get some rest. Nests help parakeets sleep faster due to warmth, privacy, and darkness. They like getting away from all the troubles in their cages to have a quiet place to reduce their stress.

5. Mating Site

Parakeets are birds that love doing their things privately. These birds usually mate in their private nests. They are more affectionate in private than in an open cage, especially during the courtship phase.

6. Maintains Correct Temperatures During the Incubation Phase

Nests are very essential for parakeets during the breeding phase. Typically, parakeets sit on the eggs for warmth.

However, the eggs’ standard incubation temperature is maintained by the entire nest and offers the right humidity to ensure all eggs are hatched.

What Kind of Nest Do Parakeets Need?

Parakeets need a wooden nest box decorated with natural materials like wood shavings, feathers, and straws.

This nest is usually darker and thus feels more private and secure. You can make one using simple materials at home.

How to Make a Parakeet Nest

Making a parakeet nest is very simple when you follow the right procedure.

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to make a parakeet nest:

1. Assemble all the required accessories, like wood panels, necessary tools, and safety equipment. This will help you save time looking for all this equipment up and down.

2. Cut the wood panels to the appropriate size, with measurements of 35.5cm by 31cm for the sides and 35.5cm by 35.5cm for the bottom and top of the nest.

3. Use a rotary tool to create a circle of 3 inches in circumference on one side of the wood panel that will serve as the entrance.

4. Nail the sides and bottom of the wood panel to create a nesting box.

5. Put a perch on the doorstep of the nesting box where your parakeet can land and step into the nesting box.

6. Drill holes in the top of the nesting box to make it removable.

7. Use natural materials like wood shavings, feathers, or straws to decorate the nesting box.

8. Train your parakeet to normalize using a nesting box for privacy, resting, and breeding.

Can Parakeets Breed Without a Nesting Box?

Yes, parakeets can breed without a nesting box. Male and female parakeets will always mate, especially in the same cage. Nonetheless, a nesting box helps female parakeets feel safer about laying eggs.

It also supplements privacy and is a dark place for laying and incubating eggs.