UkPigeonRacing

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've never used plastic bowels. I always use clay bowels with a nest felt. I glue the felt with a blub of bostik to stop it moving and press the felt to the shape of the bowl. Then put a handful of shavings in. Never needed to lift the bowl up. When finished with just rip the felt out and wash and use again. Got nest bowls here that are 30+ years old.
As for nesting materials, I use straw from the pet shop. It's medicated so has no bugs on it.

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.

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

Andy wrote: Mon Dec 23, 2024 8:01 am 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 !