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Hello,

I have a few pairs of macaws and I live in Puerto Rico. I am interested in using metal nest boxes, but I don't know anyone in PR that make them. I've found a few websites that sell them, but the shipping to PR is too expensive and I can not afford it (it's almost 2 times the cost of the acutal nest). I was hoping that maybe someone can help me so I can build one myself. Of course I already know the size of the nest (32"x20"x15") and I'm planning on using a metal sheet gauge 24. What I definately do not know is if its supposed to be screwed or welded together. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is it better to have the inspection door on the side or on the back of the nest?

Adalberto Garcia
Puerto Rico

I would pop rivet it together. Make sure that you fold over all edges so that the birds(or you) wont be cut.

psitticula wrote:I would pop rivet it together. Make sure that you fold over all edges so that the birds(or you) wont be cut.

Good idea!

I would only say to use only steel, NO Galvanized metal what so ever! You can also use stainless steel but it is expensive, so I use a 6060 alum 35-50T I make the bends so it only joins in one area and then rivet (like the poster said above or screw and bolt it.

Also I off set the doors, meaning the enterance door is on one side and the access (from outside) is on the other side of the box, end or side doesn't matter.

To fold over the edges you make the hole smaller, put a drill hole in the spot you want the size to be, cut to the drill hole and then fold over the extra metal.

Hammers and a 2x4 wood makes a good brake (used to bend metal) wood on the inside and hammer it from the outside to form the bend.

Hi "PurpleHeart",

Thank you for responding.

Why do you prefer Steel over Galvanized Metal? When you say "I use a 6060 alum 35-50T", is this Aluminum? I'm pretty new at breeding parrots and definitely new at metal nest boxes. Do you line yours with wood on the inside?