Lovebirds not entering the nest box?

Question

i have 2 lovebirds.they have been with me for just a month.they are still fairly small.i bought them a nest box for a retreat house at night.they used to go in it but now,they do not.it just started maybe a week ago...i am worried...are they sick?

Answer 1

A few questions can be asked before you get the answer you may seek.

Have you provided nesting materials?

Is there a nest in the box already?

The birds may be too immature to breed, (or one may be) they may be related (although, that usually does not stop inbreeding-which is not good)

Usually the hen will start passing eggs in anything to keep from egg bind. These eggs are usually infertile. Are you certain of their s*x?

I doubt they are sick as that would also show other symptoms such as not eating or other signs in their physical appearance or behavior.

If they look and seem fine otherwise and are eating ok, I would say no to sickness worries. Then you have to refer to the above again.

Answer 2

No they probably aren't sick-I got 4 lovebirds and two of them go in the nest box and most the times they don't.  Just give them time to adjust to their new home they will get the hang of it eventually

Answer 3

If they were only just weaned before you got them they may have used the nest box as a baby / security thing as they would have only just left it.

Now that they are a few weeks older they are gaining courage and don't feel they need the security now. Big and brave and ready to face the world type deal lol.

I just recently handfed 10 lovebirds and even after they moved to a cage during the day they would all scramble to the security of the closed in brooder at night. A few weeks after they were fully weaned they would have nothing to do with it and put up a fuss if I didn't leave them in the cage even at night.