Placing nest box

[Gail]

Where and how is the best place to put the nest box? Would it be ok to sit it on the floor of the cage or should it be up a bit higher? I thought about attaching it to the outside but the box I have just wouldn't work that way.

[clt80]

I had my nest box on the floor of the cage at the side and had it positioned so that I could get access to it without moving it to check on the babies.

[Learner]

I guess the answer to the question is whatever the birds are happy with but must admit that siting a nest box on the floor of a cage would probably be my last choice.

I drilled a hole in the outside end of a wooden flight cage, attached a platform with edging to the outer end and had the next-box outside the cage where I could move it if I needed to.... But what works in one set-up may not work in another.

Outside the cage gave me easiest access to the next-box without disturbing the parents too much and took up less space within the cage. The entrance hole was high up with a perch underneath it.

Most advice in books for nest-box siting seems to say as high up as possible.

[clt80]

the chicks when hatched will be curious and want to explore and often fall out the nest box before they are ready to. I have experienced this. Be wary if placing high up that if one falls out they won't be hurt by the fall.

[Gail]

Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and placed it about half way up inside the cage. I tried it on the floor at first but just didn't like the way it sat and it seemed uninviting.
The female has been checking it out some but mostly they are playing on top so I put a shredder toy up there and a lettuce leaf to play with.