My bird seems to want to build a nest, I don't want it to

[Matho]

I think my lovebird is trying to nest:
It constantly tears things up.
It takes the torn up items to one corner of its cage.
It spends a lot of time just hanging about in that corner.
It heads straight for my blinds to tear off yet more potential nesting material whenever it is out of the cage.

The nest is never formed as all the building materials slip through the grate at the cage bottom.

What can I do to stop the bird from just hanging about in the corner most of the time?

Also, any ideas on how to stop it from destroying my blinds (at the moment all I can think of is clipping its wings) ?

I'm also a little bothered as she doesn't seem to want to socialise so much as just chew things up.

[Janie]

Matho, check previous threads in the "Breeding" section of the forum. You'll find tips on ways that you might be able to prolong her from nesting. No doubt about it, you can't prolong it forever but from what I've read here, there are ways to put it off for a little while. Moving the cage, changing toys and perches around inside the cage, providing NO nesting materials or toys that can be shredded into nesting materials, etc.

As far as shredding the blinds, yes I think a wing clip would help. :)

[Matho]

thanks, I'll go have a look at that.

[BarbieH]

Hi Matho;

You'll probably want to move the cage, especially to a location where your bird can't get at blinds or cords. When they're nesty, they will try to chew anything!

We have one hen who cannot have paper in her tray. She can get to it with her beak, and she will chew it up if it's there. We clean her tray daily to remove seed hulls and poop.

Even so, when she gets nesty enough, nothing will stop her. She tries to build a nest out of seed hulls. At that point, we do what we can to make sure her nesting time is as safe and health as possible. That means extra nondairy calcium in her diet.

It's normal for a nesty bird to seem not quite so friendly. Like us, they get hormonal. The best thing you can do is protect your skin, and use the experience to help her learn to trust you even more. Nesting can be a truly bonding experience if your bird starts to perceive you as someone who is looking out for her well being. But she can't help being a little more nippy ... it's a natural thing.

Best wishes,

[Matho]

thanks, I moved the cage and stopped handing out chew toys: she seems much better now and has been moved back to her usual position.

[linda040899]

Matho,
Glad to hear our suggestions are working! You may have to move the cage again periodically, as she will get comfortable with her new location and the behavior will return. Nesty lovie hens can be very hard to discourage!!!