Plastic drum for Macaw nest box

[jde2]

I’d like to start breeding my B&G Macaws. I’ve been trying to get a hold of a wooden barrel but had no success in doing so; so I was wondering if a plastic drum can be used for nesting… I’ve been browsing the web and I’ve only seen one video on YouTube where a breeder used a blue plastic barrel (I’m not sure if they were successful in reproducing though).
The barrels I got were once used for my horses a few years ago so any products in there would have been washed away.
I currently got the pair in a 10x10x6 cage with plenty of natural growing trees/trunks in there for them to chew on. This pair is about 8-9 years old and they're very bonded.

 

[henpecked]

Hey jde, welcome to the forum. I'm not sure how well the plastic barrels will work.I don't breed macaws but have friends who do. Most of them use homemade plywood nest boxes , "boot shaped". The sheet metal boxes are also popular but not so much in warmer climates such as yours. I'll see if i can't find some plans and let you know.

PS run in to an old rummy ,John Juni, hanging out there ? Old capt friend of mine, heard he was hanging out there, last i heard he was dealing tropical aquarium fish.

 

[Nocturnal]

I guess you're main priority would be making sure that it is stable and doesn't knock over.

 

[weco]

HP, I've seen pics of those plastic barrels, both 30gal & 55gal, being used for eagles, hawks & even 'toos.....

They're polyethylene & shouldn't pose a problem.....I would think an 7-8 inch hole would be a good starting size for the entry & if the pair accepted the barrel as a potential nestbox, they will size the opening to their preferences.....

Don't forget to some drainage holes in the bottom/side of the barrel.....whichever will be down.....you might want to put straw in for nesting material...the hen will throw it out if she doesn't like it, though after any hatchlings have left the nest, you would want to remove the nesting materials.....

Good luck.....

 

[jde2]

Checked around the island and managed to get a hold of a wooden Tortuga Barrel!
Hoping the B&Gs love it!

 

[henpecked]

That looks good, i think you need to patch the extra holes in it so that it's dark as possible on the inside. You don't want daylight coming though the cracks and holes other than the entrance. Do you have a door to gain entrance into the inside? Do you think you could get it higher up in their pen? It does need to be in the shade like you have it so it won't get too hot.

 

[jde2]

Well we actually bored extra smaller holes on both ends... Cayman is usually hot all year round and from what I've experienced by keeping my arm inside the barrel, I found it to be a little to warm/hot for living conditions. The breeders here on island also suggested that I should bore extra holes for ventilation. Inside is still fairly dark, but as you suggested I may need to patch the bigger hole on the side.
In the rear of the barrel there is a sealed door that's approx 6x6in.
Thanks for you advice! I will raise the barrel as high as possible and do the patching.

 

[henpecked]

Don't be a stranger, let us know how it works out.