With Cockatiels, there are many options available when it comes to choosing a nest box. Wood, plastic or cardboard boxes can be purchased or homemade. I have never found a cockatiel that refused any type of box. As a rule, they generally are not very choosey about their nesting spot. I have even had a pair that decided to raise a family on the bottom of their house when no box was available. The nest box is a personal choice for the breeder.
Right from the beginning, I decided to use cardboard boxes. I based my choice on availability, cost, convenience and cleanliness. After making my first nest box out of plywood, I knew that I was not prepared to make a dozen of those heavy things, let alone store them when not in use and scrub them so they would be nice and clean for the next round of breeding. I like to make my own wine and noticed that the boxes from the premium kits were not only the perfect size for a nest box, but were also made of heavy duty cardboard. The local wine making store is more then happy to save all I need for a season of breeding and gives them out free. The only cost involved is my time, some hot glue, and a few zip ties. After each clutch, I throw the box away and put in a new one, no scrubbing and no waiting for the wood to dry. I do not have to store them and since wine making is a year round activity I can get boxes any time I need them. Any box that is heavy duty and an appropriate size can be used. If next to no cost, no cleaning and no storage sounds good to you, then here are the instructions.
To make the nest box you will need hot glue and a glue gun, a utility knife, like an X-acto and duct tape. To start with, the wine boxes all ready have a hole on one end that accommodates the spout on the wine concentrate bag. It is just the right size for an entrance. Remove all the perforated layers to make the hole, then glue that end shut. You will want a peephole to check on the eggs and chicks.
I like to put it on the side of the box, but depending on your situation, you might like it on top. Cut an appropriate size hole on three sides. Along the fourth side, bend the cardboard back to make a door. Use a piece of duct tape to make a pull-tab for your door. The door is easy to push back into place and open when you need to look. Finally, make holes in the box where needed to affix
the zip ties. I have placed these boxes both inside and outside of the breeding cage. I have only had one pair chew through the box while raising a clutch. The damage was easily repaired with cardboard and duct tape. For nesting material, layer in about three inches of white wood shavings. Depending on the birds and the size of the clutch, you will need to replace the shavings at least once while the chicks are with the parents. I have never had a problem with mites but as a precaution, you can put mite powder in the bottom of the box before you add the shavings. I have used other nesting material like shredded paper, a good alternative if you are concerned about babies ingesting their bedding. I prefer the fresh smell of the wood shavings and usually pull the babies before they start to pick and chew.
Other choices for a nest box if you do not mind storing them include rectangular plastic tubs and rectangular plastic buckets made in more or less the same way as I have already described, cutting an entrance and peephole in the lid and side of the container. A major advantage to the plastic is that there are no cracks and crevasses for germs to build up in and cleaning is relatively easy. A disadvantage in the summer is that the plastic does not breath and the interior gets very moist, with a potential for bacteria growth. In this case the shavings need to be changed often.
Whatever your choice, the most important feature is good access to the eggs and chicks so there is minimal disturbance to the parents when checking the nest box. You may want to try a few different types until you find the one that is right for you.