Next box question for rescued lovebirds

Question
I recently took on several pairs of lovebirds from someone who was not caring for them well. The masked pair, Sushi and Sake, are expecting eggs as informed by my vet and the "breeder" (I use that word very loosely) that I rescued them from. With little time to set up, I placed them in a 32'' long, 20'' deep 20'' long flight cage with a breeder door, with a small nesting box. I was unable at 8pm desperatly searching every pet store open, to find a large nest box so I purchased a small box that I was told was suitable for budgies. When I got it home I realized it was smaller then I thought originally, and was probably intended for finches or canaries. I've since ordered new boxes more suitable for lovebirds (english budgie style) for all the pairs, but they will not be here for probably a week or so.

I've had Sushi and Sake for 2 days. I was told that Sushi should lay "any day now" (That's very helpful, don't you think?! oie!) so I quickly filled the nesting box with eco-nest, gave her some paper to shred, some willow and pear bark, and some horse hair at the bottom of her cage. They had already built a very elaborate nest at the breeder's but I was unable to take the nestbox with me.

So really, I have a few questions.
1) I see Sushi and Sake lying on the grating of the cage when I come in, as though they are nesting there. when I turn the lights on or come to the cage they will stand up, and usually Sake (the male) will fly up to a perch, and after a few moments Sushi will join him. She seems uncomfortable and annoyed when she does this. Most of the time they are on the floor or on the perch closest to the small nesting box. One time when I came in, she was inside the box but quickly flew out. I was glad to see it but later that night again she was "nesting" on the floor. She hasn't touched the nesting supplies. Is this normal? How can I get her to accept the new nesting box?

2) If she has not laid by the time the correct sized box arrives, can I replace the one hanging now? If she has laid, can I move the nest and eggs to the new box?

3)Is it better for the box to be placed high, or low, on the ground? I have been told both, I do not have breeder door on these cages (shame) so I was originally planning to use on of the four food doors as a breeder door, rather then cut a hole, which would place the boxes low on the cage. I thought this was safer too, to keep them from falling if something should happen! But then I have been told that lovebirds like their nests high and will not use a box on the ground. What do you think?

What can I do to help them settle into their new home and allow them to build a new nest?

Thank you

Answer
Hi, Shawn,

First of all, you've only had these birds for 2 days.  A move is usually very stressful on a bird.  I think you are asking too much of them after having been moved so recently.  They need some time to settle down in their new environment first.  They also don't know you and need time to get used to you, etc.

Don't fill the nesting box yourself.  You need to allow your lovies to build their own nest inside the nesting box.  This might be why they are not going inside the box.  They also won't use a box they feel is too small.  You could have up to 6 babies and both parents inside a box at the same time.  The breeding box has to be large enough.  I use cockatiel sized nesting boxes with lovies.  If they do not like their nesting box, they will lay on the cage bottom, in a dish, etc.  This would present a whole new set of problems.  

You need to minimize interruptions at this point in time.  However, yes, if they have not yet laid when the new boxes arrive, you can replace the old with the new.  However, you cannot move eggs/babies once either are present.  The parents may abandon either.  You need to allow the lovies to make their own nest inside the box...not you making their nest inside the box.

Each bird is different.  In my years of experience breeding parrots, I've found they prefer the nesting box entrance hold medium to high in the cage.  The problem you are experiencing with a "breeder door" is why I make my own breeding cages.  Otherwise, I use a tool to cut a few of the cage bars in order to accommodate the nest box entrance hole.  When I remove the nesting box, I cover the "hole" I created in the cage with some type of material the birds won't chew/destroy so they don't get out.  You need to ensure the nesting box is secure enough that it won't fall.  Eggs/babies won't "fall" out of the nesting box if you are using the right kind of nesting boxes.  Babies will come out of a nesting box themselves when they are ready to come out (unless you are handfeeding them).  

In summary, I think you are asking too much of these birds too soon after a move, particularly if they have come from an environment where they were neglected.  Too much stress can result in health problems for your birds, which can be carried on to any offspring.  Give them some time.  I wouldn't put up any nesting boxes until your birds settle down in their new environment.  What's the hurry?

Chrys