coconut husk or nest box

Question
hi chrys, gud day,
ive been breeding budgies with nest box yet most breeder suggest coconut husk than nest box..
does coconut husk improve the breeding capabilitty or somehow enhance the production of the birds..?
which is more advantegeous, nest box made of wood or coconut husk..?
by the way , my friend just give me some of his african lovebirds yet he himself is uncertain which is male and which is the female.. unlike budgies, african lovebirds are hard to identify the male from the female cause they do have the same cere color, can you help me identify the male from the female...?
considering nest box is more preferable,
ive made 6"x6"x10" nest box for my budgies is it enough or to big..?
is such nest box would be okey for arfican lovebirds too..?
thanks, GOD BLESS YOU...


Answer
Hi, Ian.  Thanks for posting your questions.  I've been  breeding budgies for 15 years, and I've always used a wooden nestbox with 100% success.  This isn't to say that budgies won't use coconut husks...in fact, budgies are very prolific breeders and will lay eggs in just about anything where it is dark, dry, and where they feel their babies will be safe (kleenex boxes, hollowed out wood, bottom of cage, etc.).  I don't believe breeding is enhanced by the place where the birds decide to lay their eggs.  They will only lay their eggs where they feel their babies will be safe.  

Lovebirds can only be sexed (with 100% accuracy) by DNA testing (nonintrusive) or surgical sexing (intrusive).  DNA sexing is performed by an avian vet or you can do this yourself.  There are websites where you can call or order DNA testing kits for free.  These kits come with complete instructions and everything you need to take 1-2 drops of blood from the bird (from a clipped toenail or I believe they are using birds' feathers now).  Once you have the drops of blood on the card they send you, you send the card with bird ID to the Lab with payment (last year I paid $19.50 per bird), and the Lab will send you (or E-Mail you) the results.  Here's a web address of the Lab I use:  http://www.avianbiotech.com  You only pay for the actual Lab test...not the testing kits.

6x6x10 nestbox isn't bad.  My budgie nestboxes are 6 wide x 8 deep x 8 long.  I've used this size for 15 years.  It's big enough for mom and 6 babies, until the babies fledge.  Of course, once babies are 7+ days old, you'll have to clean the nestbox out regularly...6 babies can make quite a mess inside!      

The above size is too small for lovebirds.  Lovebirds need a box about twice the budgie size (remember...you have to have room for both birds and up to 6 babies until they fledge at about 4-6 weeks).

God bless you, too, Ian.  I hope I've been able to help you.  If you have any more questions, please come back.

Chrys