Elite Swamp Grass Nesting Material 15g: Natural Bird Nesting Grass for Finches, Canaries and Quail

Elite Swamp Grass: Natural Nesting Material for Birds

Elite Swamp Grass is a 100% natural, soft and flexible grass fibre used by finches, canaries and quail to build and weave their nests. Also known as November grass, it's a long-time favourite nesting material with Australian bird breeders, because the fine strands are easy for small birds to pull, shape and tuck into a snug nest. This 15g pack from Elite Pet Products is enough for a breeding pair or two, or to try with your birds before the main breeding season.

Why Swamp Grass Makes Good Nesting Material for Birds

The fine, pliable strands cushion eggs, help hold warmth around the clutch while the embryos develop, and absorb some moisture to keep the nest dry. Because it's a natural fibre, it's gentle on birds' feet and feathers and lets them build the way they would in the wild. Giving birds material to build with also encourages natural breeding behaviour, as gathering and arranging nest material is part of how pairs settle in to breed.

Safe Nesting Materials for Birds

Natural fibres like swamp grass are the safest choice. Avoid synthetic fibres, cotton thread, wool, string and dryer lint, which can wrap around toes and legs and cause serious injuries, including lost toes. Even with natural grass, pull bundles apart and trim any very long strands so they can't loop around a bird's leg. Sterilised feathers and coconut fibre are other safe options to offer alongside swamp grass.

Canary, Finch and Quail Nesting Material: How Each Bird Uses It

• Canaries: build an open cup nest, usually in a nest pan. Swamp grass makes a good canary nesting material for lining the pan, often with a few soft feathers on top.
• Finches: many finches fill a nest box or wicker nest with a domed nest of fine grass, so finch nesting material should be soft and offered in plenty while they build.
• Quail: nest on the ground. Place a loose handful of grass in a sheltered, quiet corner of the aviary floor, and replace it if it gets wet or soiled.

How to Offer Swamp Grass

• Pull the grass into small, loose bundles.
• Peg, clip or tie a bundle to the side of the cage or aviary wire, or place it in a cage-front nesting material dispenser.
• Keep it off the floor for canaries and finches so it stays clean and dry.
• Put a small amount in the nest pan or nest box to help shy pairs get started.
• Top up as the birds use it, and remove any soiled or wet grass.

Key Features and Benefits

• 100% natural swamp grass, also known as November grass
• Soft, flexible fibres birds can pull, weave and shape
• Cushions eggs and helps keep the nest warm and dry
• Suits finches, canaries, quail and other small birds
• Encourages natural nest-building behaviour
• Peg to the cage or aviary side for clean access
• 15g pack from Elite Pet Products

Product Details

• Brand: Elite Pet Products
• Product: Swamp Grass
• Type: Natural bird nesting material
• Also known as: November grass
• Suitable for: Finches, canaries, quail and small aviary birds
• Pack size: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elite Swamp Grass used for?

Elite Swamp Grass is a natural nesting material that finches, canaries and quail use to build and line their nests. Breeders peg it to the cage or aviary wire so birds can pull strands as they build.

Is Elite Swamp Grass the same as November grass?

Yes. Swamp grass and November grass are two names for the same fine, natural grass used as nesting material for small birds.

What nesting materials are safe for birds?

Natural fibres such as swamp grass, coconut fibre and sterilised feathers are safe. Avoid cotton thread, wool, string, synthetic fibres and dryer lint, which can tangle around birds' toes and legs.

What nesting material is best for canaries?

Canaries do well with soft, fine natural grass like swamp grass to line their nest pan, often finished with a few soft feathers. Offer it near the nest pan, off the cage floor.

What is the best nesting material for finches?

Most finches prefer soft, fine grass they can weave into a domed nest inside a nest box or wicker nest. Swamp grass suits this well, used on its own or with a little coconut fibre or feathers.

How do I give swamp grass to my birds?

Peg or tie small bundles to the side of the cage or aviary wire, or use a nesting material dispenser. For quail, which nest on the ground, place a loose handful in a sheltered corner.

How much swamp grass will I need?

A 15g pack suits one or two breeding pairs of small birds. Top up as they use it during the breeding season.

Where can I buy Elite Swamp Grass in Australia?

Elite Swamp Grass Nesting Material 15g is available from Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies at 462 Elizabeth Dr, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia. You can visit our store or order online with delivery across Australia.