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Eco, Basic, Armor and Full Metal nest boxes: which one should you choose?
- 22 Jul, 2026
- Blog
Nest boxes for parrots and other pet birds: differences between Eco, Basic, Armor and Full Metal
Choosing a nest box for parrots and other pet birds does not depend solely on the size of the bird. It is also important to consider how intensely each species or individual bird tends to chew and damage the wood.
In this guide, we explain the differences between the Eco, Basic, Armor and Full Metal ranges, from the materials used to the level of protection provided by each model.
View nest boxes for pet birdsWhy are there different nest box ranges?
Not all birds exert the same pressure on a nest box. Some use the structure without causing significant damage, while others frequently chew the entrances, the outer edges or almost the entire exterior surface.
The four ranges have been developed to provide progressive levels of metal protection. The choice should be based on the birds’ behaviour, the type of wear observed and the level of resistance required.
No metal protection
A pine plywood option suitable for birds that normally cause little damage to the wood.
Protection around the openings
Includes metal reinforcement around the openings, areas that are often subject to wear.
Protection around the openings and edges
Adds metal reinforcement to the outer edges for greater resistance.
High level of protection
Features exterior metal cladding, making it the option that provides the greatest protection for highly destructive birds.
Main differences between Eco, Basic, Armor and Full Metal
The progression between the ranges is mainly related to the material used for the structure and the amount of metal protection applied to the most exposed areas.
| Range | Main material | Metal protection | Protection level | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | 15 mm pine plywood. | No metal reinforcement. | No metal protection. | Birds that cause little damage to the wood. |
| Basic | 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood. | Metal reinforcement around the circular openings. | Essential protection. | Birds that mainly chew around the entrances. |
| Armor | 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood. | Reinforcement around the openings and on the outer edges. | Moderate protection. | Birds that damage the entrances and the outer edges. |
| Full Metal | 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood. | Exterior metal cladding and protection around the openings. | High level of protection. | Highly destructive birds or situations involving widespread wear to the nest box. |
Eco range: a simple solution
Nest boxes in the Eco range are made from 15 mm pine plywood. This provides a solid structure with high water resistance, suitable for birds that do not usually cause extensive damage to the wood.
This range does not include metal reinforcement. For this reason, it is particularly suitable when there is no history of considerable wear around the entrances or along the outer edges of the nest box.
- Material: 15 mm pine plywood.
- Protection: structure without metal reinforcement.
- Use: birds that cause little chewing damage to the wood.
- Advantage: functional solution without metal reinforcement.
Basic range: metal reinforcement around the openings
The Basic range is made from 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood. This material provides a very solid structure with high water resistance.
The main difference compared with the Eco range is the metal reinforcement around the circular openings: the entrance used by the bird and the opening in the inspection door.
This protection helps reduce wear in the areas that many birds begin to chew, without completely covering the outer edges.
- Material: 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood.
- Protection: metal rings around the circular openings.
- Use: birds with a moderate tendency to chew.
- Advantage: additional protection around the most exposed entrances.
Armor range: protection around the openings and edges
Armor nest boxes use the same 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood structure, but add more extensive metal protection.
In addition to the reinforcement around the circular openings, this range has metal protection on the outer edges. These areas can easily be reached by the beak and are often subject to wear.
It is suitable for birds that regularly damage the entrances and the outer edges of the nest box, but do not necessarily require complete exterior metal cladding.
- Material: 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood.
- Protection: metal reinforcement around the openings and on the edges.
- Use: birds that frequently damage several outer edges.
- Advantage: moderate protection without complete exterior metal cladding.
Full Metal range: the highest level of protection
The Full Metal range provides the highest level of protection. The inner structure is made from 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood, while the exterior features metal cladding.
The circular openings also remain protected. This combination makes it more difficult for the bird to reach the most exposed wooden surfaces directly.
It is particularly suitable for highly destructive birds, individual birds that chew different areas of the nest box or situations in which models with partial protection show signs of wear too quickly.
- Material: 18 mm black film-faced marine plywood.
- Protection: exterior metal cladding and reinforcement around the openings.
- Use: birds with a strong tendency to chew.
- Advantage: maximum protection for the exterior surfaces.
How to choose the most suitable range?
The species is an important consideration, but it should not be the only criterion. Birds of the same species can display very different behaviours. Some barely damage the nest box, while others cause extensive chewing damage to the entrances, edges or exterior surfaces.
Whenever possible, observe the birds’ behaviour and the wear on previous nest boxes.
| Observed behaviour | Suggested range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The bird uses the nest box without significantly damaging the wood. | Eco | Provides a solid structure without additional metal protection. |
| The bird mainly chews around the entrances. | Basic | The circular openings have metal reinforcement. |
| The bird damages the entrances and the outer edges of the nest box. | Armor | Protects the openings and the outer edges. |
| The bird damages several surfaces and displays highly destructive behaviour. | Full Metal | Provides the highest level of exterior protection. |
Which ranges are available for each group of birds?
Not all ranges are available for every group. The selection of models varies according to the characteristics and needs of the birds for which they are intended.
| Group of birds | Eco | Basic | Armor | Full Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aratingas | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Caiques | — | Available | — | — |
| Ring-necked Parakeets | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Galah Cockatoos | — | Available | Available | Available |
| Amazon Parrots | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Grey Parrots | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Poicephalus | — | Available | Available | Available |
| Cockatoos | — | Available | Available | Available |
| Macaws | — | Available | Available | Available |
Features shared by the different ranges
Despite the differences in material and protection, the nest boxes share several features designed to make installation, inspection and daily use easier.
- Supplied fully assembled: the nest boxes arrive assembled and ready to install.
- External inspection door: provides access to the interior to inspect the nest box and carry out the necessary maintenance.
- Versatile installation: L-shaped screw hooks or another fixing method suitable for the cage or aviary can be used.
Some models include the fixings, while the fixings for other models can be purchased separately. Specific information can be found on the page for each product.
Related products
Examples of nest boxes from the Eco, Basic, Armor and Full Metal ranges for different groups of birds.
Looking for the ideal nest box for your birds?
Explore our range of nest boxes for parrots and other pet birds and choose the model best suited to the species, the required dimensions and your birds’ behaviour.
View all nest boxes for pet birds