Picky pigeons!

[tacothechicken]

I have noticed that by offering totally different nesting options many of my birds have become 'picky' and will refuse any other nesting style than they're prefered one. Black box, open box, shelf style, milk crates etc. I even had my youngest pair refuse a nest box at all and try to nest on top of one instead luckily they were having so many issues keeping their nest together, they allowed me to supply a large wicker basket for a base shape and some wind cover -_- any one else have pigeons who refuse to conform? I'd use uniform nest boxes but I find certain styles more suitable depending on weather here, especially given I have a very basic an unheated pigeon home for my fine feathered friends so I like to see benefits of each style

 

[Hokum Coco]

many of my birds have become 'picky' and will refuse any other nesting style

I feel your pain. I use for the most part dog bowls that I have picked up at the Dollar Store in Canada. I find nylon window screen is a good substance attached inside at the bottom to prevent spayed leg (which I had occur when a surface is very slippery ). You need something that will not tip over when the parents exchange duties on the nest first and foremost. Even with those in place some birds will nest next to the bowl or on the floor and God knows where.

Tampering with the nest sight can lead to a loss of the eggs and potential offspring. Leaving the nest sight alone can lead to the same result because of inadequate nest building. I have since started surrounding where ever they choose to build their nest with a ring made from garden hose or any similar material the thicker the better with approximately a 10"diameter.
It has worked excellent for me.

 

[tacothechicken]

@Hokum Coco thanks for the advice! I didn't think about window screen material for nonstop base in a dog bowl !!! I have a whole roll I can use! So far I've been using wood shavings (non toxic) to they can shape it, pat it down etc however they like. I'll note for first time parents, these two are very on it in the brooding department at least! Checked one egg last night to find a tiny heart formed

 

[Hokum Coco]

I have a whole roll I can use! So far I've been using wood shavings (non toxic) to they can shape it

If it is not broken do not try and fix it.
What ever is working for you I would continue on that path. I have found it is a safe guard for me when pairs begin to nest unexpectedly when their is little nesting material in the loft. I have had two cases of spayed leg recently and I believe it could be caused (at least partially) by the slick surface on the nest bowl.