before mating the male will prepare the nest and he get inside the nest, singing, tap the box with his beak and chewing the straw. this sings mean they need mating so, after mating they they go in side the nest to long time so, After a period You will notice the female puffed and sleep more then usual , large droppings, Her abdomen will enlarge and feel firm. She will drink more water to replace the moisture that it takes to create an egg.