12 tips for nest box newbies
Spring is on its way and now is the perfect time to make room for some new arrivals. Here are twelve top tips for anyone new to nest boxes.
Think about the birds you already see on your patch to make sure your box gets some tenants
2. DIY
If you’ve got the materials, make your own purpose-built nest box following instructions from the experts
Birds prefer a weathered look that won’t draw any unwanted attention to their home
3. Wood is good
A wooden box with drainage holes and a rough surface that young birds can grip is the best choice. Metal and plastic models can overheat or suffer from damp when condensation builds up inside
4. Make the right entrance
Pick a small box with an entrance hole for blue tits, an open fronted box for robins, a large box with a hole for starlings and very large boxes for owls and jackdaws. Avoid perches as they could encourage predators
5. It’s a buyer’s market
There are plenty of ready-made nest boxes to choose from too. Look for ones made from sustainable wood sources, held together with galvanised nails that won’t rust
6. Choose rustic chic
Birds prefer a weathered look that won’t draw any unwanted attention to their home. Untreated wooden boxes will blend into their surroundings
To avoid aggression, be careful not to put your box too close to another, or an existing nest site
8. Location, location, location
Ideally, position your box between north and east to avoid the strongest sunlight and wettest winds. Otherwise look for a sheltered spot and tilt the box forward slightly to protect it from driving rain
9. The height advantage
Wrens and robins prefer low-down homes, below 2m and hidden by vegetation. Tits prefer nest boxes around 3m up a tree or wall while starlings and house sparrows like to live under the eaves
10. Do not disturb
It might be tempting to regularly take a peek but it’s important not to disturb nests during the breeding season. You can fit a nest camera before the birds move in for a big brother experience
11. Neighbourhood watch
You can take part in the BTO’s nest box challenge to monitor the breeding success of Britain’s birds by recording what’s going on with your box
12. Keep it clean
Add a note to your diary to clean out your nest box after October once the birds have stopped using it. You can remove unhatched eggs at this time and use boiling water to kill parasites before letting it dry and replacing the lid for the next family
