Bird Nesting Boxes

Some wild birds may stay in your garden, and breed and raise their young. This possibility is strengthened if you offer sisal nesting logs and bird nest boxes. Hanging two or more logs will give the birds a choice and they are likely to return every year to breed.

Setting up a nesting box in your garden is one of the four things you need for your outdoor area to qualify as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat.

FAQ

Where should I place our Nesting Box?

The habitat available to you will be the primary factor determining the type of birds you can attract for nesting. Here are a few things to consider. Make sure that you place nesting box in a location where the target bird species is likely to reside. Before placing your box, research habitat, nest height and direction preferences for the species. Avoid putting nesting boxes in areas where herbicides and pesticides are used. Not only do these chemicals decrease insect populations (the primary food source for most cavity-nesting birds) but they can also harm birds directly. The nest box can be mounted on a tree or a pole. Make sure that the box is attached securely enough to withstand severe weather and winds. Take into consideration the direction your box is facing and how much direct sun it receives. Many birds will reject boxes that face due west, for example, because the box may stay too hot.

When should I setup my Nest Box?

Make sure your nesting box is in place well before the arrival of breeding season. Spring is the typical mating season for most bird species. During that time, food sources are increasing and melting snows and spring rains provide plenty of water. Plus, there will be a long, temperate season for young birds to mature.

Maintenance & Monitoring your Nest Box

Once breeding season begins, monitor your box for activity. You can enjoy watching adults quickly dart in and out as they build their nests or feed hungry nestlings. If your box is first discovered and used by invasive bird species consider removing the nest. Doing this regularly will likely encourage the bird to move to another location and free the box for use by native species. Once eggs have been laid you may want to monitor the progress of the nest. Lightly tap on the box before opening the panel to allow the adult bird to leave. So as not to become a nuisance, limit your viewing time to less than a minute once a week. Keep track of the progress of the nestlings. This way once they have fledged and the box is no longer in use it can be cleaned. Some birds will not use cavities with abandoned nests in them, and removing the debris cuts down on ectoparasites for the next set of nestlings. If you remove the nest in a timely fashion you could enjoy two to three broods per season!

Browse through the other products in the range of Bird Baths, Bird Feeders, Bird Food, Bird Seed, Bird Fruit Feeders, Bird Nectar Feeders and Suet Bird Food.