bird nesting box

[kitty1950]

my grandson made me a nesting box, the wood is untreated so can anyone tell me what type of varnish to use on the outside that will be safe for wild birds? also when is the best time to put it outside to hopefully get a pair of nesting birds. Thanks.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi kitty, Personally I would leave it untreated and in the hope that birds would take to it more readily if its left natural. If you do wish to treat the wood to make it more durable, I'd go for something that states on the can, "harmless to pets and wildlife, low odoure"

As for the best time, the autumn is generally concidered best as it gives the box time to "weather in" before ealy spring when the birds start looking around for a suitable nesting site. put it up away from where cats can get to it if poss and face if somewhere between north to east to avoid it getting too hot in the mid-day sun. Good Luck Tbird+

[kitty1950]

Thanks very much Thunderbird+. I think I will leave it untreated. I am going to put it on my garage wall which is north facing but quite sheltered and well out of reach of cats. Cheers again, Kath.

[wildwood]

No idea what kind of wood was used?
Whatever, if you want to preserve the life of the box it is perfectly ok to use an ordinary polyurathane varnish on the outside. This dries overnight and a second coat is even better.
This varnish leaves no lingering odour like stain, and is perfectly safe for birds.

When anyone makes a birdbox it is best to use dried treated wood. In order for a bird to become effected by the chemicals in the wood it is going to have to 'eat' at least part of the box.

[kitty1950]

Thanks for your answer wildwood. Kath.

[funkylad20]

Hi,
I have made lots of nestboxes over the years and always painted in my dad's wood varnish (usually Ronseal Wood Stain) ad it never does any harm! Boxes are always used. As for un-safe for birds; my budgies eat the aviary/shed they are in on a regular basis and they have not had any ill-effect. The entire aviary has been hand-built and painted in the same paint...so I shouldn't worry!

[kitty1950]

Thanks funkylad20. Kath.