Moving a Birdbox.

[ladybirder]

I put up two birdboxes three years ago in the small piece of garden here. Only one has been occupied each year (bluetits) but the other has remained empty. I think it's because it's a bit out on a limb and possibly vulnerable to predators, whereas the occupied one has lots of cover. Has anybody got any idea what size area a pair of nesting tits needs to sustain themselves and their young? My worry is that the area I have available might not be large enough to sustain two tit families. It is circa 35' long x 10' deep and has several trees and bushes, all a decent size. Anybody with any knowledge in this area please?

[redman41]

Try a different type of Nest Box firmly secured to the trunk of one of the other trees. If you had a larger Nest Box it could attract a Tawny Owl or Woodpecker etc which would be nice for you and them !

[Maydup]

Or if you prefer not to change the box, you could increase the size of the hole and try to attract something other than blue tits.

Here are recommended sizes for the different species who would live happily alongside a blue tit family.

Box Size Hole Size Species
Small 25 mm Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, and Coal Tits
Small 28 mm Great Tits, Pied Flycatcher and Tree Sparrow
Small 32 mm House Sparrows and Nuthatches
Medium 45 mm Starling

[ladybirder]

Thanks Redman. That's a good idea, an owl will be living off different food to the Bluetits, I never thought of that. I will have a read and see if the site is suitable for an Owl or a Woodie. Actually we have a Green Woodie about so here's hoping. Thank you again, I was hoping you or Naz would reply.

Maidup thank you for your reply also. My point is that I am concerned that I don't have enough space to support two bird families who would be competing for the same type of food. So I think Redman's suggestion would be the way to go, but thanks again for your interest.