Bird box

[Factfinder]

What direction should a bird box face and what type of bird would it attract with a 3cm hole. Is that too big for a blue tit? I have had one up for a year or so and blue tits have a lokk in then leave. It is north facing.

[burnhal]

blue tit up to 25mm, great tit up to 28mm, 32mm for sparrows though dont worry about the dimensions too much- you dont get precise measurements in the wild!! North is fine- if the site is exposed it should be between north and east to avoid overheating in strong sun. If its a sheltered site then any direction is ok. Birds are fickle- at some point they may decide to use it- or they may never. It will help if its partly concealed in vegetation and away from busy parts of the garden. If its not used in spring it may well be used for winter roosting in cold weather

[Cetti]

I hate posting a link Factfinder, but it makes it a lot easier for you to read, plus all the info that you need is here:

http://www.uksafari.com/nestbox.htm

[ruthann58]

ours was up for two years before they used it now they use it every year they are back and forwards like crazy at the moment feeding the babies we go on holiday tomorrow and i bet they will have flown by the time we get back my husband has made me a terraced sparrow box this year and we have put it up so hopefully the sparrows will use it next year

[Factfinder]

Thanks for your replies guys, a great help.

[wildwood]

You may not think so but nesting sites are carefully chosen and branches close to the box which may provide access for predators is a minus. As above, if the box is inspected and the sun is on it, it will be rejected because it is too hot inside.
Many nestboxes sold are unsuitable for birds. A good nestbox should not have a perch under the hole and should be made of rough sawn wood - it is hard for them to start building a nest on a smooth bottom as the grass etc. will slip and slide all over the place except where the bird wants it to stick.

The best nestbox we've had is the old clay flowerpot with a 1" hole in the bottom, hung up top against the wall. It is amazing how small a hole a bird can get into, and they'll feel safer as less predators can enter.
.



are subject to;
Access for predators to the nest(box) - branches close to the box is a no no.

[wildwood]

Oops. well, it is rather late...

[Cetti]

What a brilliant idea wildwood!
I've been wondering what to do with a couple of old pots. Makes good sense.

[Factfinder]

2 very good points wildwood. My nest box is smooth and has a perch under the hole. The blue tits and great tits have used this to inspect the inside of the box before entering, but it has also been very useful for the starlings too! New nest box, new position required. Thanks!