| Nest Box- Do's & Don'ts Do's1) Put a good variety of nest boxes up such as a 32" entrance ( for Great Tit, Flycatchers, Sparrows and Dunnocks). 26" entrance ( Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Coal Tit ) Open Fronted Nest Box ( for Robins, Flycatchers) Colony Box (Sparrows) also for eve nesting birds and owls if you can.2) Always place at least 6 to 16 feet above the ground out of reach of cats and people.3) Fix to a tree, fence, trellis or wall in a quiet safe place in your garden, out of reach of predators or alternatively on a fence post within dense shrubs (like in our picture below) or in a hedge. 4) Shelter from the worst of the elements and direct sunlight.5) If you have no trees providing some shelter or shade, face the front of your box in a north to south-east direction.6) When fixing a nest box to a tree or other surface tilt the box slightly forward if you can. This ensures any rain will run away from the entrance hole.7) Place food out for your nesting birds regularly all year round and especially during the breeding season. You will be helping the bird family grow and be part of your garden environment. |  |
| Dont's 1) Don't put up your nest box where a lot of activity occurs i.e near a front door, drive entrance or facing a busy road. (its a shame that you will waste your good intentions with siting the box where it will not be used!).2) Don't disturb the nesting box between February and August as this is when it will be most likely occupied.3) Don't remove nesting materials straight away some species like Blue or Great Tits will have more than one brood. Wait for 3-4 weeks after the fledglings have left the nest. If unsure if the brood have left, it is best not too disturb the nest at all. After removing the nesting material wash out the box with boiling water or anti bacterial spray. This kills all the parasites and fleas that attach themselves on nestlings. Make sure you dry the inside of the box with an old cloth after using water or anti-bacterial sprays. Leave the box front open for 10-15 minutes so that the air can take away any strong spray odours.Then replace the front. 4) Don't forget about your nest box, regularly maintain your box and if necessary do running repairs. If your nest box is falling too pieces it will not be used (birds do check if a box is suitable prior to using a box!).5) Don't use wood preserve on the inside of the box. Creosote is a definate no no on bird boxes (again they will not use it) plus this type of preserve can be harmful when in contact with wildlife generally. |  |
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