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Position for a nest box

debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
in Wildlife gardening
Hello all, my daughter recently bought me nest box for blue tits from the RSPB. I was wondering if anyone could advise on the best place to put it. I was thinking of the wall of my house but wasn’t sure how high up or if there’s anything else to bear in mind. I would love to see it in use. Thanks in advance 

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Between 2-3m high ideally, out of direct sun, facing away from prevaling wind or in a sheltered spot, and away from any bird feeders. The birds like somewhere to perch near the box and ideally the chicks need a short flight to cover once they fledge.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    and it is a good thing to get it in place as soon as you can so that the birds get used to seeing it and then they hopefully will use it next Spring.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    General advice is for them to face north or east to avoid extreme heat - if we have any.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    It's too late for Bluetits for this year.  They've all fledged and they do not have a second brood.  Good advice above re north or east facing walls and they also like a direct flight line.  Good luck for next year.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    East facing here might be a problem as it can get jolly hot and north facing means all that wind and rain in winter so think about shelter form the elements as well as aspect.

    Good idea to put it up now so that the birds get familiar with it for next year's nesting and breeding.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Thanks everyone I am thinking of putting it up this year ready for 2024. Thank you all for the advice will let you know how we get on. 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Birds might still use it for roosting even if they don't nest in there until the spring. A nice dry nest box will always benefit some creature even if it isn't always birds. A handful of wood chippings in the base makes cleaning easy and insulates the base for birds roosting in the cold months.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I have two on a timber pergola in the garden.  The NE facing one has been occupied both years it's been up.  The SE facing one has interest but no occupants either year.  Although about 20 feet from the house, the SE facing one looks directly at the house and I wonder it that is enough to put birds off.  The NE facing is at 90 degrees to the house.
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