I would also like to point out that when building your nest box ,that you take into acount the type of bird you wish to attract into the box. the generel rule is that if it is for a Blue tit the entrance hole needs to be 1 1/8" in diameter and 1 1/4" for great tit.
For other species you can obtain from the R.S.P.B. and i also recommend that it should face north to avoid the nest over heating,as there are many factors when incubation occur. one is the correct humidity inside the box if this is not right the eggs will not hatch,so having it facing south would cause the nest to dry out and even the eggs completely dry up.Hope this helps you somewhat.
Go to BTO website and type in nestboxes, or watch Gardeners World this friday on bbc2 at 8.00pm. The best time to put one out is now so the birds get used to it by the spring.
A reminder to empty out those nestboxes to prevent any mites present from infesting any birds who use them to overwinter in - wrens in particular like to do this.
We've cleaned out the ones in our garden and put a little fresh hay in the bottom.
Dove: You may find that your thoughtful 'offering' of hay is discarded by the first prospective tenants of your box - a clean, well-positioned and firmly mounted box is much the best bet for happy, productive tenants. *Direct nailing into trees is NOT advised - bracing between branches is better for the tree, and all concerned.
I agree with Gilly too. Look at the website they have templates and good advice on siting. I would get them ASAP as the brids will roost in them in winter as will already by scouting for nest sites, some birds at least.
Dove is spot on with the clear flight path too. The blue tits stopped using their favourite box last year because the branches above had sagged down a bit more.
Good lord do people really say you guyz. One learns something every day what fun the English language is!
Spammer aside (at least they're bumping up some interesting old posts though it is a shame GW haven't blocked them yet - or gotten them to cough up some cash at the very least) I'm very much looking forward to putting up some bird boxes in my garden. I had a box with a camera in at the old house but all I got to see was a spider making a nest! Best get the compass out and start working out where they can go...
Posts
For other species you can obtain from the R.S.P.B. and i also recommend that it should face north to avoid the nest over heating,as there are many factors when incubation occur. one is the correct humidity inside the box if this is not right the eggs will not hatch,so having it facing south would cause the nest to dry out and even the eggs completely dry up.Hope this helps you somewhat.
Hi carol
Go to BTO website and type in nestboxes, or watch Gardeners World this friday on bbc2 at 8.00pm. The best time to put one out is now so the birds get used to it by the spring.
Best of luck
A reminder to empty out those nestboxes to prevent any mites present from infesting any birds who use them to overwinter in - wrens in particular like to do this.
We've cleaned out the ones in our garden and put a little fresh hay in the bottom.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/901/p/5069/37890.aspx
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Dove: You may find that your thoughtful 'offering' of hay is discarded by the first prospective tenants of your box - a clean, well-positioned and firmly mounted box is much the best bet for happy, productive tenants. *Direct nailing into trees is NOT advised - bracing between branches is better for the tree, and all concerned.
I agree with Gilly too. Look at the website they have templates and good advice on siting. I would get them ASAP as the brids will roost in them in winter as will already by scouting for nest sites, some birds at least.
Dove is spot on with the clear flight path too. The blue tits stopped using their favourite box last year because the branches above had sagged down a bit more.
Hi Jim - in previous years we've not put anything in the boxes after cleaning them out in the autumn, however this year we followed the advice on here
http://www.nestbox.co.uk/files/products/MUL.pdf, but did feel unsure - OH has been outside today and removed said hay.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Just make sure that no cats can get in them
Can you make bird boxes from Rattan?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Good lord do people really say you guyz. One learns something every day what fun the English language is!
Spammer aside (at least they're bumping up some interesting old posts though it is a shame GW haven't blocked them yet - or gotten them to cough up some cash at the very least) I'm very much looking forward to putting up some bird boxes in my garden. I had a box with a camera in at the old house but all I got to see was a spider making a nest! Best get the compass out and start working out where they can go...