Can a nesting box be too high? what is the best height for a birdhouse? these are some of the questions that worry gardeners and individuals who have an interest in nesting birds or chickens at home but have no worries again because in this guide we will cover how high should a nest box be and other related topics.
CAN A NESTING BOX BE TOO HIGH?
It’s likely that you’re hanging a bird’s nest box wrongly if you haven’t seen any birds after a while. Birds must be able to find a nest box in order to visit it.
A nest box should be 10–30 feet off the ground, depending on the species you want to attract. Owls need to be 10–30 feet tall, but little birds can get away with 10–15 feet.
Continue reading to learn more about how to hang bird nest boxes and at what heights they should be hung.
WHAT IS THE BEST HEIGHT FOR A BIRDHOUSE?
The height of the nest box can vary from 3 to 30 feet, depending on the species you want to attract. Despite the fact that each species has a preferred height, you usually settle for the average and hope for the best! The height at which popular species’ nest boxes should be placed is listed below.
- Woodpeckers and owls: Place the nest box at a height of 10–17 feet to attract these birds. It’s also a good idea to face the larger section of the box toward a tree.
- Sparrows, tits, and starlings: Place the nest box 7–12 feet off the ground for these little birds. It’s advisable to place it between north and east to avoid direct sunlight. Also, make sure nothing is blocking your path to the box.
- Robins and wrens demand nesting boxes that are 5–7 feet above ground level.
- Kestrels: A height of 9–13 feet is ideal for kestrels, as they may soar as high as owls.
Nest boxes for nuthatches range in height from 5 to 20 feet. If you want them to come, it’s preferable to keep the hole facing away from the wind.
Swallows are little songbirds that may benefit from 5–10 foot tall boxes.
- Warblers: Because warblers are smaller than swallows, their nest boxes can be put at a height of 4–6 feet. The box should be placed near a running stream because these creatures love water.
Chickadees prefer nest boxes that are 5–15 feet off the ground, and wood shavings are a good way to attract them.
HOW TO PROPERLY PLACE A BIRD NEST BOX
If you don’t properly organize the nest box, it will remain empty, which is not what you want. Here are some tips for constructing a nest box for a visiting bird.
TAKE IT TO THE TREES AND HIDE IT.
Most bird species prefer to be alone when it comes to nesting. Among them are wrens, blackbirds, robins, and flycatchers.
The nest box will most likely remain empty if you leave it outside. As a result, the nest box should be placed in a quiet region surrounded by trees or bushes.
Tits, sparrows, and starlings, for example, may be able to make do with less-than-hidden nests. The nest, however, should not be out in the open because they are terrified of predators.
The only birds that tolerate open spaces are owls, woodpeckers, and kestrels. These guys don’t have anything to fear, so they’ll nest in plain sight.
PETS SHOULD NOT HAVE ACCESS TO IT.
If you have cats or dogs, make sure the nest box is high enough for them to reach. Otherwise, expect a disaster if your furry little creature gets its claws on the package.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOLE SIZE.
You’re in for a surprise if you have a 25mm hole and expect a woodpecker to enter the box. The size of the hole should be tailored to the sort of bird you’re hoping to attract.
Sparrows need at least 28mm, whereas tits and warblers can get by with 25mm.
Nuthatches and house sparrows, for example, need a minimum of 32mm of space.
LEAVE THE FRONT DOOR UNLOCKED.
Many people don’t realize that birds can’t unlock doors. If a door is in the way of a cat’s entry, it will be pushed open, while a bird will simply fly away.
That is why you must keep the hole open at all times and guarantee that nothing is blocking it.
AT ALL COSTS, DISRUPTION SHOULD BE AVOIDED.
Hanging the box too close to other nests or feeders is not a good idea. It’s possible that the birds are actively fighting and quarreling, something no one wants.
Furthermore, bird mothers aren’t always gentle and will assault nesting birds if required. As a result, make every effort to keep the box as silent as possible.
TO SUMMARIZE
Your bird nest box can be placed as low as three feet off the ground or as high as 30 feet. It all depends on the type of bird you want to view.
It’s critical to know what birds breed in your area because the location of the nest and the size of the hole will be determined by this.
The height of a bird’s nest box can vary from 3 to 30 feet, depending on the species you want to attract. Owls need to be 10–30 feet tall, but little birds can get away with 10–15 feet. Robins and wrens demand nesting boxes that are 5–7 feet above ground level.
The only birds that tolerate open spaces are owls, woodpeckers, and kestrels. Nest boxes can be placed as low as three feet off the ground or as high as 30 feet. It all depends on the type of bird you want to view.