How high should a bird’s nest box be? What is the ideal height for a bird nest box? 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 bird’s nest box be and other related topics.
HOW HIGH SHOULD A BIRD NEST BOX BE?
If you’ve been hanging a bird’s nest box for a while but haven’t seen any birds, it’s possible that you’re hanging it incorrectly. The location of a nest box is critical for birds to visit.
Depending on the birds you want to attract, a nest box should be 10–30 feet off the ground. Owls require a height of 10–30 feet, but tiny birds can get away with 10–15 feet.
Continue reading for more information on how to hang bird nest boxes and the proper heights at which to hang them.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL HEIGHT FOR A BIRD NEST BOX?
Depending on the birds you want to attract, the nest box height might range from 3 to 30 feet. Although each species has the desired height, you usually go with the average and hope for the best! Here’s a list of popular species and the height at which their nest boxes should be placed.
- Woodpeckers and owls: To attract these birds, install the nest box at a height of 10–17 feet. It’s also a good idea to have the box’s larger section face a tree.
- Sparrows, tits, and starlings: For these small birds, the nest box should be placed 7–12 feet off the ground. To prevent direct sunlight, it’s best to position it between north and east. Also, make sure there’s nothing in the way of getting to the box.
- Robins and wrens: These birds require nesting boxes that are 5–7 feet off the ground.
- Kestrels: Because kestrels may soar as high as owls, a height of 9–13 feet is optimal.
Nuthatches have nest boxes that range in height from 5 to 20 feet. It’s best to keep the hole facing away from the wind if you want them to come.
Swallows are little songbirds who might benefit from boxes that are 5–10 feet tall.
- Warblers: Because warblers are even smaller than swallows, their nest boxes can be placed 4–6 feet high. Because these guys adore water, the box should be placed near a running stream.
- Chickadees: Chickadees prefer nest boxes that are 5–15 feet off the ground, and it’s a good idea to fill them with wood shavings.
HOW TO PLACE A BIRD NEST BOX PROPERLY
If you don’t arrange the nest box appropriately, it will remain empty, which is something you don’t want. Here are some pointers on how to set up a nest box for a passing bird.
HIDE IT IN THE TREES
When it comes to nesting, most bird species prefer to be alone. Wrens, blackbirds, robins, and flycatchers are among them.
The nest box will most likely remain empty if you leave it out in the open. That is why you should locate the nest box in a peaceful area hidden between trees or bushes.
Tits, sparrows, and starlings, for example, may make do with nests that aren’t very hidden. However, because they are afraid of predators, the nest should not be out in the open.
Owls, woodpeckers, and kestrels are the only birds that tolerate open expanses. These guys have nothing to fear, so they’ll safely nest in unhidden boxes.
KEEP IT OUT OF REACH OF PETS.
If you have cats or dogs, ensure sure the nest box is higher than where they can access it. Otherwise, if your furry little pet gets its paws on the box, you may expect a disaster.
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE HOLE SIZE.
If you have a 25mm hole and are expecting a woodpecker to enter the box, you’re in for a surprise. The size of the hole should be adjusted according to the type of bird you’re anticipating.
Sparrows require a minimum of 28mm, whereas tits and warblers can get by with 25mm.
Nuthatches and house sparrows, for example, require at least 32mm.
KEEP THE FRONT DOOR OPEN
Many people are unaware that birds are unable to open doors. A cat may push a door open if it is in the way of its entry, but a bird will simply fly away.
That is why you must ensure that the hole is always open and that nothing is blocking it.
DISTURBANCE SHOULD BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
Avoid hanging the box too close to other nests or feeders. The birds may be actively fighting and quarreling, which is something no one wants.
Furthermore, bird mothers aren’t always gentle; if necessary, they’ll attack the nesting birds. As a result, strive to keep the box as quiet as possible.
TO SUM UP
You can put your bird nest box as low as three feet off the ground or as high as 30 feet off the ground. It all comes down to the type of bird you’re hoping to see.
It’s crucial to know what birds breed in your area because this will determine the location of the nest and the size of the hole.
The location of a nest box is critical for birds to visit. Owls require a height of 10–30 feet, but tiny birds can get away with 10–15 feet. Nest boxes for robins, wrens, and kestrels should be placed 7–12 feet off the ground.
If you don’t arrange the nest box appropriately, it will remain empty. Tits, sparrows, and starlings may make do with nests that aren’t very hidden.
Owls, woodpeckers, and kestrels are the only birds that tolerate open expanses. The size of the hole should be adjusted according to the type of bird you’re anticipating. Avoid hanging the box too close to other nests or feeders. Bird mothers aren’t always gentle; if necessary, they’ll attack the nesting birds. Disturbance should be avoided at all costs.