Nest Boxes

[Debbie]

Since I'm in a townhouse, I have very limited space for placing feeders. I was thinking of getting a window mounted nest box to place on the side of the house. (Can't get to the window now because the snow is too deep.) What's neat is that I'd be able to see the nest from inside the house.

What's required to set up a nesting box? Do I need to place food in it to attract them?

I'm thinking I'd do this when the snow melts. Like in June/July -- LOL! Thanks.

[Gary Lefko]

Just some nesting material-wood shavings, etc--usually birds will find it and bring the material (especially House Sparrows). I would put it up beginning of spring-summer is too late. Thanks, Gary

[Debbie]

I guess it will all depend on how deep the snow is and whether or not I can get to the window. Good tip on the timing. So I should put some "starter" nesting materials in there?

I've not seen house sparrows here yet. Perhaps they've gone "east" for the winter! My sister in Georgia tells me they can be mean birds! Of course, she also had a woodpecker enlarge the hole in her nesting box to make it his own.

The nesting box I'm thinking of getting is clear on the side that attaches to the window so I could watch what's going on.

[Beverly]

Debbie,

What a grand idea! I'm going slow on the nest boxes because of all the blasted squirrels I have. Lordy, they are soooooooo distructive! Once I get a handle on how to keep them away from feeders (inexpensively), I'll try boxes. That would be so cool... Good for you!

I did some research for ya…because what you’re hopping to attract will decide what kind of nest box you hang, including where, facing what direction, how high and what (if anything) you put inside.

The size of the entrance hole is especially important! It’s not as bad as it might sound…a birding store will be able to help you…most boxes are sold for specific birds (chickadees, owls, etc.) There are tricks you can incorporate to keep birds from enlarging holes (to eat baby birds) and how to keep squirrels and raccoons from reaching inside, too (predator barriers.)

I hope these links are a help:

http://library.fws.gov/Bird_Publications/house.html

http://birds.suite101.com/article.cfm/hang_a_nesting_box_for_birds

(or go here http://www.birdhouses101.com/ and navigate to interesting links on the left)

http://www.rengaarts.com/products/birdhouses/info.html

http://www.duncraft.com/Before-Buying-a-Bird-House-W79C167.aspx

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/wildlife/ndblinds/index.htm

http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/Projects/Completed/Bird_House...

[Sara]

Debbie, we were loosing a lot of seed to the squirrels, too. My mom talked me into a baffle. So, here is how it finally worked:

We bought a shepherds hook from a thrift store, put it at least 5' from a fence, and placed the baffle about 2.5' - 3' up the pole. NO squirrels can get to those feeders now.

Well, that took care of two feeders-- and I need more than that in the backyard! So I broke down and bought one of those squirrel proof "hopper" feeders. I found one through an Ace Hardware store for $23 (online). It holds 10 times the seed, and the squirrels are unable to feed from it. I have it set on the lightest settings and a pair of flickers can feed together without it closing.

We also have an finch feeder that holds thistle seed. It is a Droll Yankee and has metal (stainless steel) around the seed holes. The squirrels do not bother with that feeder either.

Hope this helps with your squirrel vs feeder issues!

[Beverly]

How do you deal with larger feeders that hang from a shepherd's-type hook? Most of the hooks are about 5' from the ground. Add an 18" or 2' feeder and you're within jumping distance for any squirrel; especially when there's a couple feet of snow on the ground!

I am reluctant to sink a permanent 4x4 into the ground from which to attach hooks at a higher level (I like to move the feeders around some...to keep the ground underneath free from disease)...so I need to find a way to extend the length of the poles! Anybody have something that works?

[Sara]

Our feeders are about 2.5' - 3' from the ground. Once we put a baffle around the hook the squirrels gave up climbing and jumping to the feeders.

You could hammer a 1" pipe into the ground and attach the shepherds hook to it with some metal tightening clamps. To make the pipe look better you could paint it black and cap it off (so water and seed don't collect inside).

Also, you can try a "patio" mix bird seed-- which is shelled black-oil seeds. No mess at all! The ground remains clean :) (I do miss the sunflowers that grow under the feeders though).