Bird boxes - do they need an opening lid?

[disco_monkey79]

As per the title, do you need to be able to get inside a nesting box?

I've been asked to make one, and someone mentioned the need to clean them out?

Many thanks

 

[CHJ]

Yes, either lid or front panel,
Dependant upon design can be a split front panel allowing assembly as 'robin' box with open top half front or '***' type with small upper half with hole that can easily be removed.

Some birds will clean them out* but best to do it and get rid of the mites etc.

*especially if you put something in there like moss they don't like. :lol:

 

[disco_monkey79]

Thanks!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If you go to the RSPB website, you can print off plans - the hole sizes are quite precise, according to the birds you want to attract, and there are a few do's and don'ts.

 

[carlb40]

Be aware the birds may not use the box at first. I have a family of blue **** in my garden and i think it was 3 years before they used it. Then after cleaning it out of the nest and dead babies

They didn't use it last year again.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Dead babies? was it just one or two? Did you use treated timber for the box?

 

[carlb40]

No treated timber just plain PAR that i had lying around. Think it was 2 babies, well skeletons when i found them.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

That's OK, treated timber is not recommended.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I use Flashband as a covering on the sloping roof. It's non-toxic (well, bitumen under aluminium foil) ehsures it doesn't leak and inhibits rot starting. We've had poor occupancy rates over the last few years though. Even more frustrating, the **** still visit the food, but won't use either of our two nestboxes.

E.

 

[hammer n nails]

have a look at my facebook page lots on there

 

[gardenshed]

We have 23 bird boxes, that's right 23, if swmbo had her way it would be 103 :roll: . Each one is different :shock:

They all get cleaned out every year at least once.

 

[jordec66]

We get blue **** nesting every year, it is important that the box is thoroughly cleaned out at the end of each nesting season. An access point for cleaning is essential.

 

[Andrewf]

I always place my boxes with the hole facing north. This year the tenants in different boxes been blue ****, great **** and bumble bees. With wrens using one over last winter for shelter over night.

 

[Webby]

i place a hinge at btm of box all the (crap) falls out easy to modify existing (bought) box have had **** for two years hope they return this year

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The flight path -access - matters more than the direction the box faces, apparently. There shouldn't be any obstructions within a few feet.

 

[disco_monkey79]

i place a hinge at btm of box

Good idea!

Thanks all, for the replies

 

[verney]

That's OK, treated timber is not recommended.

Also planed wood is not recommended. Baby birds might not be able to climb out of the box.