Where to locate wren nest box?

WildDave · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 04:32 PM

Hello. I've invested in one of those Schwegler 'woodcrete' spherical nest boxes designed for wrens and am trying to decide where to put it.

We often see wrens right by the house in shrubs below a north-facing window. One of the shrubs is a pyracantha - nice and prickly, should deter predators. Would that be a good place for the box? How far from the ground?

Might anything else use it, e.g the goldcrest often see in the same area?

Meta menardi · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 04:35 PM

I have never thought of nest boxes for wrens, they seem so self reliant and little toughs. They seem to nest anywhere that is well concealed, if you already have them in the garden they must have some sites already.

tameblackbirds · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 05:16 PM

I brought lots of those natural woven nesting boxes £1 each! and the wrens in my garden love them and nest regularly in them. They are all west facing and deep inside shrubs.

Stinky Bob · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 06:20 PM

We have a couple of wrens that build nests under ther eaves of our shed, they build it on the east side, sorry to confuse the issue a bit.

AshLee · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 08:24 PM

About 6 feet from the ground was a successful height for a nesting pouch used by wrens in our garden.

Sprout · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 08:29 AM

we put two wooden nest boxes up earlier this year, one is a half open fronted one for robins and the other has a small round hole for tits. they're both about 12ft up, on the apex at the back of the garage. we weren't really expecting anything to nest in either of them this year, but much to our surprise we've had a wren nest in the tit box and produce two broods!

WildDave · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 01:42 PM

Fascinating range of replies - thanks everybody! We have tit boxes all over the garden but have never had a wren nest in one.

I'll let you know how we get on with the wren box.

Stinky Bob · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 02:39 PM

The RSPB site has a few suggestions for siting: The RSPB: Advice: Siting a nestbox

tcvarlh · #9 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 03:10 PM

'My' Wren The Lord Of All He Can Give A Damned Good Telling Off To, The Garden Boss, He Who Owns The Place, His Imperial Highness lives in the Hedera so anywhere well hidden is good. I don't see him much but by the gods do I hear him, I often wonder who pays the rent!
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