bird boxes and magpies

[Littlesparrow]

Hi,we have lost some eggs out of birds nests to a couple of pesky magpies this year. Thinking about next year would it be a good idea to put up nest boxes? are they magpie proof? I was thinking about a box for the Robins and a few for the Blue tits and sparrows. The blackbirds lost their first batch of eggs, but I don't think they use boxes do they?

[rossy]

if you put up boxes ie for sparrows, blue tits , make sure they dont have a perch on as the crafty magpies will use them, and tap on the hole entrance to trick the chicks , and grab them when they come to the hole, and i have seen this more than once, if you put boxes for robins try and find them a place with a bit of cover like in ivy. also spread your boxes about depending on the size of your garden as they become terrortorial during breeding season, rossy.

[Littlesparrow]

Thanks Rossy for the advice about no perches on the bird box. A friend tonight said to keep the entrance hole small, do you or anyone else know the ideal sizes for the entrance hole?

Just had another thought,are there any plans on the web with sizes and how to make bird boxes? I think I could have a go at making some as I have a whole year to do it.

[rossy]

yes 25mm holes for blue tits, or some go up to 32 mm , if you go back onto earlier threads you will find elizabeths blue tit diaries, which will be of help to you, and making your own is very rewarding if , or when you get a pair nesting, good luck regards rossy.

[Littlesparrow]

O.K. i,ll look at the earlier thread tomorrow.

[rossbells]

Originally Posted by rossy

if you put up boxes ie for sparrows, blue tits , make sure they dont have a perch on as the crafty magpies will use them, and tap on the hole entrance to trick the chicks , and grab them when they come to the hole, and i have seen this more than once, if you put boxes for robins try and find them a place with a bit of cover like in ivy. also spread your boxes about depending on the size of your garden as they become terrortorial during breeding season, rossy.

I made a birdbox the other day at work when I was bored. I put a little perch on it. You reckon I should take it off. Magpies are very very smart birds.

[rossy]

it would be advisable to remove the perch , as you are well aware how clever the magpies are, they are great opportunists, rossy.