Swift box question

bee warrior · #1 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 04:42 PM

Can anyone advise please... I am wanting to advise someone to install a swift box but I have wondered about cleaning the box. Do others clean swift boxes and if so how often? Most importantly the person installing the box is not likley to want to clean it so is there such a thing as a box that doesnt require cleaning? Thank you

Ladywell · #2 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 05:59 PM

Hi there - we have three 'natural' swift nests in gaps under the eaves of our house. They have nested there usccessfully for 30 plus years - obviously these do not get cleaned out as they are inaccessible. My experience (having several times rescued 'grounded' babies - who can't getairborn again because of their incredibly short legs) is that they always have an abundance of bright green lice which are quite big for the size of the bird! I am sure someone with more knowledge of insects will be able to explain what these are. Obviously no natural nests ever get cleaned out but I am sure that it is wise to do this for a purpose built one which is accessible.

bee warrior · #3 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 06:38 PM

Ladywell thank you for your reply. I wasn't aware they repeat nested in the same nest for so long. I would imagine all sorts of parasites would build up. Hopefully someone can give you a clue on the green lice! Thanks again.

Ladywell · #4 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 06:59 PM

Typing error in my previous post - should have said 'sucessfully'!!

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 20-08-2010, 07:41 PM

With regard to the cleaning of a swift nest box, it would perhaps help to reduce the number of parasites the nestlings left with once they fledged, and may help to prevent transmission of diseases.
I would personally view the cleaning of all nest boxes as being far less important than providing suitable nest sites in the first place - if it can be cleaned out then it is probably a good thing, but birds have been managing without all their nest sites being cleaned each autumn.

If swifts didn't used the same nest sites year after year without them being cleaned out, then the parasites that they carry would have evolved lifecycles that allow them to survive despite this.

Even if you are outside London, I'm sure that this group would be willing to give you advice (nestbox page linked): Installing Swift Nest Places

As far as I know there are two main parasite species found on Common Swifts, and both of these are generally (only??) found on swifts. These are the Swift Louse Dennyus hirundinis, and the Swift Louse-fly Crataerina pallida (the latter being a fly that has become adapted as a parasite and has lost the ability to fly).
I'll wait to be corrected about these though...

skidia · #6 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 03:29 PM

As far as I am aware, swift boxes do not need to be cleaned out, or at least not regularly.

Swifts make their nests from saliva and aerial material which breaks down/blows away easily, especially seeing as the box is only used for 3 months a year.

The adults eat their babies droppings, so all in all they are pretty clean birds.

The bugs will one of their co-evolved parasites.

Crataerina pallida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ladywell · #7 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 04:26 PM

With respect, I don't think that adult swifts eat their young's dropping s - what they do is carry faecal sacs away from the nest.

ChrisJB · #8 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 07:44 PM

I believe take up of nestboxes by swifts is pretty poor. You can get cds of their screams that you play from a nearby open window to increase the likelihood.

Chris

Jim Ford · #9 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I believe take up of nestboxes by swifts is pretty poor. You can get cds of their screams that you play from a nearby open window to increase the likelihood.

I'm not sure I want people to hear screams coming out of our bedroom window!

;^)

Jim