Ornamental Bird Box

[Jo Sara]

Hi all,

I have an ornamental bird box in my garden. I didn't for one minute think any birds would check it out because it's a tiny garden so it gets a lot of disturbance when we're outside, we've got two cats (neither have ever killed a thing in their lives, they prefer just laying in the sun watching the birds, but the birds aren't to know that), and the hole size is only suitable for bluetits and we've never had bluetits in the garden. Guess what? This year I've managed to attract one in, and it's been having a few looks into the ornamental box.

I can only describe it as a pentagon shaped, tongue and groove effect with wooden 'slate' roof, kind of swiss chalet style. The size of it as you look straight on is fine, the problem may be the depth. It's only 8cm deep. I read that bluetits like at least 12cm.

So, my dilemma is -

Should I just leave it as the bluetit is showing interest in it?

Or, should I change it for a 'proper' bird box and hope the bluetit isn't put off by the change?

Jo

[kathateria]

I would leave it,now they know its there.If you change it,they might be put off.

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by Jo Sara

Hi all,

The size of it as you look straight on is fine, the problem may be the depth. It's only 8cm deep. I read that bluetits like at least 12cm.

So, my dilemma is -

Should I just leave it as the bluetit is showing interest in it?

Or, should I change it for a 'proper' bird box and hope the bluetit isn't put off by the change?

Jo

A depth of 20cm would be much better. I think it's now rather late for a bluetit to start building a nest - the chicks in our three boxes fledged over a week ago - so you might as well leave the ornamental box there for now. If you're hoping to get birds nesting next year, you could replace this box later in the year, maybe in the autumn or winter.