Sparrow Bird Box Advice

[Kaz&Ste]

My Dad has made me a fantastic sparrow nesting box using a template that I gave him but he has added dowel perches to the outside of the box under each hole. It wasn't on the plans I gave him but he thought it was a good idea. Is it? Will it affect the birds using the box and will it attract predators to sit outside of each nesting area? He says he can easily remove the perches if I don't want them.

[nightshade]

That is a nice birdbox, it must be hard to be critical but as you say perches could enable predators to get at the babies. How about a compromise and cut them back to about half an inch (1/2") enough for a sparrow but not for
a bigger bird like the Magpie.
I make them the otherway up to fit under eaves and leave a 15mm slot in the (wall side) floor for Bats. Warwickshire Bat Group
That really is a nice birdbox

[shadowx]

Sounds like good advice to me! The perches should let the adults sit around chirping at each other so cutting them back rather than removing them seems to make sense. But im not an expert...

[Kaz&Ste]

Originally Posted by nightshade

That is a nice birdbox, it must be hard to be critical

Oh, I wasn't criticising at all, I think it's wonderful, I was just concerned as there were no perches on the plan that's all.

I will get them cut smaller.

Thanks all for the help.

[bigdave60dog]

I would not worry. I can`t think of one predator that could not hang onto the hole edge by it`s toes if it had mind to.
Dave

[Kaz&Ste]

Thanks for the replies.

I decided to cut the perches off just to be on the safe side. We have had two Sparrowhawk attacks in our garden this year and I don't want to be the cause of anymore unnesessary happenings.

The box is now painted and ready to be hung (hopefully this weekend if I nag the hubby enough).

[Tringa]

Hello K&S.

Great looking box. Usually sparrow bird boxes are horizontal, but I'd be interested to hear how the birds take to a vertical one.

I'm no expert on birds using boxes, but it could be next year, if even then, before you get occupation. Our single bird box was used for the first time this year - it had been on the wall for only 6 years.

It is always a bit sad when a sparrowhawk hurtles through a garden and takes a bird, but that is life and what a wonderful bird to have visiting your garden.

Dave

[Kaz&Ste]

Originally Posted by Tringa

Hello K&S.

Great looking box. Usually sparrow bird boxes are horizontal, but I'd be interested to hear how the birds take to a vertical one.

I'm no expert on birds using boxes, but it could be next year, if even then, before you get occupation. Our single bird box was used for the first time this year - it had been on the wall for only 6 years.

It is always a bit sad when a sparrowhawk hurtles through a garden and takes a bird, but that is life and what a wonderful bird to have visiting your garden.

Dave

It is unusual but I thought as it is going on the gable end of our house (which faces east) and we have an apex roof, we had no eaves that it could actually be placed under so I thought a vertical one would look better - whether the birds like it that way will be seen over time I guess. I am aware that it could take a long time!

I've not seen the Sparrowhawk in the garden - only ever been met with the aftermath.

This is the website where I got the bird box plans from:

Build a Sparrow Nest Box

Still waiting for it to be put up.

[doosh1000]

I found some great plans on Bird Box Plans | How to make a bird Box

I dont have any pictures of my project but there were about 20 different plans that seemed pretty same a predator proof.

I think the key is to keep the box away from low hanging branches and fences - the box looks particularly nice on a wall and the birds are safe too.

I will add pictures of my latest project soon