Nesting Box Advise?

[WilliamF]

I've had a quick search of the old Google for a nesting box in readiness for my 'new' back yard and was overwhelemed by the amount of different ones on offer. Anything I should consider before making a purchase? i.e. perch/no perch; hole size; size etc and where's best to hang it?

[AndrewA123]

firstly, no perch, as this gives predators (cats) something to cling onto and the birds don't use it.

secondly hole size is dependant upon what you want to use it, most boxes (if you're buying) will asvise as to what birds will use a box of given hole size. I can't remember for certain but I think bluetits like something like 25mm hole and Great tits prefer 28mm hole etc.

Positioning: pretty much anywhere away from the reach of a cat. My main box is situated on the gable end of our Garage as this can be seen from the house, unfortunately I positioned it too close to the roofline and the local cat's managed to get onto the garage roof and hang down onto the box. (a selection of screws screwed through some thin board and glued to the top of the box has resolved this issue!)
I did fear that the wall may get a little hot during the summer, but 2 successful broods of chicks in 2 years seems to prove my concerns unfounded, although I'd avoid placing it on a south facing wall.

The main thing is to ensure that wherever you mount it that it is very secure.

the following link should give you all the information you could possibly need, and probably more besides

The RSPB: Advice

enjoy

[RaptorMan101]

Most points have already been covered but I would say try and position the nest box between north and east, the reason being so it is not in direct sunlight at the hottest times of the day! If they are in direct sunlight then on days where it is 20-25 degrees and over then the chicks will get to hot and die.

25mm hole will attract blue tit and coal tit
28mm hole will attract blue tit, coal tit, great tit. (great tit may out compete blue and coal tit even if they are already nesting.
32mm hole will attract all the above but also house sparrow, tree sparrow, nuthatch, pied flycatcher (depending on location and other things) and other species I can't remember

45mm is for starlings
Open fronted nest boxes will attract robins and wrens, and if your lucky spotted flycatcher.

And as already said no perch, and well out of the reach of cats! Remember they can climb most trees and fences.

That's all I can think of at the moment sorry!

Jim

[Elizabeth B]

The RSPB suggest a hole size of - "25 mm for blue, coal and marsh tits", but we've found this too small. We use 28mm, and 32mm for great tits.

[Elizabeth B]

We have read that boxes should face somewhere between north and southeast (though east) - but even a south facing box could be possible if it is shaded by trees or buildings.

[Billabong Karen]

I think that if you have a spot that faces south east, so it gets the morning sun but is in shade by midday, then the birds tend to like that. Also it is helpful to put yourself in the mindset of a small bird - is there cover nearby? Will fledgelings quickly find a bush or similar to fly to and hide in?

[WilliamF]

Brilliant advice everyone - thanks for that. Feel much happier now knowing all that. I had a feeling that there was a little more thought needed than just buying a pretty looking box and sticking it up any old how. I'll post some pics when I eventually get around to purchasing one!